Yankees' Robertson gets back on track
New York Yankees right-hander David Robertson insists his confidence has never wavered despite blowing two leads in a pair of losses in the past week, but the reliever had to feel good after pitching effectively in Wednesday's win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
"I needed a nice, quick inning," Robertson said. "I felt OK out there today. I didn't feel like I had my best stuff; I threw some good pitches and was able to get a nice, quick out to start the inning. That made all the difference."
Robertson gave up a game-winning home run against Dayan Viciedo of the Chicago White Sox on June 28, then allowed a game-tying RBI double by Brooks Conrad of the Rays on Monday before a Mark Teixeira error brought home the winning run for Tampa Bay.
On Wednesday, Robertson was able to hand a one-run lead over to closer Rafael Soriano, giving the Yankees the 1-2 punch they're expecting to use in the final two innings for the remainder of the season.
Robertson has pitched in nine games since returning from the disabled list on June 15, posting a 2.25 ERA while striking out 13 and walking three in eight innings. Although manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Larry Rothschild have discussed the inconsistency of Robertson's velocity since he got past his oblique injury, the pitcher himself isn't concerned about the speed of his fastball.
"I feel like I'm throwing the ball the same as I was," Robertson said. "I feel like I have really good life on it. I don't really think there's much I'm going to try to change. I'm going to stick with what works. If I'm throwing 92-93, I'm going to throw 92-93."
