MILWAUKEE — Eyebrows were raised Monday when, up 2-0 in the ninth inning, right-hander Francisco Rodriguez ran in from the Milwaukee bullpen instead of right-hander Jim Henderson, the Brewers’ regular closer.
After the game, Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said that he planned to ease Henderson into the role after a less-than-impressive spring that left Henderson with a 6.00 ERA in nine appearances.
“I’m not throwing the ball as good as I can,” Henderson said. “It’s about getting out there and being at your best. You always want your best reliever out there (in the ninth inning) and right now … that’s not me.”
The move is somewhat surprising, as Roenicke said throughout spring training that numbers aren’t a primary concern and that his coaching staff would take other factors into account. But Henderson has also struggled with velocity and command.
“Ideally, I would like to get him a couple outings where the game isn’t on the line,” said Roenicke, whose Brewers fell to Atlanta 5-2 Tuesday.
“I’m not saying we can do that because if he has to pitch where it’s an inning I need him to pitch, he’ll pitch. We want him as a closer.
“That’s what we want. We want him to be the guy he was last year.”
Henderson moved into the role when right-hander John Axford faltered out of the gate last season and went on to convert 28 of 32 save opportunities while posting a 2.70 ERA in 61 relief appearances.
Rodriguez, back again with Milwaukee, will close games until Henderson is ready to go, Roenicke says.
Fantasy Update: Pick up Rodriguez now! The Brewers have a quality team and he will help in the saves department.