Cincinnati Reds: Vladimir Gutierrez has solid showing in debut
The Cincinnati Reds have been waiting for this day for years. Vladimir Gutierrez was one of the higher profile international free agents in the 2016-17 signing period, a hard throwing pitcher who had the potential to be a fast riser through the system. However, he endured numerous bumps in the road, some of which were self inflicted, delaying his ascension. When he was removed from the Reds’ 40 man roster, one had to wonder how much of a future he really had with the organization.
That future finally came on Friday. Gutierrez was called up from the minors, getting a chance to make his debut when Jeff Hoffman was placed on the Injured List. He had a relatively tough opponent as he drew the Cubs in that first start.
Vladimir Gutierrez solid in Cincinnati Reds debut
He proved to be well worth the wait. He made just one mistake, allowing a homer to David Bote in the fifth inning, but was otherwise solid. Gutierrez allowed just that one run on two hits and two walks over his five innings, striking out three batters,
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That continued what had been a very strong showing for the Cuban righty in Triple-A this year. He had allowed just five runs on nine hits and seven walks over his 17 innings, striking out 21 batters. There was still a bit of a cause for concern as Gutierrez had allowed three homers, but he had otherwise pitched well.
It is a distinct departure from what Gutierrez had been in the past. While he was decent enough in his first two seasons in the Reds’ system, his first taste of Triple-A was a disaster. He posted a 6.04 ERA and a 1.401 WHiP in his 137 innings, striking out 117 batters with 48 walks and 26 homers.
Although he left his start with a deficit as the Reds stranded seven runners in those innings, he still pitched well. It is a sign of hope for Cincinnati that Gutierrez can start to become a building block for the rotation. Maybe he does not have that ace upside any longer, but he could be a solid piece in the middle of the rotation.
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The Cincinnati Reds had been waiting for Vladimir Gutierrez to live up to his potential. He made a solid first impression on Friday.