Struggling Davis finds 'easy fixes' on video

Rockies closer identifies flaw in delivery during Thursday's loss

August 11th, 2018

DENVER -- Rockies closer believes the issues that led to his giving up two ninth-inning home runs in Thursday's night's 8-5 loss to the Dodgers are "pretty easy fixes" that take hard work.
"I just got done looking at some video, comparing some things in the past," Davis said on Friday, before going to the field to work on the changes. "There are definitely some things -- my body hasn't been in the position it needs to be in to execute pitches consistently. I'm going to work on them. They're pretty easy fixes.
"I just have to keep mentally strong and keep fighting. I'm going to be all right."
The Rockies need Davis to get right. The closer's last four appearances have included two blown saves, a converted save and Thursday's setback, when he entered with the score tied at 5. Davis saw Chris Taylor swat a curveball for a solo shot on his first pitch of the ninth, swat a cutter for a single, his own wild pitch to bounce over the backstop and knock a 2-2 cutter to left field for two runs.

The first year of Davis' three-year, $52 million contract has seen him struggle with his delivery. At times, he is fine. In his 42 appearances that the Rockies won, Davis has 33 saves in 34 chances, a 1.34 ERA, a .128 batting average against and 45 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings.
In the nine losses, his ERA is 29.57 with a .475 batting average against and eight strikeouts against eight walks in seven innings.
As topsy-turvy as his season has been, Davis was working Friday on avoiding the waves.
"They can be easy fixes -- as long as I don't stress about it," he said.
Ottavino explanation
It turns out the reason righty was not available late in Thursday's loss was he was ill, and not at the park. Ottavino was to be re-evaluated before Friday's game.
Senzatela nearing return
Right-handed pitcher , out since Sunday with right shoulder soreness, received positive reviews after throwing a bullpen session on Friday.
"He feels good," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "We're going to figure out in the next day or two where he can fit back in."
Righty took Senzatela's place in the rotation. Black said he felt confident Senzatela and Bettis could function both in relief or as a starter.