Adam Ottavino
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2013Redbirds2600010043.0398123611.67
2014Redbirds6800054173.26026226753.18
2015Wonder Dogs1000000016.217451102.16
2017Mariners20000002.2000500.00
2018Pacemakers00000000.0000000.00
2019Pacemakers5900023172.03317249632.12
2020Pacemakers4100013152.14021295423.61
2021Rampage10000001.2001000.00
2021Flyers00000000.0000000.00
2022Crushers00000000.0000000.00
2023Old Geezers48000631560.03218164982.70
2024Old Geezers4200026245.14829164675.76
2025Moose20000004.0620004.50
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Apr 10 2025Ottavino cleared waivers Thursday and elected free agency. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This marks the second time in the past week that Ottavino has opted for free agency after being DFA'd by the Yankees. His previous stint on the open market lasted less than a day before New York brought him back in, though it's unclear if the two sides will reunite this time around.
Apr 8 2025The Yankees designated Ottavino for assignment Tuesday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the second time in five days, Ottavino has been removed from the Yankees' 40-man roster. He quickly re-signed the first time around, but it's not clear whether the Yankees plan to bring him back again.
Apr 6 2025Ottavino re-signed with the Yankees on Sunday night, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino elected free agency Sunday after being designated for assignment by the Yankees on Friday, but he will now join the team's major-league bullpen ahead of its three-game series in Detroit beginning Monday. The right-hander has made two scoreless appearances with the Yankees so far this season, allowing two walks while striking out two batters over 1.1 innings.
Apr 4 2025The Yankees designated Ottavino for assignment Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The transaction frees up a spot on the active roster for Devin Williams, who returned from paternity leave. Ottavino made two appearances during his brief stint with the Yankees, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings. The veteran reliever will likely clear waivers and then look for a gig with a new organization.
Apr 1 2025The Yankees signed Ottavino to a one-year contract Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino failed to make the Red Sox's Opening Day roster after signing a minor-league contract, but he's now joined their rival on a big-league pact. The veteran reliever is absorbing the roster spot vacated by Devin Williams, who was placed on the paternity list. Ottavino held a 4.34 ERA and 70:23 K:BB over 56 innings for the Mets in 2024.
Mar 23 2025The Red Sox have released Ottavino after he triggered his opt-out clause, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was informed Saturday that he wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster, and he subsequently opted out of his minor-league deal. The righty reliever struggled somewhat with a 4.24 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 56 regular-season innings with the Mets last year, but he did manage to pick up 15 holds and a save while posting an 11.2 K/9, so it seems likely that he'll get a look from another organization in need of a veteran bullpen arm.
Feb 18 2025Ottavino agreed Tuesday with the Red Sox on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino pitched for the Red Sox in 2021 prior to spending the last three seasons with the Mets. The veteran reliever held a 4.34 ERA and 70:23 K:BB over 56 innings for New York in 2024 and did not pitch for them in the playoffs. Ottavino can still get right-handed batters out (.536 OPS in 2024) and miss bats (28.6 percent strikeout rate), giving the 39-year-old a decent chance to crack Boston's Opening Day bullpen.
Oct 13 2024Ottavino is not part of New York's roster for the National League Championship series against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino had a rough regular season by his standards, posting a 4.34 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 60 appearances. He saw few high-leverage opportunities in the second half of the campaign and notched just one hold over his final 20 games. Ottavino's omission from the NLCS roster makes room for the return of Jeff McNeil (wrist), who was added to the roster after ending the regular season on the injured list.
Jul 16 2024Ottavino has posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 47:13 K:BB through 35 innings with one win, one save and 13 holds in 36 appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Mets' bullpen issues early in the season caused manager Carlos Mendoza to lean heavily on Ottavino, but the workload appears to have caught up with the 38-year-old righty. While his 30.7 percent strikeout rate is among the better marks in his career, Ottavino's 42.4 percent groundball rate is his lowest since he was pitching for the Rockies in 2017. He's also recorded only one of his 13 holds over the last month, as younger relief arms like Dedniel Nunez and Reed Garrett (elbow) have moved into high-leverage roles. If the Mets add further bullpen reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline, Ottavino's usage as a setup man for Edwin Diaz could decline even further.
Jun 3 2024Ottavino struck out two in a perfect eighth inning Sunday to record his 10th hold of the season in a loss to the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza deployed Reed Garrett in the seventh inning and Ottavino in the eighth to protect a 4-3 lead to great effect, but Jake Diekman then blew the save in the ninth. The pecking order for saves in the absence of Edwin Diaz (shoulder) remains murky, but all three pitchers could see chances depending on the matchups. Ottavino hasn't made much of a case to claim the full-time closer gig -- since the beginning of May, he's stumbled to an 8.49 ERA, 1.97 WHIP and 14:7 K:BB through 11.2 innings.
May 30 2024Ottavino (1-2) took the loss Wednesday against the Dodgers, coughing up four runs on three hits and a walk in one-third of an inning. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander melted down in a disastrous eighth inning for the Mets, serving up a solo shot to Will Smith to lead off the frame and watching the two runners he left on base when he exited the mound come around to score. Ottavino has a brutal 9.28 ERA and 2.16 WHIP over 10.2 innings in May, and even with Edwin Diaz (shoulder) now on the IL, his spot in the team's high-leverage mix seems very shaky.
May 29 2024Ottavino blew his second save of the season in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers, giving up a run on three hits in the ninth inning while striking out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Called upon to protect a 2-1 lead, Ottavino instead gave up three straight singles to begin the frame, although the third one came on a safety squeeze by Chris Taylor that the right-hander couldn't field cleanly. Ottavino hasn't been able to take advantage of Edwin Diaz's recent struggles, and he's stumbled to a 6.75 ERA and 1.93 WHIP over his last 10 appearances. The back of the Mets' bullpen is a mess right now, and it's not clear who manager Carlos Mendoza might turn to the next time the team has a late lead.
May 19 2024Ottavino should be in the mix for save opportunities going forward after manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that closer Edwin Diaz will shift to a "fluid" role, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Diaz had a strong start to the season after missing all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, but his confidence is off after a period where he's given up seven runs in his past three outings. Ottavino has a 2.95 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings this season and has recorded eight holds and a save in a setup role. Reed Garrett should also be in the mix for the ninth inning until Diaz rediscovers his form.
May 8 2024Ottavino got the save in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Cardinals, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two in the ninth. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was called upon to close the game out after Edwin Diaz had pitched back-to-back days Sunday and Monday. The right-hander surrendered a one-out home run to Lars Nootbaar and then allowed the next two batters to reach, but ultimately got himself out of trouble by striking out Paul Goldschmidt and Alec Burleson to end the game. Ottavino has now given up three runs over his last 2.2 innings and is due for some rest having pitched three of the last four days. He now owns a 3.14 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB in 14.1 innings.
Apr 16 2024Ottavino (1-0) struck out two in a perfect eighth inning Monday to record a win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander fired 11 pitches (nine strikes) while shutting down the heart of Pittsburgh's order and preserving a 3-3 tie, and the Mets broke the game open in the bottom half of the inning. Ottavino has had an impressive start to the season, racking up a 12:0 K:BB through seven innings with a 2.57 ERA and 0.57 WHIP, and he has two holds in addition to Monday's win as one of Edwin Diaz's primary setup men.
Mar 21 2024Ottavino has allowed one run this spring over four appearances with a 4:4 K:BB. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 38-year-old right-hander re-signed with the Mets in January and should be one of the team's top setup men in front of closer Edwin Diaz. Ottavino helped cover for Diaz's absence last year and recorded a career-high 12 saves along with 12 holds, but he has six career seasons with 20-plus holds and should return to that level in 2024.
Jan 27 2024Ottavino signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Mets on Saturday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino declined his player option worth $6.75 million earlier in the season, and the fact $4 million of that salary would have been deferred likely played a part in that decision. He'll now stick with the Mets on a cheaper deal and likely reprise his role as a high-leverage reliever. The 38-year-old righty logged a 3.21 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 62 strikeouts in 61.2 innings last season while collecting a career-best 12 saves.
Nov 6 2023Ottavino declined his $6.75 million player option for 2024 on Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Previous reports had indicated that Ottavino was expected to exercise the option to remain with the Mets, but he's ultimately decided against the move. It's worth noting that $4 million of the $6.75 million salary he would have been due in 2024 would have been deferred, which could have weighed into his decision. Ottavino will now be on the lookout for a new deal after posting a 3.21 ERA and 62:29 K:BB over 61.2 innings in 2023.
Sep 30 2023Ottavino recorded his 12th save of the season in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader sweep of the Phillies, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning of a 4-3 win. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander nearly blew the save, walking J.T. Realmuto to lead off the ninth and watching rookie Weston Wilson steal two bags after his one-out RBI single brought the Phillies to within a run, but Ottavino was able to retire Jake Cave and Cristian Pache to end the rally. The 12 saves are a new career high for the 37-year-old, and he's gone a perfect 5-for-5 on save chances in September while posting a 4.15 ERA and 15:5 K:BB through 8.2 innings.
Sep 18 2023Ottavino struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save over Miami on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino needed just 12 pitches to quickly close out the 2-1 win Monday. He has 10 strikeouts during his current 5.2-inning scoreless streak, picking up four saves during that span. Ottavino has converted 11 of his 14 save chances while registering a 2.87 ERA through 59.2 innings.
Sep 13 2023Ottavino struck out one over 1.2 perfect innings Tuesday to record his 10th save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Entering the game with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth inning, Ottavino got Corbin Carroll to ground into a double play to escape the jam, then breezed through the heart of the Arizona order in the ninth. The veteran righty has the Mets' last three saves, with Drew Smith being the last pitcher other than Ottavino to collect one back on Sept. 1, and barring a late-season cameo from Edwin Diaz (knee), he'll likely remain the team's closer the rest of the way.
