Holland shaves after blown saves
CLEVELAND» Greg Holland arrived in the Rockies’ visiting clubhouse Wednesday with his eyebrows in place — but other hair missing. Colorado’s closer shaved his head and beard after a stinging loss the night before.
“I usually shave it once a year or so,” Holland said during turns on a Golden Tee video game machine. “The first couple days, it’s kind of different.”
Holland on Tuesday night blew a second consecutive save for the first time in his seven seasons when Yan Gomes hit a game-winning three-run homer in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a 4-1 victory. On Sunday, Holland gave up two runs to the Philadelphia Phillies in their comeback 3-2 victory at Coors Field.
Holland’s shorn new look, though, was not an extension of frustration, he said. And he was not upset with his former haircut. Holland was upset with a walk, the free pass he gave Bradley Zimmer that set up the big inning. The Rockies were poised, it seemed, for a 1-0 win against ace Corey Kluber.
“They all stink when you lose, especially when it’s your fault,” Holland said. “I don’t think he ever swung. I’ve got to get ahead there and make him beat me.”
Colorado manager Bud Black recalled shaving his mustache after a long day game in Minnesota in 1988, never to see it again. But he would not offer Holland advice about focus.
“He’s the guy who needs that the least. He’s as mentally tough as they come,” Black said. “We talked about some of his throwing mechanics. We saw something on video. But on the mental side? No way.”
Both the manager and closer dismissed a recent cut to the knuckle of Holland’s forefinger as an issue. And his endurance in a comeback season after Tommy John surgery remains intact, they both said. Black rested Holland on Wednesday after three appearances in four days, but only out of routine.
Tyler Chatwood, in a rare relief appearance, got the save for the Rockies. It was Chatwood’s second career save.
“I was throwing the ball how I know I can,” said Chatwood, who has struggled in the rotation and was sent to the bullpen. “At that point, you just try to get three outs and not worry about being out there for however many innings.”
First-base issue.
Gerardo Parra, Colorado’s backup first baseman, took over the spot from Mark Reynolds in a pinch. Reynolds injured his left (glove) hand Tuesday night when he dived back to the bag to tag out a sliding Jose Ramirez.
“He sort of smashed his hand into the ground,” Black said. “I think he’s day to day. The grip strength wasn’t there.”
Reynolds said he can field fine, but clutching a bat became difficult when Black subbed him into the seventh inning. His hand was wrapped tight before the team boarded a flight to Miami on Wednesday evening.
Bettis’ grades are high.
The Rockies received a glowing report on veteran starter Chad Bettis after his rehab start Tuesday night in New Orleans with Triple-A Albuquerque. “The pitching staff thought it was his best outing as far as him making pitches,” Black said. “He looked really good.”
Bettis has thrown 23 innings in a minor-league rehab coming back from cancer. And his next outing probably will be with the Rockies on Monday at Coors Field against the Atlanta Braves, although Black said his staff is still discussing that idea.