The Reds are in agreement with veteran reliever Andrew Chafin on a minor league contract, as first reflected on the MLB.com transaction log. He has been assigned to Triple-A Louisville. Dusty Baker of Louisville’s NBC affiliate reports that Chafin has already reported to the team and will be active for the Bats’ season opener tonight.
Chafin was granted his release from a minor league deal with the Twins last week. The 35-year-old southpaw had spent Spring Training with Minnesota. He tossed six innings of two-run ball, striking out five while issuing three walks. Chafin’s four-seam fastball and sinker each averaged 85.7 mph this spring.
Power has never really been Chafin’s game. His fastball was once in the 93-94 mph range but has hovered in the low-90s over the past few seasons. He averaged a career-low 89.7 mph a year ago. Dropping four ticks from that already modest level is an obvious concern. The Reds will hope that Chafin regains some zip as he builds into regular season game shape.
Chafin has pitched parts of 12 seasons in the big leagues. Despite lacking huge velocity, he has never had issues missing bats with his slider. Chafin struck out a quarter of opponents while turning in a 2.41 earned run average over 33 2/3 MLB innings between the Angels and Nationals last year. Chafin’s 13.3% walk rate was alarming, though, and he was unable to win a spot in a wide open Minnesota bullpen out of camp.
The Reds have two left-handers in their Opening Day bullpen. Trade pickup Brock Burke, a teammate of Chafin’s last year with the Angels, is their top southpaw. Sam Moll is out of options and struggled last season, but he threw well this spring and is in middle relief. Caleb Ferguson will be there once healthy but began the year on the injured list with an oblique strain.
Wow
Low risk signing. Maybe he regains his modest velocity. At least he is playing close to home. Good luck, Sheriff!
If you can locate, you can get away with low 90s, especially as a short reliever. Knew many who did.
Always room for a failed starter. Glad the Sheriff found a new home.
There’s a new sheriff in town.
Saw him wearing a shirt once that said “Failed Starting Pitcher”. Instantly a fan.
Managing Nicaragua in the WBC, reporting for NBC’s Louisville affiliate. Where will Dusty Baker turn up next?
On an Andrew Chafin post comments section, apparently
That’s kind of weird that this dude has the exact same name, that’s like Max Muncy level weird.
Nice signing. Get him in shape for the bigs again and call him up.
The Cubs got Daniel Palencia for him, but that was five years ago.
How on earth did you have a reply for this comment when I have not the slightest clue what he was trying to say lol. I reread this multiple times and couldn’t even think of or guess what dude was trying to say, even if replacing some words. It was incoherent to me lol
I think he’s talking about Vin Diesel.
Maybe that’s it. Ha. I would’ve had to assume he was a time traveler from the future since he said ‘for I am at the trade deadline’. I mean I know our phones autocorrect and we all have wrong words but this original comment just isn’t a clear thought imo lol
Translated to “The easy trade a top prospect for him at the trade deadline.”
Thanks bucket number six! I just re read it out loud again a min before I saw your reply and finally picked up on it. That’s it! Haha thanks
It was probably generated by AI.
Just read their username. I think they were just on the wrong website lol
Everyone makes mistakes.
He had something in his mouth when he dictated to his phone.
Wally Walrus is back.
This gives DJ and Tito another left-handed option, because Sam Moll, Brock Burke, And Caleb Ferguson don’t have one.
Kenny Powers is back in his epic return to the Bigs.
Chafin has a farm somewhere in Toledo area (I think) so he can get home a little bit playing in both Louisville and Cinci. In part, that’s what he liked about pitching in Detroit.
I like the guy. I like his makeup. Has that scruffy, Al Hrabosky look. Just give him the ball. He’ll throw it and keep throwing it until you take him out. No drama.