Sep 10 2023Ottavino allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning Sunday, striking out two and earning a save over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino put two runners on with one out but danced around the threat to finish off the 2-0 win Sunday. He's given up just one run over his last 10 innings, dropping his season ERA to 3.05 through 60 appearances. He's nine of his 12 save chances, including three of his last four.
Sep 4 2023Ottavino picked up the save Sunday against the Mariners. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three over a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Ottavino held the Mariners off the board in the ninth, he allowed a hit and a walk in the inning. The save was Ottavino's first since August 13 and just his eighth on the season. Over his last nine appearances, Ottavino owns a 1.00 ERA and a 10:4 K:BB.
Aug 30 2023Ottavino was tagged with a blown save against the Rangers on Wednesday, allowing one hit and one walk over one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Mets led by a run heading into the eighth, and the plan appeared to be to have Brooks Raley serve as a bridge to Ottavino. That plan imploded when Raley allowed three straight baserunners to start the frame, which led to Ottavino being summoned with no outs and the bases loaded. The veteran right-hander hit the first batter he faced to force in the tying run and allowed an RBI single to Jonah Heim but otherwise kept the damage to a minimum. Both runs that crossed the plate while Ottavino was on the mound were charged to Raley, but it the former who had a blown save pasted on his ledger. Still, the outing extended Ottavino's scoreless stretch to seven straight appearances, during which he's allowed just one hit while posting a 5:3 K:BB.
Aug 28 2023Ottavino (1-4) picked up the win in Sunday's victory over the Angels, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After dispatching the Halos' 5-6-7 hitters on 15 pitches (nine strikes) in the top of the ninth to preserve a 2-2 tie, Ottavino was rewarded when Rafael Ortega delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the frame. Ottavino has only one save in August following the trade of David Robertson, but that's more due to a lack of opportunity rather than poor performance -- the veteran righty has a 2.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through nine innings on the month, albeit with a lackluster 7:5 K:BB.
Aug 13 2023Ottavino threw a perfect inning to earn a save over Atlanta on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino needed just eight pitches to force three groundouts and finish off the 7-6 win. It was his first save chance since Aug. 1 and his first conversion since July 1. He's recorded seven saves in nine chances while registering a 3.45 ERA through 47 innings. Brooks Raley picked up a hold in the eighth inning.
Jul 28 2023Mets manager Buck Showalter said Friday that he won't name a closer following the trade of David Robertson, with Ottavino and other options "on the table," Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "All options are on the table... you might be surprised who might emerge," Showalter said. As DiComo points out, the right-handed Ottavino easily has the most closing experience in the current Mets bullpen with 39 career saves, but southpaw Brooks Raley has posted better numbers this season and collected a save Thursday. Both relievers are worth rostering in deeper fantasy leagues, but it sounds as if save opportunities will be split among multiple pitchers unless one seizes the role.
Jul 2 2023Ottavino walked one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his sixth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: David Robertson had worked each of the previous two days and blew a save Friday, so Ottavino got the call in this one and got the job done. It was his first save since May 26, and Ottavino's recent control issues don't suggest he's going to supplant Robertson in the closer role any time soon -- over his last four appearances, he has a 3:6 K:BB while also hitting one batter and firing two wild pitches. On the season, Ottavino has a 4.01 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 35:15 K:BB through 33.2 innings, adding eight holds to his ledger.
May 26 2023Ottavino picked up the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Rockies. He allowed one hit while striking out one over two-thirds of a scoreless inning. He did not walk a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino put together a second straight scoreless outing after giving up three runs in 0.2 innings against Cleveland on May 21. While the veteran has had several solid outings this year, his inflated 4.58 ERA is largely due to three rough outings this month, in which he gave up multiple runs in each one. The right-hander needs to string together more scoreless efforts before being considered a completely reliable option.
May 5 2023Ottavino allowed a hit in a scoreless inning and picked up a save over the Rockies on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was charged with his first blown save Wednesday but was quickly given the reigns in the ninth inning again. This time, he needed just 10 pitches to lock down the 1-0 win despite yielding a leadoff single to Randal Grichuk. Ottavino turned in his first scoreless appearance since April 25 and lowered his season ERA to 3.75 through 12 innings. He's converted four of his five save chances while adding in two holds.
May 4 2023Ottavino (0-2) blew the save and took the loss in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Tigers, giving up two runs on two hits and a hit-by-pitch in an inning of relief. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Entering the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with the Mets ahead 5-4, Ottavino couldn't get the job done as Eric Haase smacked a two-run single to right-center with two outs. It's the first blown save the veteran right-hander has been charged with this season, although he was being used to set up David Robertson on Wednesday. Through 12 appearances and 11 innings, Ottavino has a 4.09 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB, and while he remains in the high-leverage mix, he's clearly the second option for saves in the bullpen behind Robertson.
Apr 29 2023Ottavino was activated from the paternity list Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He missed a couple days to the paternity list, but will be available in high-leverage situations for the next Mets game, which is scheduled to be Sun day against Atlanta after Saturday's game was postponed. David Robertson notched a save Thursday and should go back to sharing the opportunities with Ottavino.
Apr 27 2023Ottavino was placed on the paternity list Thursday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino will miss the Mets' series finale against the Nationals on Thursday and probably at least a portion of the team's four-game set against the Braves that runs from Friday to Monday. Denyi Reyes is up from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.
Apr 6 2023Ottavino (0-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Brewers, failing to record an out and serving up a walkoff home run to Garrett Mitchell in the bottom of the ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the score tied 6-6, Ottavino battled Mitchell to a full count before the outfielder turned on a slider that caught too much of the plate and drove it over the right-field wall. Ottavino had worked two clean innings in his first two appearances of the season, picking up a hold with a 2:0 K:BB, and while David Robertson remains the favorite for saves in the Mets' bullpen, he's not the only arm in the late-inning mix. Ottavino has a combined 43 holds and 14 saves over the last two seasons, and he figures to contribute in both categories in 2023.
Mar 17 2023Ottavino is an option to replace Edwin Diaz (knee) in save situations, Tim Britton and Andy McCullough of The Athletic report. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander is probably the best healthy reliever remaining on the roster, but that fact could encourage manager Buck Showalter to use him earlier in games in high-leverage spots rather than limiting him to the ninth inning. Ottavino's platoon splits could also keep him out of the save picture in games where the opposition has tough left-handed hitters due up in the ninth. David Robertson and Brooks Raley appear to be the other internal options to replace Diaz, although Mets owner Steve Cohen likely won't be afraid to spend more money and acquire another relief arm.
Dec 20 2022Ottavino signed a two-year contract to remain a Met on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino will make $14.5 million across two seasons, though he can opt out after one year, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. If he repeats his 2.06 ERA from last season, he may well do that, even if it would mean re-entering the market at age 38. The veteran righty appeared to be slowing down in 2020 and 2021, struggling to a 4.59 ERA while striking out 26.6 percent of opposing batters while walking 12.2 percent, but he was back in vintage form last year, backing up his pristine ERA with a 30.6 percent strikeout rate and 6.2 percent walk rate. He should be an excellent bridge to Edwin Diaz and could take over the ninth-inning role should Diaz miss time.
Sep 2 2022Ottavino picked up the save in Thursday's 5-3 victory over the Dodgers. He didn't allow a baserunner while striking out two over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino has now recorded three saves in his last four appearances, and he has allowed just one run in 12 innings over his last 12 outings. In addition, the righty has allowed only two hits and one walk in 6.2 innings during his last six appearances. Normal closer Edwin Diaz navigated a tough eighth inning Thursday, and it's Diaz's own excellence that could yield Ottavino a few saves down the stretch, specifically in cases where Diaz has pitched the previous days or when game situations dictate him being used through the toughest parts of the order earlier than the ninth.
Aug 27 2022Ottavino allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Ottavino's second save in as many appearances. Edwin Diaz was likely unavailable Saturday after pitching each of the last two days, allowing the save chance to fall to Ottavino, who also earned a save Thursday when Diaz was deployed in the eighth inning and earned a hold. Ottavino has earned high-leverage opportunities -- he hasn't allowed more than one run in any appearances since May 4. In that span, he's given up a single run on five occasions in his last 41 outings. For the season, he's pitched to a 2.09 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 61:14 K:BB through 51.2 innings while adding two saves, 17 holds, three blown saves and a 5-2 record as a setup man.
Aug 25 2022Ottavino earned a save against the Rockies on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Mets elected to use closer Edwin Diaz in the eighth inning Thursday, so it was Ottavino who got the opportunity to close the door in the ninth. The right-hander proved up tot he task, needing only 12 pitches to set the side down in order. Ottavino saved 11 contests with Boston last season, but Diaz is the unquestioned closer for New York, so save opportunities for other relievers will likely be few and far between.
Jun 11 2022Ottavino worked 0.2 scoreless innings Friday to record his seventh hold of the season in a win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Joely Rodriguez put the first two Angels aboard in the eighth inning before striking out Brandon Marsh, Ottavino got the call to shut down the rally and needed only three pitches to induce a double play grounder from Jo Adell. Ottavino has settled into his setup role for the Mets, with six of his holds coming since the beginning of May -- a stretch during which he's posted a 2.45 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB over 14,2 innings.
May 19 2022Ottavino struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to record his third hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran righty got pressed into emergency duty in the sixth inning after Max Scherzer (side) removed himself from the game, and Ottavino was sharp in protecting the Mets' lead. A couple rough outings have left him with a 4.30 ERA and 1.30 WHIP through 14.2 innings on the season, but Ottavino has an impressive 34.8 percent strikeout rate -- his best mark since 2018 -- and a 9.1 percent walk rate that would be his lowest since 2016 if he can keep up the pace.
Apr 20 2022Ottavino (1-0) walked one in a scoreless 10th inning Tuesday to pick up the win in the first game of a doubleheader against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was far from a sharp effort, as Ottavino threw only eight of 17 pitches for strikes, but he escaped danger thanks to a great defensive play at first base by Pete Alonso to snag a wide throw from Francisco Lindor, and Lindor atoned for his near-lapse by singling home Brandon Nimmo for the winning run in the bottom of the frame. Ottavino has yet to collect a save or a hold through his first five appearances for the Mets, but he's otherwise had a solid start to the season with a 0.00 ERA and 6:2 K:BB through 4.2 innings.
