The Cincinnati Reds officially announced Monday the signing of left-handed reliever Sean Doolittle, who spent the last three-and-a-half seasons with the Nationals.
Doolittle joined Washington in a midseason trade from the Oakland Athletics in 2017, and he became a major piece in the team’s late-game bullpen setup. Doolittle recorded 21 saves in his first half-season with the club, then went on to secure 25 and 29 saves the following two years.
He earned an all-star nod in 2018 when he struck out 60 batters and held a 1.60 ERA in 45 innings. His workload increased in 2019, pitching 60 innings despite various injuries hampering Doolittle at points during the World Series campaign.
Doooooooo you have a moment to read our tweet?
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) February 8, 2021
The #Reds have officially signed LHP Sean Doolittle to a one-year contract for 2021.
Welcome to Reds Country, Sean! pic.twitter.com/4dWC7M6B1A
He held a 4.05 ERA that year before his ERA inflated to 5.87 during the coronavirus-altered 2020 season — he missed time through injury again, appearing just 11 times.
Doolittle and his wife, Eireann Dolan, were an active part of the Washington-area community, supporting several charities.
Washington’s offseason moves made it seem likely Doolittle wouldn’t return to the team. The Nationals signed left-handers Brad Hand and Sam Clay to feature in the bullpen. Clay has yet to make a major league appearance despite signing a big-league deal, but Hand saved a league-high 16 games last season with the Cleveland Indians.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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