Cincinnati Reds' Sean Marshall ready to pitch as closer - MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds setup man Sean Marshall hinted on Tuesday, March 27, he was willing to assume a closer’s role after the season-ending injury of Ryan Madson. The torn ligament in right elbow dashed every hope of Madson to represent the Reds as the closer this season.
Nonetheless, while the Reds are mulling over who could possibly be the best substitute available, it is – so it seems, Sean Marshall. However, there is no clear indication by the Reds that the role will be assigned to him.
Whatever the end result of these musings, and the fact that it is not clear yet, Marshal wants to utilize the opportunity provided he gets it.
"Nothing yet. Obviously, the job is available," Marshall said. "I'd like the opportunity to pitch in that role. It's what's best for the team. If it's a closer-by-committee situation, that would work out good, too. We'll keep pitching well and work on improving each day."
It is pertinent to mention here that Sean Marshall has so far had six consecutive scoreless outing. OF the eight appearances – that have had a total of nine innings, he has maintained 4.00 ERA with 13 strikeouts.
His latest feat came against the Chicago Cubs whereby he gave up only a hit and went for a strikeout.
"I've definitely pitched at least three days in a row and been hot and ready to pitch a fourth game, too, and felt good," Marshall said. "It really depends on how many pitches I throw in an outing. It depends on how many days I pitch.”
The previous record of Marshal – the 29 year old setup man, has shown he has the durability. Nonetheless, there are other names that are also under considerations as far as the closer’s role is concerned.
Among them are Bill Bray, Aroldis Chapman and Mike Gonzalez. Chapman could be another favourite candidate along with Bill Bray whose groin injury has resulted in his being away from the Cactus League.
With a number of players aspiring to assume the closer’s role, it will be interesting to see if Marshall eventually succeeds in it.
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