Astros: Left-handed relief pitchers to consider before trade deadline

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – APRIL 29: Tony Watson #56 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the sixth inning of a Major League Baseball game at Oracle Park on April 29, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Tony Watson: LH/RP – San Francisco Giants

For a team that is so far out of contention, they certainly have their share of talented relief pitchers, maybe more than their share. Along with Will Smith, Tony Watson is another talented reliever that could soon be a hot commodity.

Watson has been a workhorse over his nine-year career, averaging 68 appearances and 65 innings per year. He, in fact, led the League pitching in 78 games in his 2014 All-Star season. Not only has he been a workhorse, but he’s also been consistent. He has never ended a season with an ERA over 4.00, owning a career ERA of 2.66.

He’s not your flashy strikeout pitcher, averaging 6.6 Ks every nine innings, but he also keeps the walks to a minimum, coming in at 1.1 BB/9 IP. Watson has a penchant to keep the ball within the park too, only surrendering four homers on the season for a 1.1 HR/9 rate.

This season has been one of Watson’s best, keeping his ERA down below his average to 2.48 and has a 173 ERA+. He has proven to be a valuable set-up man out of the bullpen.

Watson is in the second year of his three-year $9 million contract. This season’s salary sits at $3.5 million and then he’s only due $2.5 million in 2020. Seems to be a pretty good bargain with the consistent talent he has displayed.

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