Reds Raisel Iglesias: Deep Waiver Wire Add

By Bill Pivetz | Jul 6, 2016

Apr 25, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The Reds seemed to have transitioned young pitcher Raisel Iglesias from the rotation to the bullpen. He may be in line for some saves, so pick him up.

The Cincinnati Reds don’t have much to play for this season. The team is 13 games under .500 and 22 games back of the first-place Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. As a result, management is not afraid to try some new things. One of them being Raisel Iglesias going from the rotation to the bullpen.

The Reds haven’t had much success in the bullpen this season. J.J. Hoover began the season as Cincinnati’s closer, but that didn’t last long. He was demoted just over a month into season. He has since been brought back up to the majors. Hoover has a 13.50 ERA, 2.20 WHIP and just one save.

Tony Cingrani took over the closer role as Hoover’s replacement and has pitched alright. He has nine saves with a 3.29 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 6.3 K/9. However, he may not be the Reds relief pitcher you want to own in the second half of the season.

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Raisel Iglesias started this season as a member of the rotation. In those five starts, he had a 3.49 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB ratio. Those aren’t bad numbers, but not what you’re looking for from your Opening Day starter.

He missed all of May and most of June with shoulder injury. Upon his return, Iglesias started to make bullpen appearances. He’s made five relief appearances since June 21, owning a 0.87 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and one hold. He also has 10 strikeouts and four walks in 10.1 innings.

Over 4th of July weekend, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reported that Raisel Iglesias wants to earn the closer role. “I feel really good coming out of the bullpen,” Iglesias said on Saturday via translator Julio Morillo.

This is good news for fantasy owners. He is succeeding well so far as a relief pitcher. If he can transfer that to the ninth inning, then the Reds may have something here.

Now, the only thing is that the offense needs to score enough runs and starting pitchers need to limit their earned runs in order for Iglesias to get the save. Even without that, he should still be the most owned relief pitcher of the bunch.

Next: Tyler Glasnow Finally Promoted

Raisel Iglesias may have found his calling as a relief pitcher and even a closer. Reds manager Bryan Price said that his short outings are making him more explosive. “What we are seeing right now is his very best stuff in shorter spurts,” he said.

If you are in a deep league and need a relief pitcher or closer for the second half, then add Iglesias. He is owned in just 30.4 percent of ESPN leagues.

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