Dbacks Closer: If Not Reed, Then Who?

May 8, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randall Delgado against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Randall Delgado

It’s popular belief that some of the best closers of all time were just starting pitchers that couldn’t figure it out. As a starter in 2012 with Atlanta, Delgado had a 4-9 record with a 4.37 ERA. When he came over to Arizona in 2013, Delgado went 5-7 with a 4.26 ERA.

Since then, Delgado has spent his days in the bullpen. An interesting trend to note is that in 2013 (as a starter), Delgado struck out 79 batters in 116 ⅓ innings. In 2014 (as a reliever), he struck 86 batters in 77 ⅔ innings. The 25-year old could see an opportunity if the team turns to the closer-by-committee route.