Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the 2020 bullpen after adding Pedro Strop

2. Amir Garrett, Left-handed pitcher

I know fans throughout Reds Country were enamored and entertained by Amir Garrett‘s actions during the brawl against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, that’s not the version of Amir Garrett the Reds are hoping to see in 2020. If Cincinnati is ready to “Count On AG”, then they need the version of Garrett who started the 2019 season with a 1.75 ERA through the month of June.

Garrett was snubbed of an All-Star last season, but also suffered an injury just before the Midsummer Classic. Unfortunately, Garrett’s performance suffered upon returning from the injury, and the southpaw went 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA after coming back from the injured list. Hopefully, Garrett is fully healthy heading into 2020, because he’ll be relied upon a lot this coming season.

The Reds, though they just added Pedro Strop, have yet to really address the void of left-handed relievers on the team. Last year, Cincinnati brought in Zach Duke to be the team’s primary left-handed reliever. That turned out to be a mistake and Duke was shown the door midway through the 2019 season.

A new rule implemented by MLB will require any relief pitcher to face a minimum of three batters or finish the half inning in which they’re pitching. This rule change will greatly affect the way mangers utilize their bullpen. Thankfully for Cincinnati, Garrett was effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, with little difference in his splits.