Cincinnati Reds to use Jonathan Broxton as closer - MLB News
Reports have surfaced on Monday, November 26, that say the Cincinnati Reds are considering moving Aroldis Chapman to the rotation. Jonathan Broxton, on the other hand, shall be assigned the closer’s role if a three-year deal materialises with the pitcher.
Both the pitchers arguably had a solid role to play in the Reds triumphant march this past season wherein they won the National League Central title. Switching the role, therefore, will have a tremendous impact on the Reds’ pitching.
Aroldis Chapman had 68 appearances this past season with 38 saves to his credit (which was third in the National League), pitching a total of 71.2 innings, having had 122 strike-outs with 1.51 ERA.
However, that which came as somewhat surprising to the Reds was the shoulder fatigue that shut Chapman down for 10 days. Therein came Jonathan Broxton who had 4-for-4 during Chapman’s absence.
With the talks of signing Broxton for three years underway, the potential move – which involves bringing Chapman to rotation, will alter the Reds outlook.
Walt Jocketty, the Reds' general manager, had previously talked about this possible move.
“We haven’t made a decision on Chapman as a starter or as a reliever,” Reds' general manager Walt Jocketty said.
“We’re talking about it. It depends on if we re-sign [Jonathan] Broxton and [Ryan] Madson,” Jocketty said. “Or if we get another closer.”
As to how his future could look as a starter is something uncertain to state at this point in time. What is, however, clearly known is that the decision shall not remain permanent. If Chapman fails to deliver as the starter, there is always an option to move him back to the bullpen.
Broxton, who had a setup role this year, is expected to click as a closer given the experience he has.
The Reds were intending to move Chapman to the rotation in 2012. But nothing of that sort ultimately materialised largely because injuries plagued the pitchers, especially Ryan Madson who was to be used as a closer.
The coming year, though, will determine who is best suited for the respective positions. The Reds, however, hope Chapman will see success in rotation.
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