Dodgers Give Brazoban The Call
The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up Yhency Brazoban from Triple-A Las Vegas. This will be the twenty-seven year old relief pitcher's first time in the Major Leagues since his shoulder surgery. Thankfully, he is back where he belongs.
It has been a long trip for the Dodgers' reliever. In 2006, Brazoban went under the knife for Tommy John surgery. After recovering and returning to the Dodgers' bullpen in 2007, he made another trip to the Disabled-List with a torn labrum in his shoulder. The four-year, once again, veteran required season-ending surgery.
The Dodgers always had confidence in him. He confessed, "I really felt that my career was going to end - especially after the second surgery. I was always told by the Dodgers that despite the injuries and the surgeries, that I had a bright future and that they stood behind me." The Dodgers weren't going to let such talent walk out their door and retire.
Brazoban walked into Spring Training 2008 topping the scales at about 250 pounds. He said, "They told me to lose weight and strengthen my shoulder. I worked harder than ever before." His work obviously paid off as he returned to the Major Leagues within a couple of months.
Although his injuries will always be a concern, he has displayed excellent command while pitching above 90 miles-per-hour. Also, the right-hander pitches well into the late frames of each game and should be a valuable reliever for the Dodgers' organization in the future.
The former-outfielder showed his talents at Double-A Jacksonville, where he struck out thirteen batters in ten and two-thirds innings. The young relief pitcher has the raw talent of a sensational set-up man or closer. Los Angeles is fortunate to have him on their roster.
Brazoban got his first taste of Major League Baseball since 2007 on Friday night, pitching one full inning against the Houston Astros. He walked two batters and gave up a hit in the outing. Hopefully, he will continue to improve and become an asset for the Dodgers.
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