Yhency

Brazoban

Well, it’s not Guillermo Mota... or is it? This trio has combined for a 2.60 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 61/26 K/BB rate. Mota has a 2.04 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 60/28 K/BB rate. With Edwin Jackson and Hideo Nomo on the way back, the Dodgers should be able to cover for the loss of Dreifort just fine.

The 23-year-old with the 97 mph fastball has impressed manager Jim Tracy with his poise. Tracy called Dreifort’s hold on the eighth-inning setup job “a day-to-day thing.” Expect to see Brazoban more often as the link between the starters and Eric Gagne.

Steve Schmoll replaced him and got the save after the Pirates cut a five-run lead down to two. Brazoban had allowed just one run over eight innings in his previous seven appearances, so his job remains safe for now. The Dodgers can’t be especially pleased with him, though.

Brazoban entered a tie game, so it was another ugly performance in a non-save situation. The second-year pitcher has been at his best this season when he’s received a lot of work. That hasn’t happened lately, as he’s made two appearances in eight days. If the Dodgers decide to move him out of the closer’s role, they’ll probably go to a committee featuring Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll.

Both replacements are weak against lefties, making them less-the-ideal closer candidates. Brazoban will likely get a chance to win his job back if he pitches well, but he should be benched for now. We see Sanchez as a better pickup than Schmoll in fantasy leagues.

There’s some chance that Brazoban will win back his job next month. Right now, he’s just trying to prove that he can still help in close games.

In non-save situations, Brazoban has an earned-run average of 10.98, compared to a 3.08 ERA in save situations. Manager Jim Tracy said that he would like to use him on their upcoming road trip in the sixth or seventh inning, meaning he should remain on your bench until further notice.

Brazoban had struck out eight while allowing an unearned run over eight innings.

Brazoban has allowed only an unearned run in six innings for Licey. He’s struck out seven and walked three.

Brazoban could have at least escaped with the tie intact, but A.J. Pierzynski’s foul pop fell just out of Hee Seop Choi’s reach. Given another chance, Pierzynski hit a game-winning two-run homer. Brazoban hasn’t been very impressive since Eric Gagne first returned from the DL last month. If it turns out that Gagne needs surgery, there’s a real chance the Dodgers will end up trading for a closer.