Kiko Calero is proving he can be durable when healthy. As a result, he has been a key member of the Marlins' bullpen.
Calero leads the major leagues with 21 appearances, on a pace for 93, which would break Braden Looper's club record 78 in 2002. "I've been pitching a lot, but this is part of my job," said Calero, who allowed a run Friday, the first time he had been scored on in 10 appearances.
"I need to be ready every time they need me. I need to keep working hard to be able to pitch all year."
Calero started the 2008 season on the disabled list because of a torn right rotator cuff. He had just five appearances (4 2/3 innings) for Oakland before he started a rigorous exercise program in his native Puerto Rico designed to help his shoulder.
He went into Friday with a 1.53 ERA -- three runs in 17 2/3 innings, allowing six walks and striking out 23.
"My personal trainer in Puerto Rico worked with me, and I was working four days a week pretty hard," he said. "It feels great now. That's my goal -- to pitch the whole year so we can get to the playoffs and win the World Series."
DODGERS 6, MARLINS 4: RHP Chris Volstad lost his third straight start despite becoming the first Marlins starter to pitch into the seventh inning in four starts. Volstad allowed just a double over the first five innings before allowing three in the sixth, including back-to-back home runs to Casey Blake and Xavier Paul. The Marlins have served up nine home runs in their last four games.
