Brewers' Tavarez brings October mind-set, but ring doesn't come along
MILWAUKEE -- Julian Tavarez didn't pitch in the postseason for the Boston Red Sox last season, but for being on the regular season roster, he has a World Series ring.
Somewhere.
It seems the newest member of the Milwaukee Brewers left the $20,000 prize in his locker when the Red Sox designated him for assignment, then released him earlier this month.
"They're going to mail it to me, I'm sure," Tavarez said.
That's not going to stop the right-hander from going after another one.
Tavarez, who signed with the Brewers on Tuesday and made his debut the same night, said he plays the game with an October mind-set. As in, everything is a leadup to the postseason.
"I got my World Series last year and now I feel spoiled," Tavarez said. "I want another one and another one and another one."
The Brewers, who were six games behind the division-leading Chicago Cubs going into Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves, project the 35-year-old to be able to pitch multiple innings, but he saw just one inning of work in his first outing on Tuesday.
He needed only eight pitches to set the Braves down in order in the eighth inning, keeping the Brewers' deficit at 2-1. Milwaukee rallied for a 3-2 victory.
It was the first time Tavarez didn't allow a hit in an appearance since Sept. 12 of last season.
The 14-year big league veteran stayed active in the time between he was designated for assignment on May 12 and when he joined the Brewers by working out with a rec league team in Boston.
"That's the only reason why I was sharp, because they let me work out with them -- something they don't have to do but they did," Tavarez said. "It meant a lot to me. I appreciate it to them for the rest of my life."
Brewers manager Ned Yost sounded apprehensive about having a reliever make his debut in a one-run game, but with Tavarez's experience, it wasn't a factor.
"Stuff like that's not going to shake him," Yost said.
It was Tavarez's call, however, whether he was going to be available on the day he joined the team.
"I appreciate that they took my word," Tavarez said. "That was the reason why they put me (in) right away, because they trust me. They trust my word."
With that under his belt, Tavarez said he's getting used to his new teammates and the Brewers' clubhouse.
He was on the outs in the Red Sox bullpen, where he posted a 6.39 ERA and averaged more than two walks and hits combined per inning pitched in eight appearances this season.
He got connected with Milwaukee through Brewers bullpen coach Bill Castro, also a native of Santiago, Dominican Republic, who has known Tavarez since the pitcher was young.
"(There) wasn't an opportunity for me this year with the Red Sox, especially with all the young guys they have over there," Tavarez said. "I said to myself I would like to go to a National League team that needs pitching."
And chase another postseason.
"I'm looking forward to doing my job and get a 'W' so I can get to October," Tavarez said. "That's the only reason why you play this game and why you go to spring training, to get to October."
Updating the voting
Left fielder Ryan Braun leads Brewers players in voting for the NL All-Star team with 189,505 votes, but he ranks ninth in the outfielder balloting.
Prince Fielder is fourth in the first baseman voting with 151,894 votes, 177,579 behind leader Lance Berkman of the Astros.
Bill Hall ranks fifth among third basemen with 106,870, but he's 313,794 votes behind Atlanta's Chipper Jones.
Change down the line
Brewers third-base coach Dale Sveum missed the game while attending his daughter Brittane's high school graduation.
First-base coach Ed Sedar moved to third, and batting coach Jim Skaalen worked at first base.
Riske out longer
Reliever David Riske won't be ready to come off the 15-day disabled list when he's eligible on Friday, assistant general manager Gord Ash said.
Riske hyperextended his right elbow on May 14.
Morry Gash/Associated Press
Reliever Julian Tavarez, who signed with the Brewers Tuesday, pitched just one inning -- a no-hitter -- Tuesday against the Braves.
