Raisel Iglesias was supposed to be the ace for the Cincinnati Reds, but a shoulder injury will force him to the bullpen.
Heading into the 2016 season, it was clear that the Reds were in a transnational year. With youthful options being depended on in the rotation and bullpen, rough times were expected. But, Raisel Iglesias was supposed to be a pillar of the team.
Iglesias however, was one of the few Reds that fantasy owners were going to target in drafts after a solid rookie season in 2015. His tremendous peripherals and well versed arsenal, had owners thinking that he could be a mid round fantasy ace.
His 3.55 FIP and 9.8 S0/9 last season were the benchmarks of his value heading into this season, and through his first five starts this season, he was duplicating that success. Even though he made only five starts, he was able to post a, 3.49 ERA/29 K/3.65 FIP/9.2 SO/9, line.
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But, much like the rest of the Reds season, bad news lurked, as he went on the DL for a shoulder injury in late April. He missed all of May and had his rehab delayed as well, making his likely return in late June or early July.
While most fantasy owners hated the early news of his injury, they knew that getting him back this season was better than not having him at all, but the news today has dampened that optimism. The Reds announced today that in order to preserve his shoulder and future, he is moving to the bullpen.
The Reds bullpen has been historically bad this season, so when or if he returns, it will be a welcome addition. But, with his shoulder being in question, it seems as though he will start in low leverage situations.
Fantasy owners needing starting pitching should look for other permanent options moving forward. The only way he can recoup his fantasy value is to somehow secure the closing gig, but it is hard to predict when he could finally be given that chance.
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They will get promising youngster Anthony DeSclafani back soon, so he could be a potential replacement for fantasy owners and will surely help the big league club. Hopefully, Raisel Iglesias returns next season, as a starter, because he is truly one of the more entertaining young arms in baseball. But, for the 2016 season, it is finally time to cut bait.