Mar 13 2022Ottavino agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Mets on Sunday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons in the Bronx, the New York native will now move on to the Big Apple's other team in what marks the fifth big-league stop of his career. Ottavino most recently spent the 2021 campaign in Boston, with whom he served as a part-time closer on his way to gathering 11 saves to go with a 4.71 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 62 innings. Aside from issuing too many free passes (12.7 BB), Ottavino generally delivered solid peripherals (3.71 xERA, 25.7 K%, 0.7 HR/9), so he should remain a serviceable bullpen piece for the Mets. He'll likely face a tougher path to saves in New York, however, as Edwin Diaz is locked in as the team's closer and Trevor May and Seth Lugo both profile as quality setup options.
Sep 27 2021Ottavino was handed a blown save in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Yankees after allowing all three batters he faced to reach base. He hit a batter and surrendered a two-run double to Aaron Judge and a two-run home run to Giancarlo Stanton. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was summoned from the bullpen in the top of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on the corners with Boston clinging to a 3-2 lead. The right-hander looked like he might get out of the jam unscathed after inducing a pair of fouled balls off the bat of Judge, but neither first baseman Bobby Dalbec nor catcher Christian Vazquez could secure the catch. Judge made the Red Sox pay for giving him a third chance, as he lined Ottavino's four-seam fastball to left-center field on the eighth pitch of the at-bat to score the go-ahead run. Neither of those runs were charged to Ottavino, but his ERA still took a hit when he served up the long ball to Stanton one batter later. Even though his last save came Sept. 1 and he's blown two saves since that span, Ottavino could still be Boston's preferred closing option. Ottavino has at least delivered value for fantasy managers during his save drought by scooping up four wins in relief.
Sep 4 2021Ottavino (5-3) allowed three runs on three hits with one strikeout through one inning, miraculously picking up the win (and a blown save) in Saturday's 4-3 victory over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There might be a 'W' next to Ottavino's name, but he isn't feeling like a victor tonight. The right-hander inherited a 3-0 lead in the top of the ninth and got Cleveland down to its final strike before Franmil Reyes demolished a hanging slider to tie the game at three. Fortunately for Ottavino and fantasy managers alike, the Red Sox picked him up in the bottom half of the inning to walk it off. The win is the 35-year-old's second in as many days, but his scoreless streak of 7.1 innings is over.
Sep 3 2021Ottavino (4-3) struck out both batters he faced to earn the win Friday over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the 35-year-old has converted saves in his last three appearances with Matt Barnes on the COVID-19 injured list, Ottavino was called upon to finish the seventh inning after Nathan Eovaldi ran out of steam. Ottavino did so with just 10 pitches (six strikes), and Boston's five-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning put him in line for the win. The right-hander owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 60:30 K:BB across 53.2 innings while adding 11 saves and 20 holds. While he's not a traditional closer at this time, he should remain in the mix for high-leverage situations whenever they arise.
Sep 1 2021Ottavino pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning while striking out two on his way to a save in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 35-year-old has now registered a save in three consecutive outings and will continue to serve as the closer until Matt Barnes (COVID-19) returns and maybe even after with Barnes struggling to a 13.50 ERA since the beginning of August. Ottavino has posted a 1.64 ERA since the start of last month with four saves in four opportunities.
Aug 28 2021Ottavino picked up the save Saturday in an extra-innings win over Cleveland after recording the final two outs of the game. He allowed one hit and struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran reliever entered the game with one out in the 10th inning after Martin Perez had a wild outing -- he loaded the bases and struck out Bobby Bradley before allowing Ottavino to close things out. While he allowed an unearned run following an RBI single from Oscar Mercado, he also struck out Austin Hedges and retired Andres Gimenez on a groundout to pick up his 10th save of the season. He has gone 10-for-14 in save chances while also recording 20 holds to the tune of a 3.51 ERA, so Ottavino should remain one of Boston's top late-inning arms in the final weeks of the regular season.
Aug 27 2021Ottavino collected the save pitching a scoreless ninth inning with one walk and two strikeouts in a 4-3 win over Cleveland on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino worked around a leadoff walk and stolen base from pinch-runner Andres Gimenez in the ninth to secure save No. 9 of the season. The veteran reliever has now worked five consecutive scoreless outings out of the bullpen, and carries a 3.51 ERA as we inch closer to September.
Aug 15 2021Ottavino was removed from Sunday's win over the Orioles with a bruised left shoulder, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino entered for the seventh inning and hit a batter, induced an infield pop-out and issued a walk before being struck in the left shoulder by a comebacker. A run scored as the ball ricocheted into right field, and he was subsequently removed from the contest. It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, and the veteran right-hander will have Monday's scheduled off day to recover before potentially missing additional game action.
Aug 7 2021Ottavino worked a perfect inning and struck out one en route to his eighth save of the season in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino picked up his eighth save of the season in dramatic fashion Saturday night, striking out Teoscar Hernandez to strand the tying run at third and end the game. This is the right-hander's first save since July 5. After a rough close to the month of July, Ottavino's first two outings in August have been much more fruitful. The Red Sox will need the 35-year-old to remain a reliable option if they want to keep up in the pennant race.
Aug 1 2021Ottavino allowed three runs on two hits and a hit batsman while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning in Saturday's 9-5 loss to the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino closed out the seventh inning without incident but ran into immediate trouble in the eighth. He permitted a leadoff double, then hit a batter before giving up a run-producing single. That ended his night, but two more runs were charged to him while Austin Davis was on the mound. There have been a few struggling relievers among the Red Sox bullpen lately, with Ottavino being one of them. He's allowed seven runs on seven hits, two walks and two hit batsmen over his last three innings.
Jul 26 2021Ottavino (3-3) earned the win Monday versus Toronto. He allowed one hit in a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander kept the deficit to one run, and Alex Verdugo put Boston ahead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Ottavino struggled during last weekend's series versus the Yankees, allowing four runs across two appearances. He's mostly been a setup man this year with 16 holds, seven saves and four blown saves across 41.1 innings. He's added a solid 3.27 ERA, but his 1.35 WHIP and 47:23 K:BB leave plenty to be desired.
Jul 25 2021Ottavino (2-3) allowed two runs on three hits over a third of an inning to pick up the loss against the Yankees on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino entered a situation not unlike several others this season -- the eighth inning with runners on base -- but the reliever, who previously prevented 19 of 20 inherited runners from scoring, could not get it done Saturday. A 70.3 mph bloop ground-rule double, followed by a hard-hit double off the wall, then a 72.8 mph bloop single completed New York's comeback from a 3-0 deficit to start the eighth inning.
Jul 6 2021Ottavino allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two to lock down the save in Monday's 5-4 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was on in the ninth because closer Matt Barnes threw 33 pitches the day prior. He ran into trouble, giving up a run and had two men on with the dangerous Shohei Ohtani at the dish. The fill-in closer wriggled out of the jam, as Ohtani's 101.9 mph grounder was picked cleanly by second baseman Christian Arroyo to end the threat and the game. It was Ottavino's seventh save.
Jul 2 2021Ottavino earned a save after allowing a hit in a scoreless 10th inning in Friday's win over Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Matt Barnes blew a save chance in the ninth inning, Ottavino converted his sixth save of the year in the 10th. He gave up a single to Jed Lowrie before escaping the jam. The 35-year-old has converted six of his nine save opportunities this season and lowered his season ERA to 2.65.
Jun 26 2021Ottavino allowed one earned run on two hits and a walk while striking out one across 1.1 innings to earn the save in the win over the Yankees on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino notched the four-out save despite giving up a run in the ninth inning on a DJ LeMahieu RBI single. The 35-year-old is the backup closer behind Matt Barnes, but Barnes was unavailable Saturday after pitching in the previous two games. Ottavino has a solid 2.81 ERA and 38 strikeouts with five saves and 14 holds in 32 innings. He's allowed just one run over his last seven appearances.
Jun 16 2021Ottavino picked up the save against Atlanta on Wednesday, tossing one inning and giving up one run on two hits while striking out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Usual closer Matt Barnes was unavailable Wednesday after pitching each of the previous two days, so Ottavino was called upon to close with Boston holding a three-run ninth-inning lead. It was hardly a smooth performance by the veteran reliever -- he allowed a run on a single and a double -- but Ottavino struck out Freddie Freeman to end the game. The right-hander has converted four saves and 13 holds on the season and is clear top choice for ninth-inning duties when Barnes is unavailable.
Jun 7 2021Ottavino picked up the save after allowing one run on three hits while striking out two across 1.1 innings Monday against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was called upon with two outs in the top of the eighth inning, and while he was able to escape without issue, he surrendered a run on a pair of doubles and an infield single in the ninth. He ultimately induced a ground ball for the final out of a 5-3 victory. Per Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, after the game, manager Alex Cora praised Ottavino's effort on a day their usual closer, Matt Barnes, wasn't available after pitching three straight days. "He's in a great place right now," said Cora. "We were short (without Barnes), to have a guy who can do that is huge." Ottavino owns a 2.88 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 30:17 K:BB across 25 frames in 2021.
Jun 6 2021Ottavino retired the side in the eighth inning of Saturday's 7-3 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was protecting a four-run lead, so he was not credited with a hold, but he retired the heart of the order: DJ LeMahieu, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. It was his 10th consecutive scoreless outing, during which he's given up three hits and five walks while striking out 11 over 8.2 innings. He had an inconsistent start with his new club but has settled in with a 2.78 ERA and 1.28 WHIP.
May 28 2021Ottavino allowed three walks and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over Miami in a rain-shortened game. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino certainly didn't make it easy, but he was able to escape the jam he created in the top of the sixth inning. The game was called due to poor weather conditions at that time. The right-hander usually serves as setup man to Matt Barnes. Ottavino has posted a 3.05 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 26:15 K:BB across 20.2 innings this year. He's logged two saves, three blown saves, 11 holds and a 2-2 record in 23 appearances.
