Reds' Iglesias blasts 'horribly wrong' usage in non-save situations
If Cincinnati Reds closer Raisel Iglesias had his way, he would only get the ball in save situations. That hasn't been the case, and he's not happy about it.
"The way they are using me is horribly wrong," Iglesias said, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer
Iglesias, 29, is 1-5 with a 4.86 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with six saves over 16 2/3 innings this season. He's hit a rough patch recently, allowing four runs and two home runs over his last three outings. In 15 appearances, he's entered tie games on six occasions and owns a 6.14 ERA in non-save situations.
His five losses are most among all relievers this season and only four starting pitchers have amassed as many losses so far.
"You can see the other closers, they don't pitch in tie games," Iglesias said. "I'm the only one who comes in tie games and I've given up homers and I'm losing some games. I feel really bad.
"I already have five losses, something that hasn't happened (to anyone else) in the big leagues. Five losses in the first month of ball. That shouldn't be like that."
Originally a starter when the Reds called him to the majors in 2015, Iglesias was converted into a reliever during the 2016 campaign and took over full-time closer duties in 2017. He's 5-8 with a 2.43 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 58 saves over the last two seasons.
Reds manager David Bell said in February he planned to use Iglesias in a variety of scenarios and not just as the team's ninth-inning man in save situations.
"He's too important to our team, too important to our bullpen where we want him to have as much personal success and be as comfortable as he possibly can," Bell said at the time, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
"But the priority is going to be to win games, so sometimes it may be determined that the most important part of the game is earlier than a traditional save situation."
It hasn't gone according to plan so far, and Iglesias would prefer the more traditional approach even though he understands the current strategy.
"The closer comes in to finish the ballgames," he said. "I've been coming into tie games on the road. I get it. There are situations that the team needs me."
The right-hander got a breather in Monday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants thanks to a big Cincinnati lead. His next chance to right the ship will come Tuesday when the Reds travel to Oakland to open a three-game set against the Athletics.