Jose Valverde coughed up four runs in less than inning of work in Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday night at Yankee Stadium and now has a brutal 8.79 career postseason ERA. But the Detroit coaching staff is apparently not ready to make a change.
According to beat writer Chris Iott of MLive.com, manager Jim Leyland said Sunday morning that Valverde won’t be used in Game 2 of the ALCS but is not done getting save opportunities this October.
“He doesn’t deserve to become a dart board,” said the veteran Tigers skipper. “Jose Valverde is still a huge part of this team.”
Valverde registered a 3.78 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 69 innings during the regular season, converting 35-of-40 save chances. The 34-year-old right-hander is scheduled to hit the free agent market next month.
