The day after Danys Baez was rocked in his spring debut, Charlie Manuel was asked if the reliever would make the team. Manuel noted that Baez, in the second year of a $5.25 million contract, has his support.
The 33-year-old responded by tossing three straight scoreless innings after his rough debut. He’s hoping to bounce back from a dismal 2010, when he went 3-4 with a 5.48 ERA. So far this spring, Baez is 2-0, with a save, and holds a 2.53 ERA in 10 2/3 innings.
“I know I have to do better,” Baez said. “Everybody has a lot of expectations for this team. That shouldn’t just be for the starting rotation. Yes, I know we have some incredible starters, but we have good pitching in our bullpen.”
Pitching coach Rich Dubee has no issues with Baez’s stuff, but he is concerned about his location.
“Danys has to keep the ball down,” Dubee said. “That’s what we want to see. He’s certainly capable of that.”
Baez agrees with Dubee.
“I can’t leave the ball up there,” Baez said. “I have to keep it down. Last year, I didn’t do that so much. I made adjustments. That’s what I can do. I’m confident that I’ll be fine this year. The big thing is that I’m healthy.”
Castillo come lately: Newest Phil a no-show
Luis Castillo is calling it a “miscommunication.”
The former Met, who was signed by the Phillies early Monday, was expected to take a physical yesterday at Bright House Field, but he never showed. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel seemed surprised when he talked to reporters, adding that he had Castillo penciled in his starting lineup.
“If it was me? I would have been here two days ago,” Manuel said.
Castillo finally arrived late yesterday afternoon. He’s expected to make his spring debut today against the Rays.
