fernando rodney 300 saves diamondbacks closer

SAN DIEGO – One save shy of 300 for his career, Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney does not seem to care as much about the number itself as he does about a couple of fellow countrymen who already have reached it.

“It just means I’m going to be in the same company with Jose Mesa and Francisco Cordero,” Rodney said. “That’s the most saves from Dominican closers right now. I’m going to be in the same group as those guys.”

With 299 saves, Rodney is only 30 saves behind Cordero (329), the all-time Dominican-born saves leader, and 22 back of Mesa. These numbers are worth keeping in mind when considering Rodney’s answer to a question about pitching next season.

“If I have another chance to come back and get another 20 or 25 saves, I’ll do it,” Rodney said.

He smiled and nodded when asked if it would mean something to have the most saves of anyone from the Dominican Republic.

Rodney also is close to another rare accomplishment. With 38 saves this season, he’s just two shy of becoming the second pitcher in history to reach the 40-save mark at age 40.

The only other pitcher to do it? Longtime Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who accomplished the feat twice, getting 44 saves during his age-41 season (2011) and 44 more in his age-43 season (2013).

“I didn’t know that,” Rodney said. “There are a lot of numbers in baseball. Sometimes you just focus on what you’ve been doing in the season. That’s been my plan. Just try to get as many as I can and then when the season is done you can count.”

Rodney hit 98 mph on the radar gun in April and still routinely touches 96. He still has a change-up that is a legitimate weapon against opposing hitters. But he does not seem to think his ability to continue getting outs at his age is a particularly interesting accomplishment.

He notes that for years he has maintained roughly the same diet, workout regimen and throwing program during the offseason. He does not believe any of it is noteworthy. He’s just thankful he’s still able to do what he loves.

“I feel good,” Rodney said. “That’s the most important thing. I feel blessed and thank God. I like what I do and I’ll just keep doing.”

As he’s been saying for months, he continues to express confidence in the Diamondbacks’ ability to make a run in October.

“I think we can beat Colorado, Milwaukee, St. Louis – no matter what team the second wild card is,” Rodney said. “After that game, you’ll have to face the Dodgers and we’ve played very good against the Dodgers this year in the season. We’ve let them know we can play with the Dodgers anytime.”

Though Rodney has had his struggles against the Dodgers – he gave up seven earned runs in his first four appearances against them this year – he’s allowed a total of one run in his past five times facing them.

“Sometimes when you have teams like the Dodgers, they’ve very aggressive,” Rodney said. “Sometimes if you’ve lost your focus, your location, they’re going to get you. The last three or four times I’ve faced the Dodgers, I’ve calmed myself down, focused on what I want to do and then delivered the ball.”

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Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.

Wednesday’s game

Diamondbacks at Padres

When: 6:10 p.m.

Where: Petco Park, San Diego.

Pitchers: Diamondbacks LHP Robbie Ray (14-5, 2.74) vs. Padres RHP Dinelson Lamet (7-7, 4.15).

TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7), KHOV-FM (105.1).

Ray had yet another impressive outing his last time out, giving up one earned run in seven innings against the Giants, striking out 10 without issuing a walk. … In five starts since coming back from the disabled list, Ray has posted a 1.39 ERA with 55 strikeouts and six walks in 32 1/3 innings. … He has started three time against the Padres this season, giving up just three earned runs in 20 1/3 innings. … Lamet has recorded exactly 18 outs in four consecutive starts. He gave up just one run in six innings against the Twins in his most recent outing. … He has a 2.44 ERA in his past 10 starts, though he still appears to have trouble throwing strikes at times, with 28 walks in 59 innings in that stretch. … He faced the Diamondbacks on June 6 in his third career start and was roughed up, giving up seven earned runs in three-plus innings.

Coming up

Thursday: Off.

Friday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (17-6, 2.87) vs. Marlins LHP Adam Conley (7-7, 5.20).

Saturday: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker (9-8, 3.45) vs. Marlins RHP Dan Straily (10-9, 4.17).

Sunday: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Patrick Corbin (14-13, 4.14) vs. Marlins LHP Dillon Peters (0-2, 5.40).