Cincinnati Reds: 3 key players who’ve underperformed thus far in 2021

3. Amir Garrett, Reds relief pitcher

Amir Garrett, the Cincinnati Reds’ self-professed closer, has been anything but dependable so far this season. Before the 2021 campaign kicked off, AG said that he wanted to be the Reds closer. With Raisel Iglesias traded to Los Angeles, it made sense that Garrett would get a chance to close out games. He’s fallen woefully short of expectations thus far.

Garrett’s confidence is something that Reds fans love about him, however, in the first 15 games, AG has the highest ERA of any pitcher on Cincinnati’s staff. Garrett’s ERA is sitting at 12.46, even higher than the recently dismissed Cam Bedrosian (11.12 ERA).

Cincinnati’s pitching staff has three saves on the young season; two belong to Garrett and the other one belongs to Lucas Sims. I said over the winter, that for my money, Sims should be the Cincinnati Reds closer. The only time David Bell should turn to AG with a lead in the ninth inning is if the opposing team is left-handed heavy entering the final frame.

Garrett continues to struggles against right-handed batters. To this point in 2021, Garrett has allowed a 1.783 OPS to right-handed hitters. His splits versus lefties (.944) aren’t much better, but for his career, Garrett has been fantastic at shutting down left-handed batters. Last season, left-handers slashed just .043/.214/.043 against him.

Until Amir Garrett can reliably get outs versus right-handed hitters, Bell has no business allowing AG onto the mound with hopes of maintaining a slim lead. Much like Nick Senzel, Garrett seems to be pressing. He’s likely trying to prove that he deserves to be the team’s closer, and isn’t hitting his spots as he should.