Nick Wittgren
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2017Crushers3200012044.23214123742.82
2018Cougars00000000.0000000.00
2019Cougars2000001031.03016142104.65
2020Cougars4300048049.24724123454.35
2021Cougars2100021128.02914133024.50
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Aug 20 2023Wittgren signed a contract with the Mariners on Sunday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's presumably a minor-league deal for the veteran right-hander, who was recently demoted by the Royals after he posted a 4.97 ERA in 27 appearances this season. Wittgren had four saves, 22 holds and a 2.99 ERA for Cleveland between the 2019 and 2020 campaigns, but he's scuffled to a 5.24 ERA over the past three years.
Aug 16 2023Wittgren elected to become a free agent Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, but was able to elect free agency due to the fact he had no more minor-league options left. The 32-year-old righty holds a 4.97 ERA and 1.41 WHIP through 29 innings this season and will now look to contribute elsewhere as bullpen depth.
Aug 14 2023Wittgren (1-0) was not charged with a run but allowed two hits and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning to earn the win after blowing a save Monday over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren entered the game with runners on first and second after Austin Cox struggled in the ninth inning. Wittgren proceeded to let both inherited runners to score, but the Royals rallied back for a walk-off win. When he was selected from Triple-A Omaha in May, he began in a low-leverage role, but Wittgren's 10.2-inning scoreless streak has earned him some more important assignments. Overall, he has a mediocre 4.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 18:11 K:BB through 29 innings while adding two holds this season, so he's unlikely to perform well enough to interest fantasy managers.
May 23 2023The Royals selected Wittgren's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren earned a look by posting a 1.25 ERA and 19:6 K:BB over 21.2 innings with Omaha. The veteran reliever will provide the Royals with a fresh bullpen arm.
Jan 5 2023Wittgren signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He should be in major-league camp as a non-roster invitee. Wittgren has had some usefulness in the past, but he's 31 now and coming off back-to-back seasons having posted an ERA over 5.00.
Jul 2 2022Wittgren was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren hasn't pitched since giving up four runs on four hits and no walks while striking out one in one inning June 26, and he'll now lose his spot on the 40-man roster. It's not yet clear whether he'll remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
Jun 24 2022Wittgren allowed a hit and struck out one in two scoreless innings during Friday's 3-0 loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren has strung together 5.2 scoreless innings across his last four appearances, which is his longest shutout streak of the year by innings. With a 4.82 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 16:10 K:BB in 28 innings overall, he's had his fair share of inconsistency, but he seems to be in good form in a low-leverage role. The right-hander has added a save and four holds with a 1-0 record, but he's a few rungs lower on the ladder than the Cardinals' top high-leverage arms in Ryan Helsley, Giovanny Gallegos and Genesis Cabrera.
Jun 12 2022Wittgren (1-0) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the win Saturday over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren kept the deficit to one run in the top of the ninth inning, and Tommy Edman walked it off for the Cardinals in the bottom of the frame. Despite allowing nine runs, 14 hits and five walks in his last nine innings, Wittgren has picked up a save and a win in his two scoreless outings in that span without taking any losses or blown saves. The right-hander has a 5.79 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 11:10 K:BB in 23.1 innings overall, so he'll likely be limited to middle relief -- he hasn't picked up a hold since May 2.
Jun 1 2022Wittgren recorded the last out of Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Padres, earning a save. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kodi Whitley allowed a solo home run to Luke Voit and then loaded the bases with two outs. Wittgren entered the game and got Robinson Cano to fly out to end the threat. While this was his first save of the season, Wittgren's seen some high-leverage work with four holds in 22 appearances. He's been a little shaky with a 5.30 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 9:8 K:BB in 18.2 innings -- Giovanny Gallegos and Ryan Helsley are most likely to see the closing assignments going forward, but both of them had pitched Monday and Tuesday.
