WPXI.comMLB

Local Teams

Pittsburgh
Penn State
West Virginia
Duquesne
Robert Morris

MLB


Gagne Makes Decision Easy For Yost

(Sports Network) - From the "what took you so long department", comes the news that Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost has removed Eric Gagne from his closer's duties and will go by a closer-by-committee for now.

"It's not ideal," Yost said. "I don't want to do this for a whole long time. I believe in set roles in a bullpen, but sometimes to get some guys over the hump, to get guys to where they need to be, you need to do this."

Gagne, who signed a one-year contract in the offseason, has recorded nine saves this season, but also has blown five while sporting a 6.62 earned run average in 18 games for Milwaukee.

The final straw for Yost apparently came on Saturday when the 32-year-old lefty absorbed the loss in a 5-3 setback to the St. Louis Cardinals. Gagne allowed two runs and three hits in that one.

After the game Gagne, himself, thought it was time to make a change. But now, after a few days, he seems to have changed his tune.

"I know I belong in the ninth inning," Gagne said on Monday. "I had my mental break (Sunday). I'm good to go now. I know I'm a great closer. I know I'm going to do all right. I've just got to work out of it. It's just a confidence thing. The only way you'll be all right is keep going out there in a closing situation."

Of course, though, Yost, and fans in Milwaukee may feel a bit differently.

Gagne didn't exactly instill a lot of confidence with a two-inning stint on Monday against St. Louis, as he gave up a run and two hits, while walking a pair of batters.

WHO'S HOT

Ryan Braun is finally starting to show signs of the player that was the NL's Rookie of the Year last season. Since his average dipped to .257 on May 8 with an 0-for-5 performance against the Florida Marlins, the 24-year-old slugger has turned it on. He is 9-for-16 since with four home runs - two each in his last two contests - and has seen his average soar to .288.

WHO'S NOT

In Gagne's last three appearances, he has given up five runs and seven hits with six walks in four innings.

Gagne isn't the only problem with the Brewers. How about their starting staff?.

Other than Ben Sheets, no Milwaukee starter had recorded a win until Jeff Suppan shut down the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Dave Bush added another win for the starting corps on Monday.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Brewers cap their seven-game homestand this week with a three-game set with the Los Angeles Dodgers. From there, Yost's crew will start the interleague portion of their schedule with a three-game stop in Boston. Milwaukee will then visit Pittsburgh and Washington before returning home to close the month.

MLB Headlines

MLB
David Murphy went 3-for-6 with a three-run home run to help the Texas Rangers squeak by the Baltimore Orioles, 11-10, in the rubber match of a three-game set. The day four offensive players for the Rangers were named to the All-Star team, the club rattled off 14 hits, including three apiece from Ian Kinsler and Ramon Vazquez. Kevin Millwood (6-4) won his seventh straight start against the Orioles despite being touched for five runs -- three earned -- on nine hits through five innings for Texas, which has won five of its last seven. C.J. Wilson served up two homers in the ninth but still came away with his 21st save. Baltimore's Kevin Millar was 4-for-4 with a double and solo home run, while Nick Markakis hit a three-run homer during a 3-for-5 effort at the plate, extending his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games. Brian Roberts and Melvin Mora also hit home runs in the loss. Radhames Liz (3-1) was pounded for six runs -- four earned -- in just 3 2/3 innings for the Orioles, who have fallen in three of their last four games. Jim Johnson only recorded two outs in relief and gave up four runs.


Sports E-News

Sign up to receive daily sports headlines.
 


Links We Like
Stress really does kill but you can control it before it controls you. Get helpful advice on how to lower your stress levels here. More Details

Living with someone can provide many challenges in terms of storage. Learn to compromise and get organized. More Details

Companies across the U.S. are looking for qualified consultants to help them improve and grow their business. Find out if you could be just the person they're looking for. More Details

Tune into the body language of others as well as yourself and get a better feel for how your date is really going. More Details

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Links We Like includes a selection of information, tools and resources from our partners and sponsors.

Market Place

Sponsor Links

Back To Top