Rothschild: Betances capable of closing role

BOSTON — Dellin Betances received a brief pep talk on Friday from Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild, who believes that the right-hander’s recent issues are most likely related to his heavy workload and not a larger concern of handling the pressure that accompanies big league closers.

Betances has allowed nine runs over his last four innings (15.75 ERA) after blowing the save in Thursday’s 7-5 loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park, which dealt a damaging blow to the Yanks’ postseason hopes. Though the Yanks tried to stay away from him, Betances was working for a third straight game.

“He’s been through enough games,” Rothschild said. “He’s been through playoff games and pressure situations, no matter what they are. They may not be in the ninth inning, but he’s been through enough of it. I’m sure there’s adjusting to that role, but he’s perfectly capable of doing it and he’s pitched under pressure a lot.”

Betances took over as the Yanks’ closer in July when the club moved Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller in deals. After a run of effective performance, Rothschild said that he has seen Betances’ command take an erratic turn of late; in Thursday’s appearance, 11 of Betances’ 21 pitches missed the strike zone and he induced just one swinging strike.

“I know my stuff is there, it’s …

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