Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen has gone in two directions in the second half

The Cincinnati Reds have seen relievers get both better and worse to start the second half.

The Cincinnati Reds had great production for the bullpen in the first half.  Starting the second half several of the pitchers have catapulted out of the gates.  Unfortunately, some have also taken a step back.

For better or worse, the Reds have only one save in the second half of the season.  Well, it is for worse because they are only 2-11 in the second half so far.  The good side there is that the bullpen didn’t take any of those 11 losses.

Raisel Iglesias has come out on fire.  He hasn’t given up a single run over six games, throwing seven innings.  He has surrendered six hits and a walk in those seven innings for a WHIP of 1.00.

Another pitcher that hasn’t allowed a run yet in the second half is Wandy Peralta.  Peralta has pitched 5 1/3 innings over five appearances and has only given up one unearned run.  His second half WHIP is a bit high at 1.31, though.

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In the second half Asher Wojciechowski has also gotten off to an impressive start out of the bullpen.  He has given up just one run, a solo home run, over ten innings.  He spread that out over four appearances and has a WHIP of 0.60.  He was designated for assignment in June, but back in July.

Several members of the Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen have had rough starts to the second half.

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First half surprise call-up, Ariel Hernandez pitched poorly enough in the second half to be demoted to the minors. He allowed three home runs in 3 2/3 innings pitched.  He also walked four to get to a 2.73 WHIP.

Tony Cingrani, last season’s closer, also is getting off to a rough start in the second half. He has surrendered an amazing five home runs in just five innings in the second half.  That has resulted in an ERA of 14.29 and a WHIP of 2.12.

In his only appearance Lisalverto Bonilla was poor enough to earn a demotion to the minors.  He pitched two innings, allowing three runs including a home run.  He also walked three in that short outing.

The most disappointing reliever is Michael Lorenzen.  As a potential future closer, more than his 12.00 ERA has been expected of the former starter.  Nine hits and eight home runs are not usual output from Lorenzen.

Next: Who's headed out the door?

The Reds finally have some depth in their bullpen.  Getting that depth into the right places to make a difference will be important the rest of this year and into the next.  Some pitchers will return and others will not.