Cincinnati Reds add another challenger for a bullpen spot

The Cincinnati Reds claim Kyle Crockett off of waivers from the Cleveland Indians

The Cincinnati Reds used an empty roster spot to claim Kyle Crokett from the Cleveland Indians.  The Reds continue to look for depth for the fringe of their 2018 bullpen.  Crockett, however, is the first MLB addition.

Crockett is a left handed reliver that has been up and down with the Indians.  2018 is the age 26 year for Crockett.  In his minor league career Crockett is a single inniing reliever, but used as a lefty specialist in the majors.

The Indians designated for assignment when they set their roster for the Rule 5 Draft.  They drafted him in the fourth round in 2013.  He has only allowed three home runs in his 65 ⅓ career innings.  

2017 was a down season for Crockett.  He only had four MLB appearances.  His ERA was 10.80.  

Crockett’s career MLB ERA is 3.44 across four MLB seasons and 107 appearances.  This season in Triple-A Columbus Crockett went 5-5 in 51 games.  Last season in Triple-A he went 1-1 with an ERA of 3.90.

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Crockett’s best season was 2014.  He went 4-1 with five holds over 43 appearances.  As a lefty specialist he pitched just 30 innings, but earned a 1.80 ERA.

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The Cincinnati Reds added Kyle Crockett in the hopes of having a lefty specialist for the first time in awhile.

The last time that the Reds had a true lefty was Manny Parra.  He last pitched for the Reds in 2015.  In 2016 the only left-handed reliever for most of the season on the Reds’ roster was closer Tony Cingrani.

In 2017 the Reds had a pair of left-handers in Cingrani and Wandy Peralta.  

Cingrani was occasionally used as a lefty specialist, but Peralta was one of two set-up men along with Michael Lorenzen.  With Cingrani traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Reds would only have had a pair of lefties in the pen if Cody Reed ended up there and not in the rotation.

After all of the maneuvering, the Reds non-tendered Crockett and signed him to a minor league deal.  So he will still get every chance to make the team.  With Tim Adleman recently choosing to pitch in South Korea, another spot in the bullpen is open.  Deck McGuire and Jake Buchanon are both gone from the end of 2017’s pen too.

Next: Reds playing in the Dominican Winter League

Whether or not Crockett makes the big league team is all up to him.  He just has to prove himself as a lefty specialist.  The Reds can’t say no to talent.