Cincinnati Reds’ Jonathan Broxton sore as Aroldis Chapman closes third consecutive game – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' manager Dusty Baker on Sunday, August 12, explained the reason of not using Jonathan Broxton in the bullpen, as Aroldis Chapman had another game to close, ending with another save for the Reds.
Baker said it was Chapman himself who wanted to close, maintaining he felt good. Broxton’s absence was attributed to his being sore.
"We didn't really want to go to Chapman today, third day in a row, since we have an off-day [Monday], but he said he was feeling great and we didn't have Big Broxton today. He was a little sore," Baker said.
The Reds won the game by 3-0. However, there are a lot of things that Broxton needs to put in order. Previously associated to the Kansas City Royals where he had 23 saves in the 27 games, his arrival in the Reds has not been particularly good.
He has lately struggled having 1-1 record with 9.00 ERA in a total of five appearances for the Reds. Not only that, his opponents have hit .353 off him. At a time when the Reds' bullpen is to perform well, Broxton has difficulty to contribute.
The two outings that he had resulted in the team’s defeat; resulting in the team’s decision to bring in Aroldis Chapman for three consecutive games to close.
Broxton, on the other hand, has his own explanation for the recent slump he has witnessed, adding to some problem for the Reds' bullpen as well. Broxton feels encouraged to have the like Chapman in the bullpen.
"I was having a good year at the start [in Kansas City], and I get over here and just made some key bad pitches that cost us some runs," Broxton said. "In the two outings I did have a bad one, we didn't win one and the other one we won. It's always special when you have Chapman coming in behind you.”
The Cincinnati Reds have a series opener to play against the New York Mets on Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if Broxton can finally regain the command he had while in the Royals.
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