BSN Exclusive: Chris Rusin explains the adjustments he is employing to get back on track

DENVER – It’s been a tale of two seasons for Colorado Rockies reliever Chris Rusin.

One of the most reliable relievers in baseball one short year ago, Rusin has been lost on the mound for most of 2018. It’s been a constant battle since his first appearance of the year when he was tagged by the Arizona Diamondbacks for three runs in the opening game of the season.

A combination of mechanical issues, league-wide adjustments to a pitcher who suddenly has a star next to his name on the scouting report, a bit of bad luck, and a drop in confidence as a result of all that, has amounted to a 6.38 ERA and a 5.84 FIP. That’s miles away from his 2.65 ERA from a year ago.

But, Rusin tells BSN Denver, the problems have been identified and the process of correcting them is underway.

“I was able to get outs this time, first of all,” he told us after his most recent outing at Coors Field, a performance that saw him go 2.2 innings without giving up a baserunner. Vintage Rusin.

Manager Bud Black says the improved results stem from some adjustments Rusin and the coaching staff have been working diligently on.