May 15 2021Ottavino struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning to earn a hold in Friday's 4-3 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox had taken the lead a half-inning earlier and went to Ottavino, their usual eighth-inning bridge to closer Matt Barnes, to face the top of the Angels' order. He induced a ground out from David Fletcher, then struck out Shohei Ohtani (swinging) and Mike Trout (called) in one of his best outings of the season. The hold was Ottavino's eighth.
May 6 2021Ottavino allowed one walk in a scoreless inning to record a save against the Tigers on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Red Sox leading 12-9 in the ninth, Ottavino nailed down his first save opportunity of the year, working around one free pass while holding the Tigers hitless. Matt Barnes had pitched the last two games and was presumably getting a breather before the weekend. Over 13 innings this season, Ottavino has compiled a 4.15 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.
May 2 2021Ottavino (2-2) gave up three runs (two earned) on one hit and two walks across two-thirds of an inning Sunday against the Rangers. He was credited with the loss. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino entered this game on the heels of three straight scoreless outings but was unable to keep the streak alive in this one, as he showed the same command issues that plagued him earlier this season. The veteran right-hander now owns a 5.40 ERA after allowing more than one run just for the second time in 2021.
Apr 29 2021Ottavino struck out one and did not allow a baserunner in one inning of work, recording the hold in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: That's three consecutive scoreless outings for the veteran righty, whose command appears to have improved considerably from earlier in the season. When Ottavino paints the corners with his sinker and slider as he did Wednesday, he can be a dominant late-inning weapon. The hold was his fifth of 2021, and opportunities for more will be plentiful as long as Boston continues playing well.
Apr 24 2021Ottavino retired both batters faced on strikeouts in Friday's 6-5 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino entered the eighth inning with men on second and third and one out, then fanned Dylan Moore and Sam Haggerty to earn his third hold. Eight of his 12 pitches were in the zone. It was a nice bounce-back for Ottavino, who had walked a pair and gave up a game-tying run the previous night when just six of 15 offerings were strikes.
Apr 23 2021Ottavino allowed one run on two walk during the eighth inning of Tuesday's 7-3 extra-inning loss to the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino failed to protect Boston's one-run lead, issuing his fifth and sixth walks of the season. He's issued those six free passes in just 6.2 innings. Combined with Darwinzon Hernandez, another late-inning option for the Red Sox, the two have combined to walk 14 over 13.2 innings.
Apr 21 2021Ottavino allowed one walk over a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino recorded his second hold in guiding a two-run into the ninth inning for Matt Barnes to record his third save. That's the preferred formula for manager Alex Cora, who also got another scoreless inning out of Matt Andriese in the seventh. Ottavino has had an uneven start, but he'll often be used in the last third of games.
Apr 17 2021Ottavino (2-1) picked up the win in relief Saturday against the White Sox after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He struck out all three batters he faced. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was lights out Saturday, as he tossed 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes while striking out the side -- Yermin Mercedes, Zack Collins and Luis Robert -- with ease. This was Ottavino's best outing of the season by a wide margin, but he has been very inconsistent to begin the year and has given up runs in three of his six appearances to date, which translates to a less-than-appealing 7.71 ERA across 4.2 innings.
Apr 16 2021Ottavino (1-1) allowed one run on two hits and a hit batsman over a third of an inning to pick up the loss against Minnesota on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Alex Verdugo doubled in the game-tying runs in the eighth, Ottavino gave it right back with a shaky ninth, the third time in five outings he's surrendered runs. In 3.2 innings over five appearances, Ottavino has allowed four runs (9.82 ERA) on seven hits, three walks and one hit batter. Even though manager Alex Cora hasn't officially declared a closer, it's clear Matt Barnes is the man after he and Ottavino battled for the job during spring training. Ottavino is still expected to pitch late in games; however, that could change if he continues to be a liability.
Apr 11 2021Ottavino allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one over one-plus innings in Saturday's 6-4 extra-inning win over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino entered with one out in the seventh inning as Boston clung to a one-run lead. He and Matt Barnes were the main competitors for the closer role since spring training, but manager Alex Cora never made an official announcement. The manager brought Ottavino in to shepherd a lead through innings seven and eight. He retired both batters faced in the seventh with a man on second but ran into eighth-inning trouble. The game was shaping up to be the first that Boston would need a closer, and Cora made a decision to go with Barnes, but the save chance for Barnes never materialized.
Mar 29 2021Ottavino won't have the clear path to serve as the Red Sox's Opening Day closer that it looked like he might have in recent days, as Matt Barnes' positive COVID-19 test was ruled a false positive Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There's been very little to separate Ottavino and Barnes in recent seasons, and they've been similarly effective this spring, so it was tough to say either of them had much more than a 50 percent chance to win the job. Barnes' positive test seemingly opened an opportunity for Ottavino to open the year in the role, which could make it his until he pitched his way out of it. Now that Barnes is back in camp, however, the job looks like it's back to being a coin flip.
Mar 27 2021Ottavino could step in as Boston's closer to begin the regular season after Matt Barnes tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Alex Cora announced Barnes' positive test result Saturday and said that the team hasn't yet determined its pitching plans to begin the regular season. However, Ottavino would be the most likely option to handle ninth-inning duties while Barnes is sidelined as long as Ottavino doesn't have to go through contact tracing. Ottavino was competing for the closer's job during camp and tossed 5.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts during five Grapefruit League appearances.
Mar 11 2021Ottavino allowed one hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's spring game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino made his spring debut in Grapefruit League play, following starter Matt Andriese in the fourth inning. He's competing to be Boston's closer along with Matt Barnes, who was impressive in his spring debut earlier this week. Ottavino has 19 career saves over 460 relief appearances and briefly served as a closer for a couple of stretches with Colorado in 2015 and 2016. Boston manager Alex Cora reiterated to Ian Browne of MLB.com that a closer will not be named until later in spring training, but the manager said Ottavino will be given the ball for clean innings, facing both righties and lefties.
Jan 25 2021The Yankees traded Ottavino along with pitching prospect Frank German to the Red Sox on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was excellent in his first season in New York in 2019, with his 31.1 percent strikeout rate canceling out a 10.6 percent walk rate and leading to a 1.90 ERA. That ERA spiked all the way to 5.89 in a small sample of 18.1 innings last season, though his underlying numbers told a more optimistic story, as his strikeout rate fell only slightly to 29.4 percent while his walk rate came in at a more palatable 10.6 percent. Still, the Yankees evidently don't believe he'll be worth the $8 million he's scheduled to make this season, so they sent him to their top rival in what appears to be little more than a salary dump. The move potentially boosts Ottavino's fantasy value, as Matt Barnes is hardly an immovable object at closer in Boston should the 35-year-old return to his previous form.
Sep 8 2020Ottavino (2-3) took the loss and was tagged with a blown save against Toronto on Monday, allowing six runs on four hits and two walks without retiring a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was the the hardest-hit victim of a 10-run Toronto sixth inning, getting lit up for a season-high six runs without registering an out. The biggest blow came off the bat of Danny Jansen, who smoked a grand slam to end Ottavino's outing. The veteran reliever's ERA jumped by over four runs to 7.55 due to the disastrous appearance, and he entered the record books as just the fifth Yankees pitcher since 1913 to allow six or more earned runs without recording an out.
Aug 20 2020Ottavino (2-2) took the loss and a blown save in Thursday's game against Tampa Bay, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk over 0.2 innings pitched. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino entered the game to start the sixth inning with the Yankees leading 4-3. After allowing a double and walk to the first two batters he faced, the right-hander retired the next two. He gave up a game-tying single to Manuel Margot two batters later before being replaced by Luis Avilan. The reliever was credited with two more runs when Avilan gave up a three-run homer to Mike Zunino. As of now, Thursday can be viewed as just a slip up, as Ottavino had allowed just one run in his previous 8.1 innings to start the season.
Aug 7 2020Ottavino (2-1) allowed one run on no hits and two walks while striking out one over one inning as he was charged with the loss Friday against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino has earned two wins in relief this season, but he picked up his first loss Friday. He came on in the eighth inning of a scoreless contest against the Rays and allowed two walks before giving up a go-ahead sacrifice fly that put him in line for the loss. Despite the blemish on his record, Ottavino has a 1.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over five innings in his first six relief appearances this year.
Aug 2 2020Ottavino (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless 1.1 innings while striking out two, earning the win Sunday versus the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was called on to get the final out of the seventh inning and then handled a leadoff Xander Bogaerts double in the eighth without trouble. The Yankees rallied to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth, and Ottavino became the pitcher of record. The right-hander has pitched 3.2 scoreless innings to start 2020. Ottavino will likely continue to see late-inning usage even when regular closer Aroldis Chapman (illness) returns to action.
Mar 9 2020Ottavino recorded a strikeout over a perfect five-pitch fifth inning in Sunday's 1-0 exhibition win over the Braves. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was about as economical as possible in his fourth outing of the spring, retiring two hitters on first pitches and ringing up Adeiny Hechavarria on three strikes. The 34-year-old turned in a 1.90 ERA while serving as the Yankees' top setup man in his debut season with the team, but he struggled to keep runners off the bases, in large part due to an elevated 14.1 percent walk rate. He's shown much improved control so far in Grapefruit League play, posting a 5:1 K:BB in a four-inning sample.
Aug 12 2019Ottavino gave up one hit and struck out one through a scoreless 0.2 innings to record his second save in an 11-8 win over the Orioles on Monday.
Aug 7 2019Ottavino worked around a base hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings to earn the save Tuesday in the Yankees' 9-4 win over the Orioles.
