New York Yankees Editorial: Advice from Mariano Rivera has helped Dellin Betances

New York Yankees All-Star reliever Dellin Betances has been close to unhittable through the first third of the 2015 season, setting Yankees records for most appearances and most strikeouts before allowing an earned run. Somehow, he has performed better than he did in his rookie season a year ago, which saw him finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting, and earn a place on the AL All-Star team.

Through 26 appearances, Betances is 4-0 and has yet to allow an earned run in 29 1/3 IP. Combined with his 49 strikeouts (15/9 IP), Betances has also only yielded 10 hits (3.1/9 IP). While his walks are slightly up (3.7/9 IP), Betances WHIP is a miniscule 0.750, as hitters are posting a combined slash of only .103/.200/.113 against the 6’8 reliever, who seems destined for his second straight All-Star appearance.

Betances, who struggled in Spring Training, credits former Yankee closer Mariano Rivera with helping him get back on track:

"Towards the beginning of the season when I was struggling early on, Mo told me a couple of pointers that really helped. He told me he felt like my front shoulder was flying open and he offered some tips. I dropped the shoulder a little bit to stay within a straight line and have a good direction towards home, and I think that has helped me be more successful and more consistent."

Betances has often drawn comparisons to Rivera, due to both failing as starting pitching prospects, but finding themselves in the bullpen. Betances said the advice from Rivera, who has more saves than anyone in baseball history with 652, has not only helped his mechanics, but also his confidence:

"It really helped. Mo also told me to stay locked in and have confidence, and hearing that from him makes such a difference. I’ve been able to use that advice to my advantage."

Betances has also received praise from some of the games most recognizable hitters, helping to even further boost his confidence:

"When you see guys like Big Papi and Miguel Cabrera give you a good reaction, you’re talking about the best hitters in the game and when they compliment you, it just gives you more confidence. Any time superstars in the game tell you how good you are looking, it just builds your confidence even more."

Yankees southpaw CC Sabathia, who, like Betances, stands tall, and was once a high-velocity pitcher, also had great things to say about Betances, following his start Tuesday night:

"That stabilization at the back of the bullpen is like what we had with Mo. I’m not comparing Betances to Mo, but he’s been great for us. So I’m excited for him. He’s fantastic."

Betances, who has struck out 14 of the last 20 batters he’s faced, has taken Rivera’s advice and molded himself into arguably the best reliever baseball has seen since Rivera.

Next: New York Yankees Editorial: Amid second base struggles, were the Yankees wise to let Robinson Cano walk?

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