Chatwood Records First Save of 2021

Former Cubs pitcher Tyler Chatwood was one of the most detested Chicago Cubs free agent acquisitions in recent franchise history after he walked a major-league leading 95 batters in his first year with the club. He bounced back somewhat after a move to the bullpen in 2019 but finished his Cubs contract in 2020 with a 5.30 ERA in five starts. His FIP of 3.35 that year suggests he was the victim of poor luck, which has repeated itself of late with his new franchise, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Chatwood remained in the pen for his new club, and currently owns an ERA of 4.32 over 26 appearances. This is a significant regression from his 0.53 ERA posted through May 22nd. From May 23rd through June 4th, he went through a brutal stretch. During that time, he allowed 11 earned runs over 3.1 IP, for an ERA of 29.70. The slide began on May 23rd, when he was charged with four runs in the 9th inning of a gut-wrenching come-from-behind victory by the Tampa Bay Rays. This game clinched the series for the Rays, who went on to sweep all four games of the set.

However, Chatwood has pitched well over his last six outings, allowing no runs since June 4th. This performance regained the trust of Jays manager Charlie Montoyo, who is in dire need of reinforcements to his staff. Chatwood received the call to preserve another lead on Sunday and delivered. He recorded his first save in the rubber match of the Jays’ weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles, walking just one batter in a scoreless 9th inning (box score). Jordan Romano and Rafael Dolis will likely continue to share the majority of closer duties, however. They are tied for the club lead in saves recorded with three apiece.

Monday will be the Jays’ first day off since June 7th. They will head south to loanDepot Park in Miami to face the Marlins for two games starting Tuesday night at 7:10 PM ET. Ross Stripling (2-4, 4.64 ERA) will face Sandy Alcantara (4-6, 3.09 ERA).

Featured Image: Toronto, Canada – May 30, 2017: Sign of Blue Jays at store in Eaton Centre Toronto by Lester Balajadia / Shutterstock.com.