Shortly after an inning of work in a minor league rehab outing for Trenton yesterday, Brian Bruney ripped into Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, who was on the mound Friday night when second baseman Luis Castillo dropped what should have been a game-ending pop up in short right field but turned into a Yankees victory.
“Unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like that. I have, but in high school,” Bruney told reporters in Trenton. “It couldn’t happen to a better guy on the mound, either. He’s got a tired act.”
Why?
“That [Friday] was bad, but two years ago when he lost a game– I don’t know if anyone saw it, I did– he was in Oakland pitching for Anaheim and didn’t get a [strike] call,” Bruney said. “So, he was complaining, the catcher threw the ball back and he kind of did one of these (nonchalant attempt to catch the ball at his side), it hit off his glove and bounced behind. The guy from third scored to win the game so, he gets what he deserves.”
Bruney said there isn’t anything personal between himself and Rodriguez, who set the all-time season save record last year with 62 but has rubbed hitters the wrong way with his post-save celebration.
“I just don’t like watching the guy pitch. I think it’s embarrassing,” Bruney said.
As for the reason he was sent to Trenton, Bruney started the first game of a doubleheader, worked one inning and threw a dozen pitches against the Binghamton Mets at Waterfront Park.
Bruney said he doesn’t expect to be activated until Tuesday. He has worked one big league inning since April 21 due to a flexor muscle problem in the right elbow.
Joe Girardi said the team discussed bringing Bruney off the disabled list yesterday and putting him in the bullpen, but opted for the trip to Trenton.
“We talked about the bullpen but we thought it was in his best interest to throw one inning in the minor leagues and increase the intensity,” Girardi said before Bruney threw for the Thunder.
Asked if Bruney would require a second minor league game, Girardi said, “If everything goes OK, it could be just one.” i½