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Cincinnati Reds Player Leaves Organization Before Cubs Game
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- Cincinnati Reds Player Leaves Organization Before Cubs Game
(© Sam Greene Imagn Images)
The Cincinnati Reds lost a potential depth option ahead of Monday's series opener against the Chicago Cubs . With a four-game set at Wrigley Field and injuries already testing Cincinnati's pitching depth, particularly in the starting rotation, the club learned it would no longer have veteran left-hander Andrew Chafin available as an emergency reinforcement.
"Veteran lefty reliever Andrew Chafin opted out of his Reds deal and is a free agent," reported Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
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Chafin, who signed a minor-league deal with the Reds in late March, exercised the opt-out clause in his contract and is now a free agent. The 35-year-old has already been with two teams this season.
He spent most of spring training with the Minnesota Twins but was granted his release after being informed he would not make their Opening Day roster. During spring training, Chafin struggled to consistently reach 90 mph on his fastball, though he has since regained some velocity as the year has progressed.
Chafin posted a 2.41 ERA across 33 2/3 innings last season with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels , showing he can still be effective when healthy.
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Over 12 major-league seasons, he owns a 3.35 ERA with 20 saves and 153 holds, establishing himself as one of the more reliable left-handed relievers of his era. Chafin has spent time with 11 different organizations. His track record alone should earn him another look from a club in need of bullpen help.
For the Reds, however, there simply was not a clear path to the big-league roster. Cincinnati has assembled a deep bullpen with multiple capable left-handed options, and Chafin likely saw limited opportunity for promotion. Opting out gives him a chance to latch on with a team that can offer a more immediate role.
Still, it is a minor loss for the Reds considering how well Chafin performed at Triple-A Louisville. In 10 appearances, he posted a 0.96 ERA and struckout eight hitters over 9 1/3 innings.
With the Reds looking to recapture first place in the National League Central, losing an arm like Chafin removes one layer of insurance should more injuries arise. The team still has three starters ( Nick Lodolo , Brandon Williamson and Hunter Greene ) on the 15-day injured list which has forced manager Terry Francona to rely more on the bullpen. Cincinnati will now move forward with its current group while Chafin searches for his next opportunity, one he has likely earned based on his performance and experience.
