TORONTO — Dellin Betances’ nightmare continued in Monday’s 7-5 win over the Blue Jays, when the closer didn’t record an out while trying to protect a four-run lead in the ninth.
He faced just three batters, walking two and stumbling as he tried to field a bunt from the other.
Betances was yanked after walking Darwin Barney and has now surrendered 13 runs — 10 earned — in his last six innings.
Joe Girardi said he has no plans to shut down the right-hander as the season winds down.
“I don’t think that’s a good thing to do, just because he needs to get out on some good notes,” Girardi said.
Betances said his mechanics are off, which has led to a lack of control, but opposing batters seem to have discovered his Kryptonite — which is making him field his position and hold runners on.
“This is not the first time that I’ve gone through this,” Betances said of his minor league struggles, when he looked like he was going to be a bust. “Obviously, I haven’t done it at the big league level, but I overcame a lot before. I know I can do it right now.”
Girardi said he will give Betances Tuesday off, but intends to get him back on the mound after that.
“I think he’s a little frustrated, but we’ll get that ironed out,” Girardi said. “He’s been through this before.”
And Betances insisted his woes weren’t related to his new role — and that he wouldn’t be haunted by his recent mistakes.
“Right now, it feels like my mechanics are off,” Betances said. “I’m not gonna carry it over to next season. I don’t want to pitch the way I’m pitching, [but] it’s part of the game.”
On Monday, that included watching Tommy Layne get the save.
“You want to finish the job yourself,” Betances said. “I haven’t been able to do that recently. Tommy picking me up there was big.”