Jul 5 2019Ottavino retired two of the three batters he faced in Thursday's 8-4 win over the Rays, securing his 21st hold of the season in the process. He walked and struck out a batter in the 15-pitch appearance.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 13 2019Ottavino (2-2) took the loss Thursday against the White Sox after recording just two outs. He allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 21 2018Ottavino yielded an unearned run on two hits and a walk and notched a strikeout en route to recording his third save of the season Friday in the Rockies' 11-10 win over the Diamondbacks.According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, regular closer Wade Davis was unavailable for the series opener due to a stomach ailment, paving the way for Ottavino to pick up the save chance. Though he has been one of baseball's top setup men this season, Ottavino was shaky upon being summoned with two outs in the eighth inning. He threw a wild pitch that allowed a run score and then put back-to-back hitters on base before inducing an inning-ending popout. Then, with the Rockies holding a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and two men in scoring position, Ottavino needed a diving catch from center fielder Charlie Blackmon to rob Alex Avila of what would have been a game-tying base hit. Despite his less-than-sharp showing Friday, Ottavino should be the top choice to close if Davis requires a trip to the disabled list, though that isn't expected to be the case.
Jun 30 2018Ottavino threw a scoreless inning and worked around a hit to record his second save of the season Saturday against the Dodgers.The shutdown reliever put a bow on German Marquez's brilliant eight-inning outing while subbing for normal closer Wade Davis, who had worked a one-inning closure on each of the previous two days and likely received a breather. Even without consistent save opportunities, Ottavino has remained a productive piece of many fantasy clubs via sheer dominance (1.42 ERA, 14.0 K/9, 3.8 BB/9 and two saves in 38 innings).
Jun 27 2018Ottavino (3-1) was tagged with the loss Tuesday, allowing a run on one hits and three walks while striking out two over 1.2 innings against the Giants.Ottavino inherited a one run lead and a bases-loaded, one-out jam when he came on in the seventh and allowed just one to score, but then found himself in more trouble in the eighth. After a strikeout to start the frame, the 32-year-old allowed a single and three walks (one intentional) to allow the winning run to come home. This is likely just a blip on the radar, as Ottavino has been terrific this season allowing an earned run in just three of 33 outings en route to a 1.00 ERA and 56:14 K:BB over 36 innings.
Jun 14 2018Ottavino (oblique) was reinstated from the 10-day disabled list Thursday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.Ottavino will rejoin the Rockies' bullpen after missing the past few weeks due to a left oblique strain. The 32-year-old didn't require a rehab assignment and felt fine after throwing a live batting practice session earlier this week. Over 27 appearances this year, he's posted a 0.95 ERA and 0.64 WHIP.
Jun 12 2018Ottavino (oblique) will be evaluated Wednesday and could be activated from the disabled list as soon as Thursday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.Ottavino was placed on the DL in late May with a left oblique strain. He threw a live batting practice session Tuesday and now appears to be very near his return. Prior to his injury, the veteran righty was posting incredible numbers, recording an 0.95 ERA and a 45.5 percent strikeout rate in 28.1 innings.
Jun 10 2018Ottavino (oblique) felt good after throwing a 20-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.Ottavino, who has been sidelined since May 28 with a left oblique strain, didn't experience any pain when throwing his high-intensity bullpen session on Saturday. He remains without a firm return date, but manager Bud Black stated that "things are pointing in the right direction."
May 28 2018Ottavino was placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday with a left oblique strain, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.This is a tough break for the Rockies, as Ottavino has been one of the best relievers in the majors this season, compiling a 0.95 ERA. 0.64 WHIP and 45:10 K:BB across 28.1 innings of relief. The righty pitched -- and presumably picked up the injury -- in Sunday's win over the Reds, so the earliest he'll be eligible to return is June 7 should he be ready. That said, oblique injuries often tend to linger, so the Rockies figure to proceed cautiously with their prized reliever. Scott Oberg was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding roster move and will take Ottavino's place in the bullpen.
May 6 2018Ottavino got the save against the Mets on Sunday, working around a hit and a walk and getting three strikeouts to lock down Colorado's 3-2 victory.Filling in for Wade Davis, Ottavino bagged his first save of the year by throwing a clean ninth inning despite allowing a couple of baserunners. Davis is leading the National League in saves with 13, so the job is his in Colorado but Ottavino has been absolutely lights-out this year with a 0.47 ERA, a 0.58 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in just 19 innings. If he continues to post numbers like that, he would carry fantasy value as a source of strikeouts and a ratio stabilizer even as the secondary option for ninth-inning duties.
Apr 6 2018Ottavino collected the win Thursday against the Padres after throwing two scoreless innings. He allowed a hit and struck out two in the outing.Ottavino looks like an entirely new pitcher so far this season. He struck out the side in his first two appearances of the campaign and currently has a 10:1 K:BB in five innings pitched. Granted, the sample size is pretty small. However, he typically has solid ratios when he's healthy, and this early showing makes it seem as if he's firing on all cylinders right now.
Mar 18 2018Ottavino has allowed one run on five hits and four walks while striking out five across 6.1 innings this spring.Ottavino is off to a solid start start in March and will hope to have a bounce back season in 2018 after a disappointing 2017 campaign. He accrued a 5.06 ERA across 53.1 innings while giving up 39 walks a season ago. Ottavino should find himself in plenty of high-leverage situations to start the year, with the chance to earn more key innings if he performs well early on.
Sep 19 2017Ottavino has an ERA of 5.40 over 50 innings this season with the Rockies.Ottavino hasn't seen much action lately, and with his sky-high ERA it's not hard to see why. He has consistently struggled this season, and has given up eight runs in his last 10 innings. The Rockies have been using him mostly in low-to-medium-leverage situations (41.2 of his 50 innings), and it's hard to envision the 31-year-old throwing many key innings down the stretch.
Jul 6 2017Ottavino is sporting a 6.00 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP in 30 innings pitched this season.The 31-year-old right-hander had previously been one of the Rockies' top relievers prior to injuring his shoulder at the end of May, but the wheels have since come off. He's allowed runs in five of his past six outings, and his ERA since returning from the disabled list on June 9 sits at a lofty 14.00. He does have 15 strikeouts in that same nine-inning span and seems to be holding onto his role as a high-leverage reliever for Colorado, but his days acting as the setup man to Greg Holland may be numbered if he can't right the ship soon.
Jun 9 2017Ottavino (shoulder) was activated from the disabled list Friday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.The right-hander returns from a brief absence due to shoulder inflammation and will regain the top setup role most times to Greg Holland. Carlos Estevez was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque to create roster space. Ottavino holds a sparkling 2.57 ERA on the year with 24 strikeouts (albeit with 15 walks) in 21 innings this year.
Jun 8 2017Ottavino (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday against the Cubs, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.Ottavino said his shoulder felt great following his bullpen Wednesday, clearing the way for him to rejoin the big club before the weekend. He should reclaim his spot as a primary setup man for Colorado upon his return.
Jun 7 2017Ottavino is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday and could return to the Rockies' bullpen as early as Saturday against the Cubs, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.Ottavino also commented that his ailing shoulder feels great, which is a promising sign that he could return after a minimal DL stint. More information should come forth following Wednesday's outing, but the strikeout machine should be back in commission very soon and will likely regain his position as a primary setup man for Colorado.
May 30 2017Ottavino was placed on the 10-day DL on Tuesday with right shoulder inflammation.His 2.57 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 21 innings look nice, but his 1.43 WHIP and 16.5 percent walk rate are more troubling. He should be considered out indefinitely. Carlos Estevez was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque as a corresponding move.
May 15 2017Ottavino gave up a pair of runs on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning Sunday against the Dodgers.Owners who hold stock in Greg Holland were likely happy that this outing led to a save chance for Holland, but anyone speculatively hanging onto Ottavino have been hung out to dry as of late. The setup man has allowed runs in three of his last four appearances while posting a 1:6 K:BB in that span. There is a silver lining, however: in leagues where holds count for something, Sunday's outing handed Ottavino his 12th hold of the year, putting him well on pace to demolish his career high in the holds department (21) that he put up in 2014.
Apr 17 2017Ottavino has allowed one run in 6.1 innings, while striking out 10, to start the season.Ottavino currently boasts a solid 14.2 K/9 rate and a 0.95 WHIP. In addition, he has locked down the setup role behind closer Greg Holland. Over the previous two seasons, the 31-year-old posted a combined 1.93 ERA and notched 10 saves despite tossing just 37.1 innings.
Mar 16 2017Ottavino may open the year as the setup man, with Greg Holland potentially opening the year as the closer, the Denver Post's Nick Groke reports.Groke referred to Holland as "the man to whom the Rockies will probably pin closer status next month," and while there has been no official word from the team or quotes to support this notion, the Rockies beat writer is as plugged in as anyone, so his opinion on the matter carries a lot of weight. Ottavino was dominant last season, but he has just 11 career saves compared to Holland's 145, so inexperience may be working against him here. He is still worth rostering in most deeper formats, given the fact that Holland is coming back from Tommy John surgery and nothing has been officially announced regarding who will close, but he needs to be downgraded significantly following Groke's take on the matter.
Mar 14 2017Ottavino has allowed two runs on five hits in 4.2 innings pitched. He also struck out seven batters and walked two in that span.It's encouraging to see the 31-year-old maintaining his high-strikeout ways while keeping the ball in the park this spring. After amassing seven saves last season, Ottavino projects to be the Rockies' closer to start the 2017 campaign, although Greg Holland could push for saves later in the season if he returns to his pre-Tommy John form.
Jan 25 2017Ottavino is the "clear favorite" to open the season as the Rockies' closer, according to beat writer Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.This is strictly Saunders' opinion, but he is a legitimate authority on the matter as one of the Rockies' top beat writers. The Rockies signed Greg Holland on Wednesday, so that adds a right-handed reliever with a history of success in the ninth inning to the mix for saves, but it sounds like Ottavino should still be the top target in that bullpen in fantasy drafts.
Sep 30 2016Ottavino nailed down his seventh save of the season, striking out two batters during the ninth inning of a 4-1 victory over the Brewers.The right-hander threw 18 pitches, 12 of which for strikes. In between the two strikeouts, Ottavino induced a groundout. He has a 2.42 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 32 strikeouts in 26.0 innings and is now 7-for-12 in save opportunities.
