After allowing just one run over 6 2/3 innings in his brief stint with the Pirates last month, Wilber Dotel went back to Class AAA Indianapolis with his sights set on pitching multiple innings out of the bullpen and gaining comfortability in that role.
He did just that, pitching 5 1/3 innings in relief and allowing just one run while walking one and striking out six. Dotel also made one start and gave up three runs over four innings.
“It was a big opportunity and a big learning experience just to be here," Dotel said via interpreter and major-league coach StephenMorales. "Then you go back down and, it’s not like it wasn’t serious before, but you see how serious it is and the level of competition as well. It gives you a better idea of how this level is played.”
Don Kelly said they'll feel out where Dotel fits into the bullpen mix, but it certainly seems as if they like his ability to continue serving as a multi-inning reliever. Two big reasons why Kelly in particular is impressed by Dotel are the electricity he possesses with his fastball and the command he's able to navigate through lineups with.
"Sometimes you're not sure how that's going to translate," Kelly said. "He's always been a guy that has thrown strikes, and I think that the reports that — I didn't know him before spring training, but the rave reviews that he got from all of the development staff throughout his career is how hard he works and how committed he is to making adjustments and getting better."
THE ASYLUM
Another 'big opportunity' for Dotel
After allowing just one run over 6 2/3 innings in his brief stint with the Pirates last month, Wilber Dotel went back to Class AAA Indianapolis with his sights set on pitching multiple innings out of the bullpen and gaining comfortability in that role.
He did just that, pitching 5 1/3 innings in relief and allowing just one run while walking one and striking out six. Dotel also made one start and gave up three runs over four innings.
“It was a big opportunity and a big learning experience just to be here," Dotel said via interpreter and major-league coach Stephen Morales. "Then you go back down and, it’s not like it wasn’t serious before, but you see how serious it is and the level of competition as well. It gives you a better idea of how this level is played.”
Don Kelly said they'll feel out where Dotel fits into the bullpen mix, but it certainly seems as if they like his ability to continue serving as a multi-inning reliever. Two big reasons why Kelly in particular is impressed by Dotel are the electricity he possesses with his fastball and the command he's able to navigate through lineups with.
"Sometimes you're not sure how that's going to translate," Kelly said. "He's always been a guy that has thrown strikes, and I think that the reports that — I didn't know him before spring training, but the rave reviews that he got from all of the development staff throughout his career is how hard he works and how committed he is to making adjustments and getting better."
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