Brazelton keeps spot in starting rotation

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published May 8, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella slept on it, talked to pitching coach Chuck Hernandez and decided to leave Dewon Brazelton in the starting rotation.

Brazelton's spot was in jeopardy after Friday's loss to the Twins in which the 24-year-old right-hander went 32/3 innings and lost his third consecutive decision to fall to 1-6.

But instead of demoting Brazelton to the bullpen, Piniella said he wants him to fix his problems. Not that his position is indefinitely safe.

"We're going to give him a chance to work out of it," Piniella said Saturday. "We want to see improved performances. We'll see if he responds and if he starts pitching the way he's capable."

Brazelton will take his regular turn Wednesday against the White Sox.

"I have to go out there and do better, simple as that," he said.

The opening-day starter has a 6.03 ERA in seven games in which he has pitched 371/3 innings, allowed 25 earned runs and 42 hits with 23 strikeouts and 23 walks. He has allowed a team-high nine homers.

Piniella said Brazelton lacks command of his fastball. He also said he believes Brazelton overthinks on the mound. Brazelton said he is pitching not to lose instead of to win.

"I want to do so well that I go out there and try not to pitch bad instead of just pitching," he said. "It's not like I don't have the stuff. My stuff's not gone."

"You can't have your mind cluttered when you go out there," Piniella said. "Work on the things you want on your throw day. But on game day, you compete. You have confidence and trust your stuff and go out there and do battle."

Brazelton's battle starts before he reaches the mound.

"Sometimes you carry your work home with you," he said. "Sometimes I carry my work from the mound with me. I'm supposed to do this and that. Sometimes you think too much, and that's what's going on with me."

GOPHER BALLS: Entering Saturday, Rays starters had allowed a league-high 29 homers in 162 innings. The Twins were next with 27 in 1811/3 innings.

"We get behind in the count too much," Piniella said.

"Location and behind in the count."

COLOME ALMOST READY: Reliever Jesus Colome threw about 30 pitches during two innings at extended spring training. The right-hander will be evaluated today and could be activated off the 15-day disabled list by Tuesday if his shoulder remains pain-free.

BALDELLI UPDATE: Rocco Baldelli , out because of left knee surgery, has run the bases the past few days, and Piniella said the centerfielder is about six weeks away from a minor-league rehab assignment.

CANTU AT THIRD: Jorge Cantu made his first start this season at third base and had two assists and an error.

Piniella indicated Cantu will get more chances at the position because, " Nick Green's doing a nice job at second base."

Of Cantu, who last season played 11 games at third, Piniella said, "The speed of the ball was a little difficult (Saturday). It will get better for him as he gets more work over there."

MAYS' DAY: Joe Mays, who starts today for the Twins, is 0-2 with a 7.85 ERA against the Rays and 0-2 with an 11.50 ERA at Tropicana Field.

Asked to explain the problem, the Bradenton resident and graduate of Southeast High said, "No idea."

MISCELLANY: Rays outfielder Alex Sanchez's 10-game hitting streak and club-record 10-game scoring streak ended. ... Reliever Travis Harper made his 171st appearance, third most in club history. ... The Rays activated catcher Kevin Cash (shoulder) and pitcher Franklin Nunez (shoulder) off the 15-day disabled list and optioned both to Triple-A Durham. ... Minnesota's Torii Hunter made a diving catch in the fifth to rob Sanchez. ... Minnesota has won eight straight against left-handers.

[Last modified May 8, 2005, 00:46:16]