Sep 25 2016Ottavino blew the save in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Dodgers, allowing a game-tying homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.Tasked with protecting a 3-2 lead, Ottavino struck out the first two batters he faced. He then fell behind 2-0 to Corey Seager, who swatted his next pitch over the right field wall for a game-tying homer, chasing Ottavino from the game. The blown save was the fifth of the year for Ottavino, who had not allowed an earned run in six September appearances prior to Sunday. He's still entrenched as Colorado's closer with a 2.55 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.
Sep 18 2016Ottavino pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his fifth save in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Padres, allowing a hit while striking out two.Ottavino had little trouble protecting Colorado's three-run lead, allowing a two-out single to Adam Rosales before striking out Luis Sardinas to end the game. The 30-year-old has not allowed an earned run in six September appearances, lowering his ERA to 2.25.
Sep 12 2016Ottavino earned the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Padres. He walked one and struck out one without allowing a run.Ottavino pitched a scoreless 10th inning to preserve Colorado's extra-inning victory, recovering from a leadoff walk to retire the next three batters in order. After initially struggling when he took over closing duties in late August, Ottavino has yet to allow an earned run in four September appearances. He's now converted consecutive save opportunities for the first time this season and appears to have a stable hold on the closer job.
Aug 31 2016Ottavino gave up five runs on three hits and two walks in the ninth inning against the Dodgers on Thursday, blowing the save and taking the loss.He totally unraveled in this one, ultimately allowing a grand slam to rookie Andrew Toles, the finishing touch on an utter implosion that turned an 8-5 lead into a 10-8 loss. Ottavino's now blown two saves in his last three appearances, but he has little competition for the ninth inning in Colorado.
Aug 29 2016Ottavino struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Sunday to notch his second save of the season in a win over the Nationals.It's been over two weeks since Ottavino recorded his first save and it comes on the heels of him blowing an opportunity Saturday in the Rockies' 9-4 extra-inning win. The team seems committed to him as their closer for the remainder of the year, but save chances could remain hard to come by given the team's tendency to either win or lose big.
Aug 11 2016Ottavino struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Thursday en route to his first save of the season.After striking out Robinson Chirinos swinging, Ottavino got Shin Soo Choo and Ian Desmond looking to earn his first save since Apr. 24 of last year. Ottavino has now turned in 17 consecutive scoreless appearances since his return from Tommy John surgery, although his velocity is down well below where it was before the procedure. Regardless, Ottavino is back in the closer role for the Rockies after Carlos Estevez pitched his way out of the ninth inning.
Aug 9 2016Ottavino will take over as the Rockies' closer, per manager Walt Weiss, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.Weiss announced Tuesday that the team will move away from Carlos Estevez, who blew his second consecutive save Monday night in a loss to the Rangers. Ottavino will take over for the time being, as he's yet to allow a run, while scattering four hits, across 11.2 innings for the Rockies this season. Over that span, Ottavino has struck out 12 and walked only three.
Jul 5 2016Ottavino (elbow) traveled with the Rockies to San Francisco on Monday and could return to the bullpen before the All-Star break, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.Ottavino was initially expected to use the full 30 days allowed for rehab assignments, but after throwing in back-to-back games over the weekend, the right-hander may be able to make his debut following last year's Tommy John surgery slightly ahead of schedule. The Rockies naturally won't want to rush him considering the severity of his injury, but manager Walt Weiss did acknowledge that the early return is possible since his rehab assignment went so well. Colorado does have room for Ottavino on the 40-man roster after Yohan Flande was designated for assignment Saturday, meaning the Rockies would only need to option someone to Triple-A to make room for the 30-year-old reliever. Either way, it seems that Ottavino's long journey back to baseball will reach its conclusion very soon as long as no complications arise in the meantime.
Jul 5 2016Ottavino (elbow) was activated from the disabled list Tuesday, Jenny Cavnar of Root Sports reportsThere were reports that Ottavino could return before the All-Star break, as he had progressed to throwing on back-to-back days while on a rehab assignment, and he is indeed back almost 14 months to the day after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Ottavino was in the closing mix for Colorado when he went down with the injury, but manager Walt Weiss seems content with Carlos Estevez in the ninth and Jake McGee as the primary setup option for now. Ottavino may be eased back in with work in the middle innings.
Jun 22 2016Ottavino (elbow) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.Ottavino pitched four times for High-A Modesto, amassing 2.2 innings of work where he allowed six hits and three runs. Despite what normally wouldn't be viewed as a strong performance, the right-hander maintained his health through each outing, so the Rockies felt confident enough to send him up to face more advanced competition. The plan for the 30-year-old is to throw a complete inning in his next outing and then progress to pitch on back-to-back nights after that. As long as everything continues to go as planned, Ottavino should be able to return around the all-star break.
Jun 18 2016Ottavino (elbow) struck out the side while earning his first save Thursday during a rehab appearance with High-A Modesto, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.Ottavino did allow two hits, but neither of the baserunners crossed the plate. The right-hander, who is in the process of returning from Tommy John surgery, is making good progress in his return and is expected to return to the Rockies bullpen around the second week of July.
Jun 8 2016Ottavino (elbow) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Modesto on Friday, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Ottavino's recovery from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander is slated to pitch in three or four games with the Nuts, and if everything goes as planned, he'll be transferred up to Triple-A Albuquerque to continue his rehab. No firm timetable for his return has been set, but he appears to be primed to return either in late June or in early July.
May 28 2016Ottavino (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Saturday.Ottavino is nearing the final stages of his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and he threw 21 pitches at Coors Field on Saturday. The right-hander remains without a firm return timetable, but he would appear to be on track to return sometime around the All-Star break, barring a setback.
May 16 2016Ottavino (elbow) hopes to face live hitters later this month, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.Ottavino is making steady progress on his return from Tommy John surgery, but he still is a ways away from returning. There's no firm timetable for his return, but if he is able to face live hitters later in the month, a return around the All-Star break is well within the realm of possibility.
Apr 13 2016Ottavino (elbow) threw breaking balls off a mound for the first time in his last bullpen session and plans to do so again Wednesday, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.It appears Ottavino is making progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which is definitely good to hear. If the Wednesday bullpen session goes well, the right-hander will head to the Rockies' spring training facility to continue his throwing program. There is no firm timetable for his return, but Ottavino is hoping to be back around the All-Star Break.
Mar 18 2016Ottavino (elbow) will throw 15 pitches off a mound Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.He will open the 2016 season on the 60-day DL after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. So far, there have been no reported setbacks Ottavino's recovery, and the Rockies will hope that continues as he ramps up his throwing activity. Jake McGee, Jason Motte, and Chad Qualls were brought in this offseason to bolster the back-end of the Colorado bullpen.
Feb 18 2016Ottavino has been put on the 60-day DL, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.This move followed the Rockies' claim of Tony Wolters off of waivers. The 30-year-old is recovering from Tommy John surgery, so his move to the 60-day DL is not much of a surprise. He threw 10.3 shutout innings for Colorado in 2015 and has a career 3.88 ERA. The Rockies expect him to be back around mid-season.
Dec 19 2015Ottavino's recovery from Tommy John surgery is going according to schedule and the Rockies expect him to be back by mid-season, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.The Rockies signed Ottavino to a three-year extension early Saturday, indicating that the team is confident that he will return to form after missing the majority of the 2015 campaign to recover from Tommy John surgery. He pitched well prior to his injury, notching three saves and allowing zero runs over 10.1 innings of work out of the bullpen. The Rockies signed Jason Motte during the offseason, making him the prohibitive favorite to close games, but Ottavino could compete for a setup role once healthy.
May 7 2015Ottavino (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Thursday, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.This was the expected outcome for Ottavino, who is now slated to miss the remainder of 2015, and quite likely, the first half of 2016 as well. He took over the closer role from LaTroy Hawkins and saw some success prior to the injury. Now, John Axford will likely continue in his duties, while Ottavino begins the long rehab process.
May 1 2015Ottavino (triceps) continues to seek multiple opinions on his elbow injury before deciding what route to take in his recover, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports.Ottavino underwent a recent MRI that showed elbow inflammation along with the initial triceps injury. An official timetable hasn't been set yet, but it should come once his exact injury and plan has been established.
Apr 28 2015Ottavino, who was already diagnosed with triceps inflammation, underwent an MRI Tuesday that also showed elbow inflammation and he will now miss more time than originally anticipated, the Denver Post's Nick Groke reports.Ottavino is already on the disabled list, and will stay with the team through its road trip and will then meet with team doctors in Denver early next week to get a more precise diagnosis. He admitted that he did not feel good pitching in his last two outings, and it now sounds as if Ottavino could miss a very significant chunk of the season. The triceps inflammation alone reminded some of what Justin Verlander is going through, and he is out indefinitely and has yet to pitch this season. In leagues without DL spots and with shallow benches, it may be time to look for a better option on waivers. John Axford will be the Rockies' closer in the short term.
Apr 27 2015Ottavino was placed on the 15-day DL on Monday with right triceps inflammation.It's unclear when Ottavino suffered the injury as he pitched a scoreless inning and picked up the save in his last outing Saturday, but he'll miss at least the minimum 15 days as he deals with the inflammation. John Axford recorded a save earlier last week, so he seems to be in line to take over the closer duties while Ottavino is sidelined.
Apr 25 2015Ottavino struck out one during a scoreless ninth inning Friday to pick up his third save of the season.Interestingly enough, Ottavino yielded a save chance to John Axford earlier this week. He appears to be the Rockies' closer now, but Ottavino's usage may be slightly different than some of the game's top-tier ninth-inning options.
Apr 23 2015Ottavino recorded his first win of the season in Wednesday's 5-4 nipping of the Padres.Ottavino entered in a non-save situation in the top of the ninth inning and pitched a scoreless frame, then watched as Daniel Descalso plated a run in the bottom half of the inning to lead the Rockies to a walk-off victory. The right-hander's ERA remains unblemished, and while some peel back can be expected, his outstanding peripherals both this season (12.9 K/9, 1.0 BB/9, 57.1 GB%) and last (9.6, 2.2, 46.7%) suggest there's some level of sustainability to what he's doing. He's well-positioned to hang on to the Rockies' closer gig for good.
