Alexis Díaz continues to impress in his rookie season, and while there isn’t much for this current Reds team to get excited about, he certainly looks like a future closer. Walks are an issue (as they were with his brother earlier in his career), but he does have and impressive 32.4% K rate. He is also in the 100th percentile in spin rate, and extension while also in the the 97th/98th percentile in xBA and Whiff rate accordingly. For whatever reason, the Reds continue to go with Hunter Strickland (and his 5.76 ERA/1.63 WHIP, who ranks 169 out of 171 qualified RP’s in K-BB%) in the ninth inning to close out games, but it’s quite clear who the best reliever on this team is right now.
Notes
- Despite the addition of David Robertson at the deadline, it was Seranthony Domínguez who was used for the two save situations earlier this week, with Robertson working the 8th inning in one of them. It’s hard to argue with the decision as Seranthony has allowed just four earned runs over his last 36 innings pitched.
- Gregory Soto remains tough to trust for me giving the volatility and just how bad his blowups tend to be when they happen. The 12.8% K-BB rate, .323 xWOBA, 4.52 xFIP, and 91.4 mph avg. Exit Velo don’t exactly inspire confidence either.
- Anthony Bender has looked good since returning from the IL (5 games, 4.1 IP, 0 hits) and could put current closer Tanner Scott on the hot seat. Scott has pitched well in August as well, but Bender was the teams preferred closing option back in April.
- Emmanuel Clase and Rowan Wick each had 3 SV+HLD’s this past week to lead all relievers. Wick has been lights out this week, but it’s worth mentioning that two saves came against the Nationals and one last night against the Reds. Wick still has a WHIP of 1.65 on the season and isn’t a recommended option outside of deeper leagues.
| PITCHER | TIER | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| David Bednar | 2-3 | Back. Doing exercises but not resuming throwing yet. |
| Drew Pomeranz | 3-4 | Flexor Tendon. Began rehab 8/5 and likely needs 2-3 weeks before activation. |
| Nick Anderson | 3-4 | UCL. Rehab has moved to AAA (7/30) where he figures to stay for a couple of weeks. |
| J.P. Feyereisen | 3-5 | Shoulder. Suffered another setback and likely out for the year. |
| Blake Treinen | 3-5 | Shoulder. Starting AAA rehab today (8/12). |
| Aaron Bummer | 4-6 | Lat. Not throwing off a mound yet (7/7), likely out until mid-late August now. |
| Tanner Houck | 4-6 | Back. No word yet on how long Houck may be out for. |
| Tim Mayza | 4-7 | Shoulder. Mayza dislocated his non-throwing shoulder and could return this year. |
Photo by Zac BonDurant/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)
You think the Yanks’ closer role is back to Chapman now?
nothing “official” yet but it makes sense.