Lucas

Sims

Unless the Nationals make a late move to bring back Kyle Finnegan or perhaps take a flier on Craig Kimbrel, the closer’s role could come down to Sims and Jorge López. Sims definitely has the raw stuff to do the job, but he’s also walked 15 percent of the batters he’s faced while posting a 3.67 ERA the last two years. López is probably the favorite for saves right now.

Sims split last year between the Red Sox and Reds, finishing with a pedestrian 4.38 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 49/30 K/BB ratio across 49 1/3 innings (58 appearances). He has plenty of high-leverage experience and would figure to be in the mix with Jorge López, Derek Law and Jose A. Ferrer to close for Washington. Even if he winds up winning the job, his fantasy appeal is limited to extremely deep mixed leagues.

The Red Sox traded for Sims prior to the trade deadline this year. He had an 8.10 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 10 innings with Boston. Then he went on the injured list with a lat strain. Sims had a 3.57 ERA in 43 appearances with the Reds this year and a 3.10 ERA in 67 appearances in 2023. The Red Sox could certainly use an arm like that out of the bullpen.

It was his first appearance of what should be a brief rehab assignment. Sims has been out since Aug. 27 with a lat strain.

Sims came over from the Reds at last month’s trade deadline and has compiled a calamitous 8.10 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 7/7 K/BB ratio across 10 innings (11 appearances) for Boston. With just a few weeks left in the year, it’s entirely possible his season is over.

Sims will become a high-leverage option for the Red Sox bullpen after posting a 3.57 ERA and 40/20 K/BB over his 35 1/3 innings in 40 appearances with Cincinnati. The right-hander will hit free agency at the end of the 2024 season.

Joel Sherman reports that the Reds will receiver Ovis Portes for the reliever. Sims has been a solid option for the Cincinnati bullpen in 2024, and now he’ll head to a Boston group that needs the help considerably. He’s registered a 3.57 ERA and 40/20 K/BB in 40 appearances and 35 1/3 innings. He’ll be a bridge to Kenley Jansen in the mid-to-late innings.

The “decision stems from a roster crunch, not a move to become outright sellers,” so the Reds will only look to move relievers who will be free agents at the end of the year. That includes players like Lucas Sims, Buck Farmer, Justin Wilson, and Nick Martinez. Veteran right-handers Emilio Pagán and Ian Gibaut are out of options and getting closer to a return, leaving the Reds short on roster spots for relievers they’d like to keep, which is why they might be looking to rearrange deck chairs in their bullpen.

Díaz got lucky when a pitch that hit both Nick Madigal’s hand and the knob of his bat was ruled a foul ball and was then fortunate again when Madrigal, as the tying run, was thrown out at home plate trying to score on Seiya Suzuki’s double. Díaz has a 5.91 ERA this season. He’s walked 15 and hit three batters in 21 1/3 innings. He’s simply not worthy of trust right now, but since he’s blown only two saves and the Reds don’t have anyone else they’re really wanting to turn to, he’ll probably remain in the closer’s role for now. Lucas Sims is likely still second in line, even if Fernando Cruz is the more interesting reliever these days.

Sims got the call today with Alexis Díaz having worked the previous two days. The setup man had a tough first five weeks, posting a 6.35 ERA in his first 13 outings, but this makes eight straight scoreless appearances now.