Detroit Tigers’ closer Jose Valverde eyeing strong comeback – MLB Update
Detroit Tigers’ closer Jose Valverde is working hard to get back to into the closer role for the Tigers in the World Series. Valverde had a forgettable time in the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.
Tigers’ relief pitcher gave up back-to-back home-runs in the ninth inning to help the Yankees force the match into the extra inning. He was replaced by Phil Coke in the last two games of the series. However, Manager Jim Leyland has shown a lot of faith in
him. The skipper wants Valverde to learn from his mistakes to improve his pitching skills.
''It's my legs. My legs were a little slow,'' he said Tuesday after taking part in Tigers’ routine training session on Monday. ''Now I have the same rhythm I had before.''
According to sources, Valverde has watched the footage of his meltdown against the Yankees to conclude that his lower body mechanics were off.
Valverde posted one of the finest seasons of his career last year. With 49 saves in 49 chances and an excellent 2.24 ERA, he played a big part in Tigers’ American League Central Division winning campaign.
However, things haven’t worked out the same way for him this year. He has blown five saves this year with a poor 3.78 ERA. Valverde had allowed a two run double in Game 4 of American League Division Series against the Oakland Athletics, who came back from
behind to clinch a narrow 4-3 win.
''Just going to play it by ear, see what happens,'' Leyland said in an interview with a well reputed website. ''I don't really have any definite information on that yet. We'll just see how the game plays out, who's coming up. Like I always say, I hope we
have that to worry about. If we do, we'll come up with somebody.''
Surely, Valverde will be under immense pressure if he gets the chance to perform the closing duties against the San Francisco Giants. It will be interesting to see if he can handle his nerves to win back his fans’ hearts.
The Tigers will be hoping for an improved performance by Valverde as they enter the World Series.
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