PHOENIX — Rex Brothers made his major-league debut June 6. But his “welcome to the big leagues” moment came Aug. 3. Ryan Howard swatted a home run to the opposite field in the Phillies’ 8-6 win at Coors Field.
Until August, Brothers had not allowed a homer. Howard’s shot marked the second consecutive outing the left-hander had been taken deep. Brothers learned a valuable lesson: Relievers need to be reliable but not predictable.
“I was pretty fastball-happy on one side of the plate, and guys were obviously talking to each other and figuring that out,” Brothers said. “This is a league of adjustments, and I had to fix some things.”
Brothers’ stuff — a 97-mph fastball and 83-mph slider — allowed him to get away with mistakes in the minors. After his first slump — seven hits and four runs in his first four outings this month — the 23-year-old regrouped. He has strung together eight consecutive scoreless appearances, including his first major-league save. It’s not out of the question that Brothers could become a closer someday.
“It was cool being out there in that situation,” Brothers said. “I realize you can’t come off any pitch up here. You have to focus and continue to find ways to get better.”
Sixth sense.
Of all the things that have gone wrong this season, manager Jim Tracy suggested Monday that none was as crippling as the lack of production from third base.
“If we had 50 more RBIs from that spot, who knows where we might be?” Tracy said.
Ian Stewart was supposed to occupy that spot and hit sixth. There has been no consistent protection behind Todd Helton. Seth Smith profiles for the role, but doesn’t start against left-handers. Tracy admitted a platoon player doesn’t work well in that spot, unless the right-handed option has power as well. As it stands, Smith is sharing at-bats with Eric Young Jr. Tracy also admitted Smith’s defensive regression played a role in his lost playing time.
“He’s doing better in left field now,” Tracy said of Smith, who began the season as the right fielder.
Schedule chatter.
Major League Baseball is finalizing next season’s schedule. The Rockies are expected to travel to Texas for interleague play and host Seattle, among other American League opponents. The Rockies have requested some changes, so the schedule remains fluid.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
