Cincinnati Reds: Sean Doolittle has perfect response to debut

While no one puts much stock into spring training statistics, they are the only real idea as to how a player is performing. Even the players, despite working on different things and getting into game shape, notice their numbers and performances. Such was the case for the Cincinnati Reds newest reliever – Sean Doolittle.

He made his spring debut in the second inning of Sunday’s game against the Giants, and let’s just say it did not go according to plan.

Sean Doolittle has perfect assessment of outing for Cincinnati Reds

That may be a fair assessment of how his outing went. Doolittle allowed three runs on three hits and a walk in his inning of work, giving up home runs to Heliot Ramos and Steven Duggar. He obviously did not have his command where he would have hoped.

But this is his first spring training outing. Pitchers are still working through rust, seeking to find their rhythm and get in sync mechanically. Their pitches may not be breaking as hoped, staying out over the plate and getting hammered.

While this is a meaningless spring training game, it is still important for Doolittle to have a strong showing in March. He struggled last season with the Nationals, posting a miserable 5.87 ERA and a 1.696 WHiP in his 7.2 innings. Although he struck out six batters, Doolittle also issued four walks and allowed three homers in his time on the mound.

The Reds have plenty of openings in their bullpen. They also need a closer, an area that Doolittle has plenty of experience over the years. This outing could simply be a blip on the radar, something that will not be remembered in another month or two. But it still bears watching as he attempts to put his disastrous 2020 campaign in the rearview mirror.

Sean Doolittle had a perfect quote in response to his debut for the Cincinnati Reds. But colorful quotes won’t matter if he cannot get outs.