Location: Washington, D.C. | Ballpark: Nationals Park (41,222) | Spring Training: Viera, Fla.
Managing Principal Owner: Theodore N. Lerner | GM: Jim Bowden | Manager: Manny Acta | World Championships: 0
Luis Ayala once was one of baseball's most reliable setup men. In 2004 and 2005, he owned the eighth inning for the Expos and Nationals, logging a heavy workload and bridging the gap between the club's middle relievers and closer.
But the Ayala of 2008 hasn't looked anything like his former self. Though his arm is healthy once again following Tommy John surgery in 2006, the right-hander is getting roughed up by opposing hitters.
His ERA in 52 appearances is 5.77, and he's put 74 men on base in only 48 1/3 innings.
"My mind isn't strong," Ayala said. "But there's things I can't control. I can't throw the ball with perfect location, so sometimes I make mistakes. This year, I'm making a lot of mistakes."
Ayala's struggles have forced Nationals manager Manny Acta to rethink his late-inning bullpen setup. Acta can no longer trust Ayala to pitch the eighth inning.
"He hasn't been successful there," Acta said. "Now we're just going to go with whoever has the hot hand and matchups."
GIANTS 6, NATIONALS 4: Rich Aurilia's two-run double off struggling setup man Luis Ayala capped a three-run eighth inning and dealt Washington its sixth loss in as many games against San Francisco this season. The Nationals led 4-3 in the eighth thanks to Jesus Flores' two-run homer and Johnny Estrada's pinch single in the sixth. But Ayala, whose ERA is now 5.77, couldn't protect the lead. He allowed three runs on three hits and a walk in the eighth, blowing the Nationals' chance at a win.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
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