Apr 16 2015Ottavino struck out two in a perfect ninth to pick up his second save in Wednesday's victory over the Giants.Ottavino finished the game for the second straight night and now has three career saves. It looks as though manager Walt Weiss will continue to throw Ottavino out there in save situations.
Apr 15 2015Ottavino struck out the side Tuesday night and picked up his first save of the season in the Rockies' win over the Giants.He was given the role by manager Walt Weiss prior to Tuesday's game. Ottavino has struck out a batter per inning since the start of the 2012 season for the Rockies, and he's the best options skills-wise in the bullpen to handle the job. It's not unreasonable to think that he could lock down the role and become a top-10 closer over the course of the season.
Apr 15 2015Manager Walt Weiss informed Ottavino prior to Tursday's game that he will be the team's closer moving forward, MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports.Ottavino promptly went out and recorded his first save of the season in Tuesday's victory over the Giants. He has 10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings this season and has yet to give up a run, so he should be a productive fantasy option of he proves up to handling the ninth-inning role.
Apr 13 2015Though Rafael Betancourt got the save Monday, the Rockies haven't yet named a full-time replacement for LaTroy Hawkins, and Ottavino is one of the options for Walt Weiss.Ottavino had pitched the two previous days, covering 2.1 innings. He was the team's top set-up reliever in 2014 and is off to a great start in 2015, with no runs allowed and seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings so far.
Apr 8 2015Ottavino worked a clean eighth inning Tuesday to claim his first hold of the season in a 5-2 win over the Brewers. He struck out two batters and required just 12 pitches to retire the side.Ottavino's usage in the eighth inning ahead of closer LaTroy Hawkins essentially confirms he's the Rockies' top setup man. Given that Hawkins is 42 years old and no longer profiles as an overpowering end-gamer due to his feeble strikeout rate, Ottavino is worth a look in deeper leagues for those prospecting for closers in waiting. The right-hander turned in a dominant spring and was probably the Rockies' most effective reliever in 2014, turning in a 3.60 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 70:16 K:BB ratio over 65 innings.
Jan 26 2015Ottavino agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Rockies on Monday, avoiding arbitration Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.Ottavino posted a 3.60 ERA in a career-high 75 appearances last season and is one of the Rockies' most versatile bullpen arms. He also struck out 70 while walking just 16 batters.
Jun 25 2014Ottavino gave up a pair of runs on three hits while taking the loss in relief against the Cardinals on Wednesday.After finishing May with a 1.46 ERA, Ottavino has been roughed up often throughout June, raising his season ERA to 4.63 in the process. While it appeared as though he may have been next in line for save opportunities in the event of a LaTroy Hawkins injury or demotion, Ottavino's recent struggles have removed most of that luster for the time being.
Jun 2 2014Ottavino took the loss Sunday vs. the Indians, surrendering a walk-off two-run homer to Michael Bourn in the ninth inning.Sunday's outing might not have been a shining moment for Ottavino, but he's otherwise been the best reliever in the team's bullpen this season. Ottavino owns a 25:3 K:BB ratio, 11 holds and a 2.16 ERA over his 25 innings, positioning himself for more high-leverage setup work in front of closer LaTroy Hawkins.
May 24 2014Ottavino recorded the final two outs of the eighth inning Saturday to earn his 10th hold of the season.In the Rockies' relief corps, Ottavino has moved up in the pecking order this season while Matt Belisle has slipped into a slightly lesser relief role. With another scoreless outing Saturday, Ottavino now possesses a 1.69 ERA and 0.80 WHIP on the strength of a 22:2 K:BB in 21.1 innings this season.
Apr 29 2014Ottavino notched his sixth hold of the season in Monday's 8-5 win over the Diamondbacks.Ottavino did allow his first run of the season in the process of picking up the hold, but with a 0.73 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB ratio over 12.1 innings, the Rockies are more than willing to look past the slip-up. The struggles of Matt Belisle, Rex Brothers and the since-demoted Wilton Lopez have opened up further opportunities in middle relief for Ottavino, who has proven to be more than up for the task so far.
Apr 3 2014Ottavino struck out three batters in his one inning of work Wednesday against the Marlins. He did allow an inherited runner to score on a wild pitch.Ottavino entered the game in the sixth inning following a short start by Brett Anderson, earning his first hold of the season in the process. The offseason acquisitions of LaTroy Hawkins and Boone Logan will probably limit Ottavino's chances of seeing work in the later innings, but he remains a highly valuable swingman out of the Colorado bullpen.
Aug 31 2013Ottavino pitched two scoreless innings in Friday's win over the Giants.It was just Ottavino's fifth hold of the season, as he's often been called upon early in games when the outcome is still uncertain. He had the luxury of pitching with a six-run lead in this one, taking most of the pressure off as he quickly navigated through the two innings.
Aug 31 2013Ottavino pitched two scoreless innings in Friday's win over the Reds.It was just Ottavino's fifth hold of the season, as he's often been called upon early in games when the outcome is still uncertain. He had the luxury of pitching with a six-run lead in this one, taking most of the pressure off as he quickly navigated through the two innings.
Jul 26 2013Ottavino was handed his second loss of the season Thursday after surrendering the game's first run in the eighth inning.Starter Juan Nicasio dominated through seven innings before giving way to Ottavino, who struck out the first two batters of the eighth before giving up back-to-back singles and allowing a run to score on a wild pitch. Wilton Lopez promptly gave up four runs in the top of the ninth inning to ensure that the rally the Rockies mounted in the bottom of the inning went for naught. All in all, Ottavino has still been one of the most reliable pitchers out of the bullpen for the Rockies, owning a 2.92 ERA and striking out 52 batters in 49.1 innings.
May 27 2013Ottavino was strong in relief Monday against the Astros, tossing two shutout innings and striking out two batters.While Ottavino is far off the pace of last season's total of 79 innings, he's traded the less frequent outings for more overall effectiveness. Ottavino's 2.31 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 23.1 innings have played a large role in turning the bullpen into a major strength this season for an improved Rockies squad.
Apr 30 2013Ottavino has posted a 16:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 13.1 innings this season, aiding him to a 1.98 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.Ottavino is one of the more versatile members of the Rockies bullpen, often asked to cover more than one inning in both low- and high-leverage roles. While he likely won't factor into the team's late-inning mix, there's a good chance he'l rank near the top of the National League in innings pitched out of the bullpen by the end of the season.
Mar 29 2013Ottavino claimed a middle relief role for the Rockies, the Denver Post reports.Ottavino will join Edgmer Escalona and Chris Volstad as the Rockies' middle relievers, with all three pitchers occasionally being asked to pitch up to two innings an outing. While it's unlikely Ottavino reaches last season's total of 98.2 innings in 2013, the former starter should nonetheless be used heavily after turning in serviceable numbers last season.
Feb 13 2013Ottavino will be in contention for a hybrid relief role, MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports.With the Rockies' rotation often unable to last five innings on a given night last season, the team plans to safeguard against short outings by employing two or three relievers who can pitch multiple innings on some occasions while also being effective in getting out as few as one batter if the matchup favors the reliever. Ottavino fulfilled a similar role last season and had modest suggest, registering a 4.56 ERA over 79 innings. With previous experience as a starter under his belt, Ottavino has the credentials to take on a heavy innings load out of the bullpen.
Jan 14 2013Ottavino has declined an invite to play for the Italian team in this spring's World Baseball Classic, the Denver Post reports.After a successful run last season as a hybrid reliever working in concert with the team's four-man rotation, Ottavino is a top candidate to claim one of two hybrid roles the Rockies plan to have available this season, despite the return to a more traditional five-man rotation setup. Assuming the Rockies stick close to last season's model for their hybrid relievers, Ottavino could throw up to 50 pitches out of the bullpen in a given outing.
Sep 24 2012Ottavino surrendered a run on two hits and two walks in one inning of work Sunday.After putting together his best month of the season in August, Ottavino has struggled mightily in September. He's posted a 10.66 ERA for the month and allowed 12 runs in his last 5.2 innings of work. Though he's transitioning from a starting role last year in Triple-A to a long relief role with the Rockies, the max effort required from his new job looks like it might be effecting his performance. He's thrown 95.2 innings of relief between Triple-A and the majors this season.
Sep 17 2012Ottavino gave up seven runs on six hits and a walk Sunday while retiring only two batters.Ottavino has been a key component of the Rockies' four-man rotation experiment, frequently becoming the first reliever after the starter goes four-to-five innings while throwing multiple innings himself. He saw his ERA jump from 3.56 to 4.38 with this blowup.
Aug 30 2012Ottavino pitched three scoreless innings in the Rockies' loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday.Ottavino has been the Rockies' most reliable piggyback reliever of late, and allowed only three baserunners while striking out three in this outing. Unfortunately, Drew Pomeranz gave up six runs in the four innings preceding Ottavino's appearance, sending the Rockies to a 10-8 loss.
Aug 20 2012Ottavino earned his second win in the four-game series against the Marlins on Sunday, pitching three innings of shutout ball.Ottavino upheld the 3-2 lead before giving way to Matt Belisle and Rafael Betancourt to handle the eighth and ninth inning, respectively. Ottavino has been sterling as a "piggyback" reliever for the four-man rotation of late, with his ERA now under 4.00 for the first time since June.
Aug 17 2012Ottavino (4-1) picked up the win in relief Thursday, allowing run over three innings while striking out three batters in a 5-3 win over the Marlins.Ottavino has been excellent in August, posting a 1.32 ERA over 13.2 innings of work. He's added two wins to his ledger over the last week and is beginning to merit more consideration in deeper NL-only leagues as a result of his ability to eat innings as a reliever in conjunction with the team's four-man rotation.
Aug 14 2012Ottavino was sterling in relief Monday, surrendering a lone single in 2.2 innings of scoreless pitching in a 9-6 win over the Brewers.Piggybacking for starter Jeff Francis, Ottavino provided exactly what the Rockies were asking for by getting the team to the ninth inning without incident while striking out two batters. Over his last four outings, Ottavino has allowed one run in 10.2 innings, giving up only four hits and two walks while striking out 10.
