Arizona Diamondbacks: Award winners after first two weeks

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley against the Cleveland Indians at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) /

Most Valuable Reliever: Archie Bradley

Archie Bradley embraced a move to the bullpen simply because he wanted to remain in the big leagues. If he keeps pitching the way he has, the right-hander could develop into an effective closer.

Manager Torey Lovullo’s usage of Bradley is a topic of discussion and for good reason. For the time being, Lovullo will apparently keep Fernando Rodney as the closer, but Rodney’s poor performance, combined with Bradley’s stellar work could necessitate a shakeup.

Bradley has worked 9.1 innings and has not allowed a run while striking out 11 and walking just three. He has paired a upper-90’s fastball and a filthy curveball with great effectiveness.

Yet, two of Bradley’s three appearances came when the score was out of hand. Lovullo said he will keep Bradley as a long reliever because the right-hander is stretched out, but based on his performance, Rodney could get demoted. Rodney has already been tagged for seven earned runs despite recording four saves.