*Photo from the Boston Globe*
After losing Raisel Iglesias via trade and Archie Bradley via free agency, the Cincinnati Reds needed another reliever for the high leverage innings, and to possibly compete for the closers job. The Reds have signed LHP Sean Doolittle to a one year, $1.5 million deal, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. The Reds have confirmed the contract.
Doolittle's 2020 season was marred by injuries and under performance, posting an 0-2 record with a 5.87 ERA, throwing just 7 2/3 innings across 11 relief appearances with the Washington Nationals. In his 9 year career, Doolittle has a 23-23 record with a 3.07 ERA, throwing 395 2/3 innings across 401 relief appearances. Doolittle also has 111 career saves to his name, saving 29 games for the Nationals in 2019.
Doolittle was a major factor in the Nationals world series winning season in 2019, taking on a heavy workload in the playoffs due to a rather unreliable bullpen for Washington, outside of Doolittle and Daniel Hudson. Despite that success, Doolittle was limited to just 7 2/3 innings pitched across 11 relief appearances in 2020, being held back due to right knee fatigue and a right oblique strain.
Doolittle has two all star games under his belt, in 2014 and 2018, despite his struggles in 2020. Doolittle started his career with the Oakland Athletics, spending 5 1/2 seasons in their bullpen, from 2012 to the trade deadline in 2017. At that point, he was traded to Washington, where he remained until the end of this season, when he became a free agent.
Doolittle will likely compete for the closers role in the Reds bullpen after Cincinnati traded Iglesias, who was their primary closer in 2020. Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims, and Michael Lorenzen are also candidates to close games for the Reds alongside Doolittle.
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