Manager Walt Weiss’ message was as firm and as clear as a Bob Gibson fastball to the ribs.
Rookie right-hander Carlos Estevez will remain the Rockies’ closer going forward, despite a four-run meltdown in the ninth inning Friday night in a 5-3 loss to Miami. Weiss also said he did not consider giving Estevez the hook after the rookie walked J.T. Realmuto on four pitches to open the ninth.
“(Estevez) has been absolutely dominant, so just because a guy walks the leadoff hitter you don’t go take him out,” Weiss said Saturday afternoon before Game 2 of the series vs. the Marlins. “He’s our closer, and I’ve already used all of my back-end guys at that point. He’s going to be in there until he loses the lead.”
In his first 12 appearances with save situations since being named closer, Estevez had only allowed two runs. In July, he had a 1.80 ERA and compiled seven saves in 11 appearances. Friday night, however, Estevez struggled mightily with his fastball command. He was charged with protecting a two-run lead, but he put the first three batters on base and allowed a career-high four runs in one-third of an inning.
Estevez said he did not lose his nerve with the game on the line. Though Estevez likely was unavailable Saturday night, he made it clear he wants to pitch in a save situation again as soon as possible.
“Things like (Friday night) can happen, but you just have to turn the page and move on,” Estevez said. “I want to be the closer, and that hasn’t changed, not even a little bit. I am going to have bad days, but it’s not going to always be like that. You have to move ahead.”
Estevez throws a 98 mph fastball, 93 mph changeup and an 85 mph slider. Weiss is confident the rookie has the right mentality, to become a big-time closer.
“Carlos is made of the right stuff, believe me,” Weiss said. “He’s got plenty of stuff to get the last three outs of the game. He’s going to be a really good closer. He already is. But it’s like being a field-goal kicker. The one time you miss, everybody wants you to get fired. But he’s been absolutely dominant. He’s going to be very good.”
DJ’s way. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu tied a career high with four hits Friday night and entered Saturday’s game with a .328 average, third in the National League. Weiss credits LeMahieu’s ever-steady approach.
“His approach is so consistent,” Weiss said. “He doesn’t stray from it. And it’s a rock-solid approach and he can hit the ball from line to line. Plus, his bat is in the zone for a long time. As he’s matured as a hitter, he’s gotten a better understanding of the strike zone. He doesn’t expand for the pitcher much anymore. He’s just a tough out.”
Looking Ahead…
Marlins LHP Adam Conley (7-6, 3.41 ERA) at Rockies RHP Jon Gray (8-4, 3.77), 2:10 p.m. Sunday, ROOT, 850 AM
Gray is quickly learning how to tame Coors Field, where he’s 5-0 with a 3.83 ERA this season. He’s also clearly become the Rockies’ ace, going 3-0 with a 0.69 ERA in four starts since the all-star break. Conley has struggled with his control most of the season, and it hurt him in a loss to the Cubs last Monday. He allowed two runs on five hits while walking six and striking out four over four innings. He needed 97 pitches to get through his short start. Conley beat the Rockies on June 17 in Miami, being charged with one run on one hit over 5⅔ innings in Miami’s 5-1 victory.– Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
Monday: Rangers LHP Cole Hamels (12-3, 2.89 ERA) at Rockies LHP Tyler Anderson (4-3, 3.25), 6:40 p.m., ROOT
Tuesday: Rangers RHP A.J. Griffin (5-1, 4.05) at Rockies RHP Tyler Chatwood (10-7, 3.63), 1:10 p.m., No TV
Wednesday: Rockies LHP Jorge De La Rosa (7-7, 5,24) at Rangers LHP Martin Perez (7-8, 4.33), 6:05 p.m., ROOT
