Belisle gets breather, ready to resume duties

WASHINGTON -- Rockies manager Walt Weiss didn't go to veteran right-handed reliever Matt Belisle with Friday night's game -- an eventual 2-1 loss to the Nationals -- tied in the seventh inning, but it was more a show of confidence than a lack thereof.

Three of Belisle's last four games have resulted in his giving up two runs. But Weiss hoped Manuel Corpas would hold the Nationals, the Rockies would gain the lead and he could go to Belisle to protect it in the eighth.

Belisle (4-4, 3.86 ERA in 34 games) has been working on his consistency since his last outing, a 2-0 loss to the Jays on Monday. Belisle's 264 appearances since 2010 are the most of any pitcher, and any time he goes through a period of struggle, questions about wear arise.

"Matty's ready to go," Weiss said. "We've been able to get him a little rest here and that's going to help. But I always like Matt in the game, because of the way he competes. He wants the ball. He wants to be in the game in those tough situations. If we face that situation today, he'll be out there with the ball trying to preserve the lead and get the ball to Rex [Brothers, the closer]."