MLB rumors: St. Louis Cardinals considering using Alex Reyes as closer
MLB rumors are buzzing that the St. Louis Cardinals may use Alex Reyes as team’s closer for the 2018 season.
What a ride it was for the St. Louis Cardinals and Alex Reyes to end the 2016 season, with their valiant effort of making the MLB Postseason falling just one game short. The 2017 campaign held much promise for Reyes and the Redbirds, but it wasn’t in the “cards” for either one. Reyes’ season ended before it started, while the Cardinals fizzled out down the stretch. Now, MLB rumors are buzzing that Reyes may be the answer for the backend of the bullpen in 2018 — according to Pro Sports Daily.
Reyes nearly single handily willed the Cardinals into the 2016 MLB Postseason, where he did a little bit of everything for Mike Matheny — starting five games, pitched long relief and even collected a hold, and a save in the process. He was the go-to guy for Matheny, when the Cardinals needed to hang onto a lead.
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His 2016 statistics were stellar — 4-1 win/loss record. 1.57 ERA. 1.22 WHIP. 52/23 strikeout/walk ratio. Reyes pitched in 46.0 innings after making his MLB debut for the St. Louis Cardinals on August 9, 2016. He was expected to play a similar role or even take the reigns as one of the team’s top starters in 2017, but Reyes didn’t log a single MLB inning.
With a projected 2018 return date of early May, the Cardinals have many options for Reyes once he returns. However, they need to proceed with caution, not asking too much of him too soon. A way to protect him, yet use him in critical situations is to plug him into the closer role. Pitching one inning every other day would be an excellent way to work him back into a more significant role.
But, Reyes has lights out stuff, so he may just stay in the backend of the bullpen — which is okay with Matheny. The Cardinals are looking for long-term answers for that role and Reyes may accidentally become the man for the job, out of circumstance. The Cardinals may kill two birds with one stone while meeting their immediate need in the process.
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Hopefully, these MLB rumors come to fruition, with Reyes beginning his 2018 campaign as the stopper, with a May return date likely. Meanwhile, Luke Gregerson has the reigns as the St. Louis Cardinals closer, which is a scary thought. Hurry back, Reyes!