Brazoban back on track to Dodgers after injury

As a boy growing up in the Dominican Republic, Yhency Brazoban wanted to be just like big league slugger and fellow countryman Vladimir Guerrero.

But when the Yankees converted Brazoban from an outfielder to a relief pitcher, he started to emulate New York closer Mariano Rivera.

Brazoban — on a rehabilitation stint with the 51s — is a quick study, because after just one season as a full-time pitcher, the 250-pound right-hander reached the major leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 6-2 with a 2.48 ERA in 31 appearances out of the bullpen in 2004.

“I started as a catcher,” Brazoban said through a translator. “When they converted me from a catcher to an outfielder, I was having knee problems, and converting me from an outfielder to a pitcher was the best thing that ever happened to me, because I wouldn’t be running as much.”

Brazoban, who was a solid hitter in the Yankees’ organization, spent the entire 2005 season with the Dodgers, setting team single-season rookie records with 74 appearances and 21 saves — the latter broken last year by Takashi Saito — while pitching primarily as a setup man, and also as a closer when Eric Gagne was injured.

“He just dominated,” 51s manager Lorenzo Bundy said. “He’s a power guy and he goes right after hitters. I’ve seen him, when he’s healthy, reach 97 to 98 (mph).”

Brazoban, 26, appeared in just five games last year, though, before going on the disabled list with a strained right elbow that required Tommy John surgery.

“It’s the first time that’s ever happened to me,” Brazoban said. “I felt disappointed and a little bit upset, but things happen and you have to keep working hard and thinking positive, and you move on.”

Brazoban, who was traded from the Yankees to the Dodgers in 2003, made his fourth appearance of the season for the 51s (12-14) in their 11-8 loss to Sacramento (18-9) on Thursday night at Cashman Field.

Brazoban, who said before the game his arm was “about 70 to 75 percent” strong, walked one in one hitless inning and was clocked in the low 90s. He has allowed one run on three hits in four innings for Las Vegas overall.

It was the first time this year that he made an appearance on consecutive nights.

“He said he (felt) better (Thursday) than he did (Wednesday). That’s a good sign. He’s bouncing back,” Bundy said. “A couple days from now he’ll get a two-inning stint. It’s a work in progress, but he’s right on schedule.”

• NOTES — The Dodgers optioned pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo to the 51s after the left-hander made two rehabilitation starts for Las Vegas. … 51s right-hander Travis Smith, 34, announced his retirement.