Aug 7 2012Ottavino earned his third win in relief Monday, pitching three scoreless innings against the Dodgers.The win was more a product of the Rockies' four-man rotation setup than Ottavino coming through in a crucial situation. Drew Pomeranz allowed zero runs in his start and left with a 2-0 lead, but was limited to four innings after accumulating 84 pitches. The official scorer elected to take Pomeranz's short outing into account, choosing to credit Ottavino with the win after he provided the bridge to closer Rafael Betancourt in innings five through seven.
Aug 4 2012Ottavino threw three innings of relief Friday, giving up one run on two hits while striking out four.Relatively speaking, Ottavino was the team's top pitcher in the 16-4 loss to the Giants, as fellow relievers Mike Ekstrom, Matt Reynolds and Carlos Torres allowed at least three runs apiece. Ottavino boasts an impressive 9.91 K/9 rate, but a 1.41 WHIP has inflated his ERA to 4.85.
Aug 1 2012Ottavino was torched for four runs on four hits and three walks in Tuesday's 11-6 loss to the Cardinals.Ottavino has seen time as a paired reliever since the team moved to a four-man rotation, but has been far less impressive than fellow long men Josh Roenicke and Carlos Torres. Though he racks up a respectable amount of innings in this role, Ottavino's 4.99 ERA and 1.46 WHIP are not enough to offset his potential to vulture the occasional win while striking out a healthy amount of batters.
Jul 23 2012Ottavino picked up the loss Sunday, allowing Will Venable's game-winning RBI single in the seventh inning, in Colorado's 3-2 loss at San Diego.Ottavino also notched a strikeout to hold a 10.49 K/9IP this season, though he hasn't pitched all that well since his four-run fiasco on June 30. During that stretch, he has a 7.84 ERA and 1.935 WHIP across 10.1 innings
Jun 30 2012Ottavino gave up four runs in one inning of work Saturday in Colorado's 8-4 home loss to San Diego.Ottavino has been on and off in the past two weeks for the Rockies. Before Saturday's blow up, Ottavino had gone four innings without giving up a run while only allowing a total of two men on base, but in the two games before that he gave up five runs in only 1.1 innings of work.
Jun 29 2012Ottavino was brilliant Thursday, striking out five batters in two innings to earn the win in relief for the Rockies.Ottavino was one of the few pitchers to acquit himself in Thursday's 11-10 affair, stabilizing a Rockies' bullpen that has been a bit overworked since the team went to a four-man rotation. Ottavino now has a 31:8 K/BB ratio and a 3.38 ERA over 24.0 innings of work on the season.
May 20 2012Ottavino was recalled Sunday, the Rockies' official Twitter page reports.Ottavino, who will be available out of the bullpen Sunday, replaced the optioned Rex Brothers on the 25-man roster. The right-handed Ottavino has recorded a 3.20 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 19.2 innings in Triple-A this year.
May 8 2012Ottavino has been sent down to make room for Wednesday starter Christian Friedrich, the Rockies' official Twitter account reports.Ottavino will likely be up and down this year depending on if the Rockies need an extra right-handed bullpen arm. At 26 years old, he's not much of a prospect at this point.
May 5 2012The Rockies called up Ottavino on Saturday, the team's official Twitter feed reports.He'll replace Guillermo Moscoso on the roster, and figures to work out of the bullpen with the Rockies after carrying a 20:7 K:BB and 1.60 GO/AO mark over 15 innings in relief at Colorado Springs.
Apr 3 2012The Rockies claimed Ottavino off waivers from the Cardinals on Tuesday, according to the Rockies' official Twitter page. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino will fill a spot on the Rockies' 40-man roster, but the Rockies chose to option him to Triple-A Colorado Springs after adding him to the team. Expect him to open the season in the rotation for Colorado Springs.
Mar 20 2012Otatvino was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino has spent the better part of the last three years pitching for Memphis. Looks like the same thing in 2012.
Mar 15 2012Ottavino gave up four runs in an inning of work Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino came into the game with six strikeouts in two innings of work, but the wheels came off Wednesday. He'll probably spend the year with Triple-A Memphis again.
Nov 19 2011Ottavino was added to the St. Louis 40-man roster Friday, the team's official site reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The move will protect Ottavino, who turns 26 next week, from the Rule 5 Draft. He's spent most of the last three years pitching for Triple-A Memphis, posting a 4.68 ERA in 333 innings, though he had a forgettable five-game cup of coffee with the Cardinals in 2011.
Mar 11 2011Ottavino was one of seven players the Cardinals sent down on Friday, the team's official site reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was thought that Ottavino would get a shot to take the starting role vacated by Adam Wainwright, but instead he'll start his games in Triple-A Memphis.
Feb 24 2011In the wake of Adam Wainwright's injury. Ottavino might have a shot to join the St. Louis rotation this year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino has a tough hill to climb, as he's not even on the 40-man roster right now and there are likely better internal options available.
Sep 30 2010Ottavino (shoulder) was activated from the 60-day disabled list Thursday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino will be available to pitch during the last few games of the season. He has been out since early July.
Sep 14 2010Ottavino (shoulder) threw an "aggressive" bullpen session Monday and hopes he'll be able to pitch a few spare innings before the season is out, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino, currently on the 60-day DL, hasn't pitched since July. At least he was able to avoid surgery.
Aug 17 2010The Cardinals transferred Ottavino to the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was moved to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for the recently signed Zack Cox. It's unclear if Ottavino will return before the season is over.
Jul 20 2010Ottavino (shoulder) is looking for a third opinion in the hopes of avoiding surgery, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: By the time one gets to a third opinion, they're really just delaying the inevitable. Ottavino is hoping he can get better just through rehab, but it doesn't look like he's going to get his wish. He's doubtful to return this season.
Jul 16 2010Ottavino will need surgery on his torn labrum, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino's return is doubtful in 2010, but he should be ready for the 2011 season. Apparently he'd been pitching with a "SLAP" tear since April.
Jul 7 2010Ottavino has been placed on the DL with a right shoulder strain, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: To take his place on the roster, the Cards have promoted lefty Evan MacLane. There had been talk that Ottavino would be available in relief at some point before the All-Star break, but it looks like the Cards have decided to go the cautious route with him here.
Jun 26 2010The Cardinals called up Ottavino Friday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino will work as a long reliever this time around, but the Cardinals will do an all-reliever game now and then, including Saturday, so he could be a quasi-starter.
Jun 14 2010The Cardinals have optioned Ottavino to Triple-A Memphis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino, who had a 0-2 record and 7.53 earned run average in three starts, was sent down to make room on the Cards' roster for the addition of Jeff Suppan.
May 29 2010The Cardinals officially announced that Ottavino will be called up to start Saturday at Wrigley field, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Tony La Russa wants to protect his bullpen and isn't sure how many innings he'll want from Ottavino Saturday. The Cardinals used four relievers Friday, though one of them - Fernando Salas - will probably be the player sent down to make way for Ottavino. Brad Penny (back) will probably return in the coming weeks, but with Kyle Lohse (forearm) likely to be done for the season, Ottavino can stick around for awhile if he impresses.
May 26 2010With Kyle Lohse (forearm) likely headed to the DL, Ottavino will be called up to pitch Saturday against the Cubs, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If he's lucky, Ottavino could eventually be a middle-of-the-rotation starter. He's probably not worth a speculative bid in NL-only leagues right now though.
May 19 2010Ottavino recently took a no-hitter into the seventh inning for Triple-A Memphis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals would probably call up P.J. Walters before they'd call up Ottavino if a spot starter is needed, but Ottavino is getting closer to being ready for the majors.
Mar 27 2010The Cardinals optioned Ottavino to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: St. Louis considered Ottavino as a potential bullpen arm, but instead he'll go to Triple-A to serve as a starter. If needed, he can be recalled and used as either a starter or reliever. "That keeps all the options open," manager Tony La Russa said. "He can be a starter in the big leagues." Ottavino allowed just three runs in 11.1 innings this spring.
Mar 24 2010The battle for the last spot in the Cardinals' bullpen is likely down to Ottavino and Mitch Boggs, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the assumption that Rich Hill is going to get sent down and Jaime Garcia will join the rotation, only Boggs or Ottavino are in danger of getting cut. Boggs has the edge due to his experience, but Ottavino has pitched much better this spring.
Mar 22 2010Ottavino has emerged as a surprising contender for a spot in the Cardinals' pen, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino will get a couple more shots to impress manager Tony La Russa, but it's still fairly unlikely that the 2006 draft pick goes north with the Cardinals.
Feb 27 2010Although originally the Cardinals wanted Ottavino to start the Grapefruit League opener on March 4, they decided to go with Evan MacLane instead, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino will probably still pitch in the game, and considering he's a longshot to make the roster, this change probably won't affect his regular-season status much.
Feb 24 2010Ottavino will start the Cardinals' Grapefruit League opener on March 4, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino, St. Louis' first-round pick in 2006, doesn't have much of a shot to make the squad this year, but the assignment should give him a nice boost of confidence. He'll be followed in the opener by Evan MacLane, Eduardo Sanchez, Francisco Samuel and Charlie Zink.
Apr 3 2009Ottavino will be a part of the Triple-A Memphis rotation this year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unlikely Ottavino will see St. Louis this season, but by next spring training he may be fighting for a spot in the St. Louis rotation.
Mar 17 2009Ottavino was among eight cuts made by the Cardinals Tuesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino pitched well this spring for both the Cardinals and in the WBC. He could be a contributor to the Cards some time this year, but a more realistic ETA is 2010.
Feb 22 2009Ottavino has impressed the St. Louis pitching coaches so far this spring, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ottavino was a first round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2006, but so far has struggled in the minors. He appears to be doing better mentally, and his fastball has more pep and better location. He likely won't see the majors in 2009, but if he rights the ship he could be a contributor to the Cardinals by 2010.