Detroit Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland wants Jose Valverde ready in near future – MLB Update
Phil Coke displayed some top quality throwing skills as he pitched two shut-out innings at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night to finish off the Yankees in Game 2 of American League Championship Series.
However, this does not mean he will be Tigers’ new closer. Manager Jim Leyland is an experienced and a wise manager. He has the ability to get the best of the players in pressure situations.
Jose Valverde, who had a forgettable outing against the Yankees in Game 1, is still considered the Tigers’ closer by Leland. The skipper had a discussion with reporters for 20 minutes during a teleconference.
"Other than Valverde," Leyland said, "I don't really have a set closer."
"The job our guys have done to this point has been amazing," catcher Alex Avila said in another teleconference.
During his interview, he discussed the current state of his team, the atmosphere inside Tigers’ dugout and the problems Detroit face in the back end of their bullpen.
He told the reporters that his team is tired and they want to finish the season on a high note. Leyland further talked about Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander, who awaits the New York Yankees for Game 3 of ALCS.
"I still consider (Jose) Valverde the closer," Jim Leyland said Monday afternoon as his team used the day off to rest for Game 3 in Detroit tonight.
"You know the Yankees are going to break out at some point," Leyland said. "It's not so much who you are playing as when you are playing them."
Valverde was hit for back-to-back home-runs in Yankees’ ninth inning during Game 1 and he has looked short of confidence since then. Leyland will have a word with Valverde to see how he is feeling.
According to a source, Tigers’ relief pitcher is working on a mechanical issue during the training sessions and it will be interesting to see if he is prepared to close the game for Tigers on Tuesday evening.
Tigers announced last week the Valverde had been temporarily freed from his duties as closer but Leyland is expecting him to regroup and fight back to be ready in the near future.
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