May 25 2022Wittgren allowed two runs on three hits and a walk with no strikeouts in two innings during Tuesday's 8-1 loss to the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren's rough May continued Tuesday -- he's allowed runs in six of his 11 appearances this month. The 30-year-old now sports a 4.86 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 7:7 K:BB across 16.2 innings. He's picked up four holds, but none since May 2, indicating he may have slipped out of the high-leverage conversation for now.
May 10 2022Wittgren allowed a run on three hits and struck out one in 1.1 innings in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Through five appearances in May, Wittgren has allowed three runs in 5.1 innings. He allowed all of one run in April, so this is a discouraging downturn for the righty reliever. For the season, the 30-year-old has a 3.09 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB across 11.2 innings while picking up four holds.
Apr 22 2022Wittgren walked one batter in a scoreless inning to earn a hold in Friday's 4-2 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren has picked up three holds through six appearances this season. The right-hander has been effective in limited time, as he's only covered a full inning in three of his outings. He's yielded one run, five hits and two walks while striking out two in 4.1 innings. Wittgren amassed 31 holds over the last three years with Cleveland, and he appears to be reprising a similar role as part of the high-leverage bridge to closer Giovanny Gallegos.
Mar 13 2022Wittgren agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Cardinals on Sunday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren elected free agency after being outrighted off Cleveland's 40-man roster in November, and he'll continue his career in St. Louis. The right-hander posted a 5.05 ERA over 62.1 frames during 2021 but had a 2.97 ERA over the previous three years, and the Cardinals will undoubtedly hope he can rediscover that form.
Nov 5 2021Wittgren elected free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Columbus by Cleveland on Friday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren began the 2021 campaign as a closing option for Cleveland, but he was unable to take advantage and posted a 5.05 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 61:17 K:BB over 62.1 innings. The right-hander had a 2.97 ERA in 112 appearances across the previous three seasons, so he should be able to latch on somewhere during the offseason.
Sep 30 2021Wittgren (2-9) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk in one inning, taking the loss versus Kansas City on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren was responsible for Hunter Dozier's two-run triple, and the right-hander let him score another run on a wild pitch. An uneven September has seen Wittgren post an 8.18 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in his last 11 innings. He has a 5.14 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 61:17 K:BB, one save and nine holds through 61.1 innings in the statistically worst season of his career.
Sep 21 2021Wittgren (2-8) took the loss in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader versus Kansas City. He allowed two runs on a hit and three walks in two-thirds of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander lacked early on, walking three straight batters after Nicky Lopez's one-out double in the first inning. Wittgren threw just 14 of 30 pitches for strikes in his first turn as an opener. He's pitched to a 5.05 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 58:16 K:BB across 57 innings. He's added a save and nine holds, but the 30-year-old's rough season has kept him in mainly low-leverage spots.
Sep 20 2021Wittgren will start Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader versus the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren will make the first start of his MLB career with Cleveland utilizing a bullpen game in the nightcap. The 30-year-old hasn't thrown more than two innings during a single appearance this season and is unlikely to pitch beyond that Monday.
Sep 12 2021Wittgren allowed a hit in a scoreless inning during Sunday's 11-1 loss to Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His scoreless outing Sunday snapped a run of three appearances in which he'd allowed runs. Wittgren has pitched to a 4.72 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 57:13 K:BB across 55.1 innings this year. The right-hander has added a save, nine holds and a 2-7 record, but he's typically seen more low-leverage work in recent weeks.
Aug 28 2021Wittgren (2-7) was tagged with the relief loss Saturday against the Red Sox after allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits across one-third of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren had the task of keeping the Red Sox off the box score in the 10th inning while beginning his outing with a runner in second, and he failed miserably. The right-hander allowed a single to Kyle Schwarber and a three-run homer to J.D. Martinez -- that would be all the Red Sox would need to close things out. This was Wittgren's second straight outing allowing a homer, and he has given up six runs (three earned) over his previous seven appearances (nine innings). The six-year veteran owns a 4.56 ERA on the season.
