Cincinnati Reds claim Nefi Ogando off of waivers and put him bullpen to start 2017

The Cincinnati Reds claimed former Miami Marlin reliever Nefi Ogando off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

When the Cincinnati Reds placed Homer Bailey on the 60-day DL, they were able to claim Nefi Ogando off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ogando made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015. Through 2015 Ogando spent his entire career in the Phillies’ organization as a relief pitcher.

In 2016 Ogando had a decent season for Triple-A New Orleans, but looked dominant for the Marlins. He pitched 14 innings allowing only four runs and no home runs in Miami. He also had one hold for the Marlins.

Coming up through the minors, Ogando was mostly a one inning reliever. He gave up very few home runs, but was never slotted as his team’s primary closer. His first year in Double-A Reading, he closed more than at any time in his career and he didn’t fare well.

Ogando has looked better as he has pitched to contact. He only averages about four strikeouts per nine innings. That is low in this day and age of high strikeout relievers.

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In addition to pitching to contact, Ogando lives on the inside edge of plate. He has an exorbitant amount of hit batters. He hit six in 2014 in only 56 innings.

The Cincinnati Reds could use Nefi Ogando early or when they need a double play.

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Ogando could very well be destined for Triple-A, but since he is on the roster already he should have a good chance of staying on the team. The primary spot up for grabs in the bullpen is the one that was filled by JC Ramirez, Steve Delabar, and a cast of others. Ogando could fill that low leverage, single inning role nicely.

Ogando could also fill the role that Blake Wood had most of last season. He could come in mid-inning to get out of a jam and stay in the next inning. Ogando is not a multi-inning reliever in the mold of Rasiel Iglesias or Michael Lorenzen, but he can pitch 1 2/3 in a single outing if needed.

The good thing about Ogando is that eventhough he is old to be a prospect, he could develop into a set-up man. In the current configuration of the bullpen, he could replace Drew Storen next year. He also might be someone who can be developed and traded at a later date.

Ogando will not be a starter himself, but he could help the Reds find more starting pitching. If Ogando can hold down a bullpen spot, then Scott Feldman can stay in the rotation all season and Michael Lorenzen or even Raisel Iglesias could move back into the rotation at some point. It’s out of necessity that all three of them don’t start the season in the bullpen in Cincinnati.

Next: Devin Mesoraco ruled out for Opening Day

Whatever Ogando’s fate with the Reds, it is good that they got someone so quickly to help overcome the Homer Bailey injury. Last season as Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani were going down, the Reds had already added Dan Straily and Alfredo Simon. Hopefully, this season the prospects will be able to carry that load.

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