*Photo from the Star Tribune*
In another attempt to shore up the bullpen, the Arizona Diamondbacks have found a veteran option. The Diamondbacks have signed RHP Tyler Clippard to a one year, $2.25 million deal, according to Nick Piecoro of AZ Central. There is a mutual option for the 2022 season, worth $3.5 million. The Diamondbacks have confirmed the deal.
Clippard spent the 2020 season in the Minnesota Twins bullpen, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.77 ERA, striking out 26 hitters in 26 innings pitched across 26 appearances, making two starts. In his long 14 year major league career, Clippard has a 55-47 record with a 3.13 ERA, throwing 842 innings and saving 68 games in 777 appearances, 14 of which were starts.
D-Backs GM Amiel Sawdaye talked about what led to the signing of Clippard, saying that "I think just layering and another veteran in our bullpen, especially in the back end. Great makeup guy, I think he's going to be good for the young guys. I think you've seen how we've tried, how we're trying to build our bullpen and I think, you know, just layering in some good veterans with some of the younger players. I think Tyler fits for we're looking for."
In his 14 big league seasons, including a short stint in Arizona in 2016, Clippard has a reputation for staying healthy and being durable, logging plenty of relief appearances every year. Clippard also has closing ability, with 68 saves to his name. His career high came in 2012 with the Washington Nationals, when he saved 32 games. Clippard is also a two time all star.
Clippard discussed whether or not he wanted to close games, saying that "Being the closer doesn’t mean too much, not at this point in my career. I understand the value in being a bridge guy and covering maybe multiple innings and coming in with guys on base in the sixth inning and being able to face some lefties and I can do a lot of different things. I understand the value in that."
The D-Backs have made a few veteran additions to their bullpen, signing Joakim Soria and Chris Devenski, along with Clippard. The D-Backs also signed IF Asdrubal Cabrera at the start of February.
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