Aug 16 2021Wittgren (2-6) allowed an unearned run on three hits and three walks in 1.2 innings, taking the loss versus Minnesota on Monday. He struck out none. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander successfully kept the game tied despite loading the bases in the ninth inning. In the 10th, he didn't get so lucky, as he loaded the bases again and surrendered a walkoff double to Jorge Polanco. Wittgren has allowed two unearned runs in his last 9.1 innings, but both instances have led to him taking a loss. The 30-year-old has a 4.40 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 52:12 K:BB, one save and seven holds through 45 innings this season.
Aug 10 2021Wittgren (2-5) incurred his fifth loss of the season Tuesday night, allowing one unearned run in one inning of work while walking one and striking out one in Cleveland's 4-3 loss to Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren was called upon to start the tenth inning against the Athletics on Tuesday night. With ghost runner Elvis Andrus lurking behind him, the right-hander got off to a good start with a strikeout of Mark Canha before Starling Marte moved Andrus over to third on a groundout. After intentionally walking Matt Olson, Jed Lowrie came through with an RBI double to give Oakland the lead. Although Wittgren would limit the damage to one run, it was all the Athletics needed to secure the win. While the 30-year-old does sport an inflated 4.79 ERA, his 49:9 K:BB means he's at least finding the zone.
Aug 1 2021Wittgren (2-4) allowed a run on one hit and struck out two in 1.1 innings, taking the loss versus the White Sox on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander pitched a clean eighth inning in a tied game, but he allowed a walkoff solo home run to Brian Goodwin in the ninth. This was Wittgren's second loss in his last four outings. The 30-year-old now has a 5.55 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 43:8 K:BB through 35.2 innings, mainly working in a medium-leverage role that's seen him collect a save and seven holds.
Jul 23 2021Wittgren (2-3) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Rays after allowing five runs on three hits and a walk in one-third of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren entered the game to pitch the ninth inning with the score tied 4-4, but he was absolutely woeful and by the time he departed the game, Cleveland was down by five runs while recording just one out. The right-hander has looked far from dominant in recent outings, though, giving up runs in five of his last nine appearances. He has allowed 10 runs over nine innings during that span.
Jul 8 2021Wittgren allowed a walk and struck out one in a scoreless inning during Thursday's 7-4 win over Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Scoreless innings have been hard to come by for Wittgren -- he's given up five runs in his last 6.2 innings. The right-hander remains in a fairly low-leverage role with a 4.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 33:7 K:BB through 30.2 innings. He's picked up a save and six holds, but he's only recorded three holds in his last 16 appearances.
Jun 25 2021Wittgren (2-2) allowed two runs on three hits in one inning, taking the loss Friday versus Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren got two outs before allowing singles to Nick Gordon and Andrelton Simmons. A two-run double by Luis Arraez put Minnesota ahead for good, leaving Wittgren with his second loss of the year. The right-hander had pitched five consecutive scoreless innings prior to Friday. He has a 4.68 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB across 25 innings this year. He's added a save and five holds, but he's seen a lower-leverage role after a sloppy start to the season.
Jun 12 2021Wittgren struck out two in a perfect inning Saturday versus Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren has struggled with consistency recently -- he's allowed four runs across 5.2 innings in his last six outings. The right-hander did well in the sixth inning of Saturday's de facto bullpen game. He has a 4.95 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB across 20 innings. He's also logged a save and four holds, but he'll need to be more reliable to get high-leverage assignments regularly.
May 30 2021Wittgren pitched a perfect inning and struck out one in a 6-5 win over Toronto in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren allowed two runs in an inning in his last appearance, but he's kept runs off the board in eight of his 10 outings in May. The right-hander has a 4.96 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB across 16.1 innings this year. He's posted a save, four holds and a 2-1 record, and his recent success could lead to more work in close games.
May 18 2021Wittgren struck out two in a perfect inning during Monday's 7-4 loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren started the season poorly, but he's been better in May, posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.14 WHIP and nine strikeouts in seven innings this month. The 29-year-old has been eclipsed by Emmanuel Clase and James Karinchak for closing duties, but Wittgren's recent success suggests he could still work his way back into a high-leverage role.
