PHOENIX — Huascar Brazovan didn't get the “reset” he thought he deserved recently, but before the Mets' 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, he said he's in a better place mentally than he's been in a while.
The relief pitcher was dealt to Triple-A Syracuse over the weekend, but returned to the roster without actually leaving the team due to Paul Blackburn being placed on the disabled list.
Brazovan's body language has been an issue, especially in Thursday's game against the Padres, where he struggled through the ninth inning.
Manager Carlos Mendoza suggested a minor league reset could benefit Brazovan.
“What happened has happened and this is a new beginning,” Brazovan said through a translator before Tuesday's game at Chase Field.
Brazovan said he's had multiple conversations with bullpen coach Jose Rosado about improving his body language and controlling his emotions.
The right-hander allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning of the Mets' 8-3 win on Thursday.
“I was disappointed with my performance after the match. [Thursday’s] “The team played great, but when I was put in … I was frustrated with my result,” Brazovan said.
Brazovan, who did not pitch in the Mets' victory, has a 6.30 ERA in nine appearances since being acquired from the Marlins at the trade deadline.
“We're going to need him now,” Mendoza said. “He's going to get some big outs for us.”
The fact that Brazovan was told he was headed to Syracuse may have been enough to convince him a change was needed.
“Sometimes the threat of getting an at-bat is the motivation to say, 'OK, we need to finish this game,'” pitching coach Jeremy Heffner said.
JD Martinez is scheduled to leave the team for the birth of his first child, a daughter.
The due date is September 5th (outside the due date).
The Mets' next home games are against the Red Sox and Reds.
David Peterson will start Thursday against the Diamondbacks on standard rest, and the starting pitcher (still unofficially Tyler Megill) is scheduled to pitch the next day against the White Sox.
With Blackburn placed on the disabled list last weekend with a right hand contusion, Mendoza had the option to move Peterson up in the starting rotation to face a stronger opponent, the Diamondbacks.
The White Sox have been a disaster of epic proportions this season.
Mendoza also indicated he would like to use a left-handed pitcher against the Diamondbacks.
“It's a combination of all the factors,” Mendoza said.
