Arizona Diamondbacks Avoid Arbitration With Matt Reynolds

The Arizona Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with left-handed reliever Matt Reynolds, agreeing to a one-year deal.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced they have avoided arbitration with left-handed reliever Matt Reynolds, according to Chris Haft at mlb.com. No financial terms were disclosed for the 31-year old Reynolds who appeared in 18 games for the D-backs in 2015.

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Reynolds was originally acquired by the Snakes prior to the 2013 season in exchange for third base prospect Ryan Wheeler. He proved to be a valuable man in the bullpen as he pitched to a 1.98 ERA in 30 appearances with two saves. Unfortunately, his career was interrupted by undergoing Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for all of the 2014 season. He returned on August 23rd of this year and registered a 4.61 ERA in 13 2/3 innings. His best performance came September 12th against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he struck out five batters in two innings.

Reynolds was one of three Arizona pitchers to come back from TJ surgery to pitch in 2015, the others being David Hernandez and Patrick Corbin. If he can make the team out of Spring Training, he could be a second lefty out of the bullpen and be more of a situational guy. Andrew Chafin established himself as an indepensible part of the ‘pen and will be one of Chip Hale‘s most trusted late inning relievers. Last year, Reynolds held lefties to a .241 batting average with righties hitting a .280 clip. Over the course of his career, those batting on the left side fared better hitting .260 vs. .255 for their counterparts. If he wants to have a role on this team, it is important that he can show he can get left-handed batters out more consistently.

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Reynolds’ signing leaves six other players eligible for arbitration: Hudson, Corbin, Rubby De La Rosa, Randall Delgado, Welington Castillo and A.J. Pollock. Only once in the last 15 years have the D-backs gone to an arbitration hearing against a player. In February of 2015, Mark Trumbo won his case, earning $6.9 million dollars as opposed to the team’s offer of $5.3 million dollars. It is hopeful the six players still remaining do not go to a hearing as well. With the D-backs’ track record, expect there to be no drama although if no extension is worked out with Pollock before Spring Training, things could get interesting.

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