May 5 2021Wittgren (2-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Royals after pitching a scoreless inning with three strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren tossed 10 of his 17 pitches for strikes en route to his second win of the campaign, and he struck out the side -- retiring Jorge Soler, Hunter Dozier and Ryan O'Hearn in order. The 29-year-old righty has recorded the win in each of his last two appearances while extending his streak of scoreless appearances to four outings. He owns a 5.79 ERA across 9.1 innings.
May 4 2021Wittgren (1-1) pitched a perfect seventh inning to earn the win in Tuesday's 7-3 victory over Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren became the pitcher of record when Cleveland rallied for four runs in the top of the eighth inning. The right-hander has kept runs off the scoreboard in five of his last six outings. He's had a rough start to the year with a 6.48 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB across 8.1 innings, but he's been more effective in recent outings. He's picked up one save and three holds in nine appearances, although Wittgren seems to do better in a lower-leverage role.
Apr 28 2021Cleveland reinstated Wittgren (personal) from the paternity list Wednesday, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren ended up spending two days away from the team following the birth of his son. He'll be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale against the Twins.
Apr 26 2021Cleveland placed Wittgren on the paternity list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren will be away from the team for up to three days after his wife gave birth to the couple's son earlier Monday. Cleveland recalled Kyle Nelson from its alternate site to provide an extra arm out of the bullpen while Wittgren is inactive.
Apr 23 2021Wittgren (0-1) was charged with the loss after giving up two runs on two hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning versus the Yankees on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren entered the game in the seventh inning, but he was in trouble almost immediately. A two-run single from Rougned Odor was enough to stick Wittgren with the loss. The right-hander has struggled with six earned runs allowed in 5.1 innings so far. He's got a 5:4 K:BB, one save and three holds. Fantasy managers looking for closing options from Cleveland would do better to check on the availability of Emmanuel Clase.
Apr 17 2021Wittgren pitched a scoreless seventh inning with one hit and one strikeout to earn a hold in Saturday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren allowed a double to Jesse Winker, but Winker was caught attempting to stretch the hit into a triple. The 29-year-old Wittgren then retired the next two batters for his third hold of the year. He's posted a 7.71 ERA and 1.71 WHIP across 4.2 innings. Despite some shaky moments early in the season, Wittgren remains part of Cleveland's plans in the late innings.
Apr 16 2021Wittgren pitched a scoreless inning with one hit and one strikeout in Thursday's 4-2 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren worked the seventh inning, while fellow relievers James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase handled the eighth and ninth, respectively. The 29-year-old Wittgren has allowed four earned runs on five hits and two walks over 3.2 innings to start 2021. Thursday was the second time in four outings he kept runs off the board. He's posted one save and two holds.
Apr 11 2021Wittgren allowed a run on one hit and struck out one over one inning to earn a hold in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren worked the seventh inning and allowed a solo shot to Wilson Ramos that cut Cleveland's lead to 3-2. The 29-year-old Wittgren hasn't been busy yet this season, working 2.2 innings over three appearances. He's allowed four runs on four hits and two walks. The right-hander is part of Cleveland's closer committee, but he's been less effective on the mound than either of Emmanuel Clase or James Karinchak.
Apr 7 2021Wittgren picked up the save Wednesday against the Royals after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He didn't record a strikeout nor he issued a walk. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren is part of a three-man closer committee alongside James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase, but he got the nod for the save opportunity here and didn't disappoint -- he retired Hunter Dozier, Kyle Isbel and Michael Taylor while only needing eight pitches to retire the side. This was a big bounce-back performance for the 29-year-old right-hander, who opened the year allowing three runs across two-thirds of an inning against the Tigers on April 3.
Mar 29 2021Cleveland will use a committee of James Karinchak, Emmanuel Clase and Wittgren for save chances this season, manager Terry Francona told MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren had a strong spring with a 1.08 ERA and nine strikeouts in 8.1 innings with one walk. It sounds like the closer situation could be flux early in the season, but Wittgren could get a larger share of save chances if he continues his spring performance.
