OAKLAND, Calif. — Sean Doolittle said he tries to focus on his pregame work and mental approach while letting others worry about the dazzling numbers he is producing this season.
“I try to ignore it, but it’s getting harder and harder,” the Oakland A’s closer said, laughing.
No doubt. After striking out two batters and notching his ninth save Wednesday in a 4-2 victory over the Texas Rangers, Doolittle has 48 strikeouts and just one walk for the season. He extended his career-high streak of scoreless innings to 22 1/3 innings. He has gone 20 consecutive games without allowing a run.
“It’s pretty incredible, especially since early in the season he went through one little tough period, and then once he was put in the closer’s role and we kind of solidified the roles down there, he’s been up and running,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.
Doolittle wasn’t available Thursday night, but right-hander Dan Otero survived a rocky ninth to get his first career save and preserve Oakland’s 4-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
Right-hander Jim Johnson opened the season as Oakland’s closer but quickly pitched his way out of that role.
Doolittle, who signed a five-year contract extension in late April worth between $10.5 million and $13.75 million, seemed like the most obvious candidate to replace Johnson. However, during a stretch from April 15-26, he blew a save and took two losses.
Doolittle got back on track, converting eight straight save opportunities, a streak that began May 12 against the White Sox. He secured his job as Oakland’s closer.
“There is a little bit more adrenaline and energy when you’re coming into the game trying to get those last three outs, and I feel like the more opportunities that I’ve had to get saves, the more I’ve been able to kind of harness that energy and use it as a positive rather than a distraction or putting too much pressure on myself,” Doolittle said. “And then from there, once the inning starts, it’s business as usual, trusting the catchers, trying to go 0-1, keep it as simple as I can because there’s plenty of pressure in that scenario already.
“I feel like if I can get ahead and stay ahead in counts, I give myself a better chance to have success.”
Fantasy Update: Doolittle should be added in all leagues. He’s got great stuff and he’s the ninth-inning stopper on one of the best team’s in baseball.