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

Sean Doolittle, Reds left-handed pitcher

Count me among the skeptics when the Cincinnati Reds signed veteran left-hander Sean Doolittle this offseason. While the signing wasn’t the worst we’ve ever seen from the Reds front office, after watching Cincinnati deal Raisel Iglesias to the Los Angeles Angels and non-tender Archie Bradley, this felt like a desperation move to help shore up the bullpen.

So far, Doolittle has pitched well. The left-hander has two wins on the young season and has seen the field eight different times. While Doolittle has yet to record a save in 2021, the former Washington Nationals’ closer has plenty of experience finishing out ballgames. Doolittle has 111 saves over his career and has eclipsed 20-plus saves four times in his career.

Doolittle currently owns a 2.70 ERA, but Doolittle does have one blown save on the season; his lone save opportunity while the Reds were out in San Francisco. While it wasn’t in the ninth inning, Doolittle served up a gopher ball to Evan Longoria with the Reds up 5-3 in the sixth inning on April 13th.

Doolittle was charged with the blown save after Carson Fulmer, who took over on the mound, allowed an RBI triple to tie the game. The Reds would eventually lose by a score of 6-5. Doolittle has rebounded since, facing 10 batters over the past three games, allowing just one hit, no runs and striking out five.

If you’re looking for an experienced closer, Sean Doolittle is your guy. In 134 career opportunities, Doolittle has an 82.8% save percentage. Doolittle also has only allowed lefties to hit .187 off him during his career. If the opposing team presents a left-handed heavy lineup in the ninth inning, perhaps David Bell should turn to Sean Doolittle instead of Amir Garrett.