Mar 23 2021Wittgren has impressed manager Terry Francona this spring and could be a candidate to close games to start the season, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: James Karinchak is being drafted as if he's Cleveland's most likely closer, and while he could certainly fill the role, there hasn't been much of an indication from the team that he's the clear favorite. Karinchak struck out an incredible 48.6 percent of batters last season but also walked 14.7 percent, and he's been no different this spring, striking out 18 batters in eight innings while walking six. Wittgren, by contrast, offers a far less extreme package. Both his 28.6 percent strikeout rate and 6.1 percent walk rate last season were strong but not particularly noteworthy, and his 6:1 K:BB in six scoreless innings this spring is similarly solid. If Francona prefers stability over dominance in the ninth inning, it could well be Wittgren who earns the majority of the team's save opportunities this year.
Mar 13 2021Wittgren has allowed two hits and no walks while striking out one over three scoreless innings to begin spring training. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren served as one of Cleveland's top setup men in 2020 and has been effective across three relief outings this spring. The right-hander will likely serve in a setup role once again with James Karinchak the favorite to begin the season as the team's closer, but Wittgren could contend for save chances if Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase struggle early in the year, Ben Axelrod of WKYC reports.
Dec 23 2020Wittgren agreed Tuesday with Cleveland on a one-year, $2 million contract to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren was one of the club's top setup men in 2020, turning in a 3.42 ERA and a 28:6 K:BB in 23.2 innings. With Cleveland choosing to non-tender Brad Hand this offseason, Wittgren could be in the mix for saves in 2021 if the team doesn't acquire another established closing option over the winter.
Mar 20 2020Wittgren could be a candidate for saves if Brad Hand struggles, Joe Noga of Cleveland.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hand will enter the season as the Indians' closer, but the team will need to have a backup plan in case his struggles from late in the 2019 campaign spill over into 2020. Wittgren would be among the candidates to claim the role, as James Karinchak lacks experience as a big-league closer while Emmanuel Clase (lat) is expected to be out until June. Wittgren recorded four saves and 12 holds for Cleveland last season, and posted a strong 2.81 ERA backed by a 1.08 WHIP.
Jan 10 2020Wittgren signed a one-year, $1.125 million deal to avoid arbitration with the Indians on Friday, freelance baseball writer Robert Murray reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wittgren was acquired by the Indians from the Marlins in February and had a quality first season with his new team, posting a 2.81 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 60:15 K:BB over 57.2 innings with 12 holds and four saves. The 28-year-old figures to work in a similar role in 2020.
Aug 7 2019Wittgren had one strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner over 1.2 innings to earn the save in the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader against Texas.
Jul 17 2019Wittgren gave up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out three through 1.2 innings to record his second save in a 7-2 win over the Tigers on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 3 2019Wittgren delivered a perfect, 10-pitch eighth inning en route to earning a hold in Tuesday's 9-5 win over the Royals.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 28 2018Wittgren was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans following Thursday's game against Arizona, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.Wittgren allowed one run on three hits and a walk across two innings during Thursday's loss to the Diamondbacks, and likely would have been unavailable Friday. The Marlins needed to clear room on the 25-man roster for Sandy Alcantara, who will be starting Friday against the Mets.
Jun 22 2018Wittgren (finger) was activated off the 10-day disabled list Friday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.Wittgren hit the disabled list June 2 with a bruised finger and makes his return with Jose Urena heading to the DL with a shoulder injury. The 27-year-old has a 3.06 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 17:10 K:BB across 17.2 innings this season, and will likely resume a middle relief role in the Marlins bullpen.
Jun 14 2018Wittgren (finger) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Jacksonville on Thursday.Wittgren has been on the disabled list since June 2 with a bruised finger. The Marlins haven't determined how many rehab appearances the 27-year-old will need to make before returning, leaving his return date up in the air. Wittgren compiled a 3.06 ERA and 17:10 K:BB across 17.2 innings prior to landing on the disabled list.
