SEATTLE — Is it really this simple? That the ongoing struggles for former All-Star closer Fernando Rodney can be traced to him tipping pitches?
The Seattle Mariners became convinced Saturday after watching Toronto pinch-hitter Ezequiel Carrera, who had one homer in 131 previous at-bats, tee off on a 95-mph Rodney fastball after spitting on a borderline changeup.
“I’d say (I’ve been tipping) the fastball,” Rodney said, “because that’s the only pitch they’ve hit. That’s the only pitch they’ve been jumping. Normally, that’s a good pitch for me.”
Carrera’s homer came less than a week after Rodney served up a game-winning homer to New York’s Mark Teixeira on a 98-mph fastball.
Rodney said he missed location on the pitch to Teixeira but, even so, Teixeira appeared fully geared for a fastball, on a 1-2 pitch, and crushed it.
“I really don’t think it’s fastball command,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “I think Fernando was tipping some pitches. We’ve got to get that straightened out.
Since Rodney is a primarily a fastball/changeup pitcher, McClendon said any movement by Rodney that tips his fastball effectively means he is also tipping off his changeup.
“We’ve got to get him to the point where he’s not tipping any more,” McClendon said. “Then I think you’ll see him getting back to being productive. When hitters know what’s coming, it’s a lot easier.”
McClendon said the tipping was “dramatic.”
Rodney, 38, led the majors last season with 48 saves (in 51 opportunities) while compiling a 2.85 ERA in 69 appearances. This season, he has a 5.90 ERA in 42 outings — and has lost his job as closer.
“I worked a little on that (Sunday) to make sure (I don’t do something different) when I throw the fastball,” Rodney said. “Just keep trying. Working. And we’ll see. We’re going to figure it out.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
