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MIAMI -- As Minor Leaguers, they had success, so manager Edwin Rodriguez figured it was only a matter of time before they saw results at the big league level.
A number of Florida relievers previously pitched for Rodriguez in the Minor Leagues. In fact, five of the seven in the bullpen, either this year or last, had Rodriguez as their manager. The only two who didn't are Jhan Marinez and Leo Nunez.
"When I got here, a lot of the guys I knew," Rodriguez said. "I know how much talent they have."
To bring out the best in the 'pen, Rodriguez is placing his relievers in positions to succeed. If that means going batter to batter, he does it. He's shown that with how he's used lefty Taylor Tankersley, who has allowed one hit in 21 at-bats against left-handed batters this year.
Thus far the bullpen is seeing positive results. In fact, since Rodriguez replaced Fredi Gonzalez on June 23, the relievers have a combined 3.10 ERA, having allowed 21 earned runs in 61 innings. They have struck out 53 and walked 19 over that span.
In Saturday's 2-0 win over the Nationals, the bullpen picked up three scoreless innings to help Josh Johnson improve to 10-3.
For much of the first half, the bullpen was a trouble spot, and the overall numbers are still reflecting those early difficulties. The relief corps has a 4.30 ERA, 11th in the National League.
Before Saturday's game, Rodriguez had a team meeting in which he and pitching coach Randy St. Claire praised the relievers for their improvement.
"We had a meeting before batting practice, and I pointed out that I was very pleased with the way the bullpen has responded lately," Rodriguez said. "We've been more consistent with guys throwing strikes coming out of the bullpen."
A number of Florida relievers previously pitched for Rodriguez in the Minor Leagues. In fact, five of the seven in the bullpen, either this year or last, had Rodriguez as their manager. The only two who didn't are Jhan Marinez and Leo Nunez.
"When I got here, a lot of the guys I knew," Rodriguez said. "I know how much talent they have."
To bring out the best in the 'pen, Rodriguez is placing his relievers in positions to succeed. If that means going batter to batter, he does it. He's shown that with how he's used lefty Taylor Tankersley, who has allowed one hit in 21 at-bats against left-handed batters this year.
Thus far the bullpen is seeing positive results. In fact, since Rodriguez replaced Fredi Gonzalez on June 23, the relievers have a combined 3.10 ERA, having allowed 21 earned runs in 61 innings. They have struck out 53 and walked 19 over that span.
In Saturday's 2-0 win over the Nationals, the bullpen picked up three scoreless innings to help Josh Johnson improve to 10-3.
For much of the first half, the bullpen was a trouble spot, and the overall numbers are still reflecting those early difficulties. The relief corps has a 4.30 ERA, 11th in the National League.
Before Saturday's game, Rodriguez had a team meeting in which he and pitching coach Randy St. Claire praised the relievers for their improvement.
"We had a meeting before batting practice, and I pointed out that I was very pleased with the way the bullpen has responded lately," Rodriguez said. "We've been more consistent with guys throwing strikes coming out of the bullpen."
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