Jun 2 2018The Marlins placed Wittgren on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with a bruised finger, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.Wittgren had a fantastic start to the season with only three runs (one earned) and nine hits allowed across his first 15 appearances, but gave up five runs on six hits and three walks over his last three outings. The severity of the injury remains unclear and the 27-year-old will be eligible to come off the disabled list June 12.
May 6 2018Wittgren (1-0) gave up one hit and struck out four across two scoreless innings as he picked up the win Sunday against the Reds.Wittgren earned his first win of the season after relieving Dan Straily in the fifth inning of Sunday's matchup. He's been stellar out of the bullpen, accruing a 1.00 ERA with two holds and 14 strikeouts across nine innings.
Apr 20 2018Wittgren was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Friday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.Wittgren was expected to make the Marlins' roster out of spring training, but a slow recovery from an offseason elbow procedure derailed those plans. He'll now head to the big leagues to replace the injured Odrisamer Despaigne (forearm), who was placed on the DL in a corresponding move.
Mar 18 2018Wittgren (elbow) is listed among the Marlins' available pitchers for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.Wittgren's spring debut has been delayed by a bone spur in his right elbow, but it appears his arm is in sound condition after he recently threw batting practice without incident. Though he's seemingly healthy, Wittgren's lack of innings so far this spring could work against him in his bid for a spot on the Marlins' Opening Day roster.
Mar 6 2018Wittgren is throwing live batting practice Tuesday, Craig Davis of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.Wittgren is working his way back from September surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. His status for Opening Day is unclear, but he appears to be making progress. He'll be fighting for a role in the Marlins' bullpen this season.
Feb 14 2018Wittgren (elbow) will remain in a limited capacity for the beginning of spring training, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.Wittgren will start off the spring camp in rehab protocol after undergoing elbow surgery to remove a bone spur in September. The right-hander will be eased into a throwing program over the course of the next couple weeks, although it's uncertain as to whether he will be ready for Opening Day at this point.
Sep 26 2017Wittgren will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Tuesday to remove a bone spur in his elbow.Wittgren was placed on the disabled list on July 28 after suffering a right elbow strain. He struggled out of the bullpen this year, earning a 4.68 ERA across 42.1 innings pitched. The 26-year-old was used primarily in low-leverage situations, and early indications are that he'll stay in that role next season.
Jul 28 2017Wittgren was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right elbow strain Friday.The DL stint caps off a difficult month of July for Wittgren, who has posted an 8.18 ERA and concerning 11:7 K:BB over 10 appearances, including his last outing in which he allowed three earned runs while recording just two outs. There's no timetable for Wittgren's return at this point, but Odrisimar Despaigne was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to take his spot in the bullpen.
Jul 27 2017Wittgren has surpassed his strikeout totals from last season, posting 43 in 42.1 innings so far this season.In all of 2016, Wittgren only struck out 42 in 51.2 innings, so it figures that he'll only put more distance between this season's strikeout total and last season's as we start to move into the final weeks of the regular season. With the improved strikeout numbers, however, comes an increase in walks as well. He is at 13 free passes in 2017, up from the 10 he had last year in his rookie season.
Jun 24 2017Wittgren has an ERA of 2.73 with 31 strikeouts and four holds this season.Wittgren has avoided the sophomore slump this year, improving almost every stat from his rookie season. Despite the success, the former ninth-round draft pick hasn't seen much action in high leverage situations, but the four holds in the last month are reassuring for those holding out hope that his role will only get bigger as the season unfolds.
May 31 2017Wittgren has given up five runs and struck out 14 in 14.1 innings since getting recalled in early May from Triple-A New Orleans.Wittgren is pitching well this season, showing improvement on his 2016 rookie season when he had an ERA of 3.14 and a WHIP of 1.16. He's improved so far on both fronts this season, with his ERA down to 3.00 and WHIP sitting at 1.05. Meanwhile, the strikeout ratio has increased this year to 9.0 K/9 from last season's mark of 7.3. He's been buried at the bottom of Miami's bullpen this season, but his recent outings in three straight games from May 28-30 suggests more meaningful playing time could be in his future.