New outlook buoys 51s’ Houlton

At this time last year, 51s right-hander D.J. Houlton was miserable, mired in the minors for the entire season after spending all of the previous year pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But the experience proved to be invaluable for Houlton, who entered this season with a new attitude that has helped him earn a pair of promotions to the Dodgers.

"Being in Los Angeles in 2005 and coming here last year was kind of rough for me, because I didn't really feel like I failed up there. But I may be a better person for it," said the 28-year-old Houlton, who went 6-9 with a 5.16 ERA for the Dodgers in 2005 and 9-11 with a 5.60 ERA for Las Vegas last season.

"I changed my attitude, and it was the best thing I've done differently from last year to this year," he added. "I'm trying to have fun, and it's worked for me."

The 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound Houlton, who will start for Las Vegas tonight against Tucson, is 6-4 with a 3.87 ERA this season for the 51s, scattering 99 hits in 97 2/3 innings, with 38 walks and 83 strikeouts.

He is 0-2 with a 5.17 ERA for Los Angeles, allowing 15 hits in 15 2/3 innings, with five walks and 10 strikeouts.

"He's been one of our better starters," Las Vegas manager Lorenzo Bundy said. "He's pitched well up there, and he's had some real good outings down here."

Houlton, who was drafted in the 11th round by the Houston Astros in 2001, played for the Dodgers in 2005 as a Rule 5 draft choice, which meant he had to remain on the major league roster or be sent back to the team that originally drafted him.

Houlton said he was pleasantly surprised when he got called up this year.

"I'm not a Rule 5 guy anymore, so I got called up for a reason. I was there to pitch and I was there because they needed me," he said. "I know I can pitch up there."

In addition to his attitude, Houlton said he has improved his arsenal of pitches this season.

"My curveball's a lot better than it was last year," he said. "My change-up keeps getting better and better, and I'm throwing my fastball where I want. If I can do those three things, then I feel like I can pitch anywhere."

Houlton said he thinks he has pitched well enough to earn a September call-up to the Dodgers but knows not to take anything for granted in baseball.

"I can't figure this game out, I really can't," he said. "I think one thing is going to happen and the exact opposite happens. Nothing would surprise me."

• NOTES -- 51s starter William Juarez was placed on the disabled list, and reliever Matt Riley was activated from the DL. ... Delwyn Young hit his 47th double of the season in the 10th inning to set a Las Vegas franchise single-season record, then scored the winning run on a single by Marshall McDougall