Cincinnati Reds: Who should replace Amir Garrett as the closer?

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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 13: Amir Garrett #50 of the Cincinnati Reds walks off the field after giving up four runs. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Amir Garrett just doesn’t have it right now. The Cincinnati Reds, leading 3-0 heading into the top of the ninth during last night’s game versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, fell in dramatic fashion after Garrett surrendered the three-run lead. The Reds eventually lost the ballgame 8-5 in extra innings.

This is the not first time that Garrett has struggled during the early part of the 2021 season. Garrett has been rocked and carries the highest ERA (16.20) on the team. Were it not for Joey Votto’s triple-play last Saturday versus the Cleveland Indians, Garrett might well be staring at an ERA over 20.00.

The Reds cannot count on Amir Garrett to be the closer right now.

This is uncharted territory for Amir Garrett, who recorded his first career save last season. AG is used to mowing down opposing batters, flexing and roaring on the mound, and receiving a fair amount of adulation from the Cincinnati faithful.

During the offseason, Garrett made it clear that he wanted the role of closer. After all, Raisel Iglesias found a new home in Los Angeles, and the Cincinnati Reds needed a reliable pitcher to turn to with the lead in the ninth inning. Unfortunately, Garrett has not performed well in that role this season.

Garrett has two saves on the season, and neither one was spotless. On April 5th versus the Pittsburgh Pirates, Garrett walked a batter, surrendered two hits and allowed one run en route to his first saves of 2021. On April 9th against the Arizona Diamondbacks, AG walked two batters before securing the final three outs. Garrett has yet to have a flawless outing this season.

Garrett, in a postgame interview, took his medicine and admitted that the team’s previous two losses were on him. While Garrett’s honesty is admirable, David Bell has now been backed into a corner. While last night was Garrett’s first official blown save of the season, AG cannot be counted on in high-leverage situations right now. So, who should be the Reds closer going forward?

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