Astros Trade Rumors: Underrated left-handed bullpen options

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CINCINNATI, OH – JUNE 28: Tony Cingrani #52 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on June 28, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Milwaukee 4-3. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Once a top prospect as a starter for the Cincinnati Reds, Cingrani’s career has had its ups and downs. However, with a change of scenery, he could be an electric option to come out of the bullpen for the Astros.

He has been showing that potential in his limited time out of the bullpen this season for the Reds. After spending much of the beginning of the season on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right oblique, Cingrani has a 2.70 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP in 18 appearances.

Cingrani is a fireballer. Throwing it a career high 93.1 percent of the time, his four-seam fastball averages in the mid-nineties. However, with that powerful arm, his strikeout numbers leave a bit to be desired. Averaging 9.25 strikeouts per nine innings in his career, Cingrani has 16 strikeouts in 16.2 innings of work this season. It does make him hard to hit though. Opposing hitters only have a .213 batting average against him this season.

Another thing that may peak the Astros interest is his late-inning experience. Last season, as the closer for the Reds, he converted 17 saves in 23 opportunities, posting a 4.14 ERA in 65 games.

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With a resurgent back end to the Reds bullpen with names like Raisel Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen, and Drew Storen, Cingrani may be on his way out. Even if the Reds want one or two lower level prospects for him, it would be worth it. Cingrani has the stuff, not only to solidify the Astros bullpen but also to be a difference maker in October.

***Stats provided by Fan Graphs and MLB.com***

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