Date | News | Comment |
Jun 16 2025 | Strickland recorded one out to pick up the save in Monday's 1-0 extra-innings win against the Yankees. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander collected his 30th career save by retiring Anthony Volpe on a groundout. Strickland relieved Brock Burke in the 11th inning after the latter loaded the bases with two outs. There isn't a closer controversy in Anaheim, as Kenley Jansen pitched earlier in this contest when the game was scoreless in the ninth. |
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May 18 2025 | The Angels selected Strickland's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander will join the Angels just two weeks after signing with the organization on a minor-league deal. Strickland opened the year in the minors with the Rangers but was granted his release after giving up 14 earned runs in 12 appearances. He was an effective bullpen option for Anaheim last year with a 3.31 ERA and 12 holds over 73.1 innings. |
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May 6 2025 | Strickland signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland was released by the Rangers on Tuesday after turning in an 8.22 ERA across 15.1 innings in Triple-A, but it didn't take long for the 36-year-old to find a new landing spot. He'll reunite with the team he spent the 2024 season with while logging a 3.31 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 73.1 frames. He'll likely need to turn things around in the minors before the Halos give him another look in the big leagues, but the instability of Los Angeles' bullpen makes it more probable that the veteran righty gets the call eventually. |
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Mar 21 2025 | The Rangers released Strickland on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Just nine days after getting an invitation to Rangers camp, Strickland will be booted out of the organization and back into free agency. The 36-year-old righty made two appearances in the Cactus League, giving up two runs on four hits over 1.1 innings. |
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Sep 25 2024 | Strickland (3-2) took the loss against the White Sox on Tuesday, allowing three runs on two hits and one walk while retiring one batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland entered in the eighth inning following seven scoreless frames by starter Jack Kochanowicz. Strickland was able to retire the first batter he faced but then gave up a pair of doubles and a walk to result in a run. Brock Burke came on in relief for the veteran hurler and gave up two more hits, which allowed another pair of runners to cross the plate. Though he wasn't charged with a blown save, the outing didn't help Strickland's case for grabbing any remaining save opportunities for an Angels bullpen that doesn't have a clear closer following Ben Joyce's shoulder injury and subsequent placement on the injured list. |
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Sep 8 2024 | Strickland earned a hold against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning of work. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland entered in the sixth inning and worked around a one-out walk to keep Texas off the scoreboard. It was the sixth straight scoreless outing for the veteran right-hander, who has posted a 7:1 K:BB over six innings during that span. Strickland has 11 holds on the campaign, his most since 2019. |
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Aug 2 2024 | Strickland was charged with a blown save Thursday versus the Rockies after he allowed two runs on a hit and a walk during the ninth inning. He had one strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 35-year-old recorded his first save of the season in Tuesday's series opener and was called upon again Thursday, but he gave up a two-out, two-run homer to Jake Cave to tie the game at 4-4. Ben Joyce seemed poised to take over as the Angels' closer after the trades of Carlos Estevez and Luis Garcia, but manager Ron Washington has instead turned to the veteran Strickland. According to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register, Joyce is still considered the club's closer of the future, but Strickland will receive first crack at the ninth inning until Washington feels Joyce is ready for the job. Even including Thursday's blown save, Strickland has pitched well this season with a 3.35 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 42:14 K:BB across 51 innings. |
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Jul 30 2024 | Strickland struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 10-7 win over the Rockies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland got the first save after the trade deadline, which saw the Angels ship out Carlos Estevez to the Phillies over the weekend and Luis Garcia to the Red Sox earlier Tuesday. Strickland has limited experience as a closer -- his career high for saves in a year is 14 with the Giants in 2018, and he logged seven saves over 66 appearances with the Reds in 2022 before failing to log a major-league game in 2023. It's unclear if Strickland will get a chance to run with the closer role, though he's pitched well this year with a 3.06 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB over 50 innings while adding six holds. Ben Joyce also figures to be in the mix, but he worked in the eighth inning Tuesday in a high-leverage spot against the middle of the Rockies' order. Given the Angels' performance this year, save chances figure to be sparse regardless of who closes the rest of the way. |
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Jun 4 2024 | Strickland (2-1) earned the win in relief over San Diego on Monday, allowing one hit and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tyler Anderson allowed just one run over 6.2 standout frames before turning the ball over to Strickland with runners on second and third and two outs in the seventh inning. The reliever escaped the jam by getting David Peralta to fly out, then wiggled out of his own two-on, one-out situation in the eighth. Strickland subsequently became the pitcher of record when the Angels broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of that frame. Though he has primarily pitched in lower-leverage situations this year, Strickland has been arguably the team's most effective reliever, posting a 1.75 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB over 25.2 innings while notching two wins and two holds. |
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Apr 8 2024 | The Angels selected Strickland's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland didn't make the team as a non-roster invitee after pitching well this spring, but he'll receive an early-season promotion. The veteran reliever will likely operate in the middle innings. |
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Feb 16 2024 | Strickland signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland's contract includes an invitation to big-league camp, so he will have a chance to earn his way onto the 26-man roster. He did not pitch in the majors last season and was hit hard at the Triple-A level, but the Angels will be hoping familiar surroundings help get the former Angel back on track is his age-34 season. |
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May 9 2023 | Strickland was released by the Reds on Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland had been lit up for 14 earned runs on 13 hits and 12 walks through 11 innings of relief this season at Triple-A Louisville. The 34-year-old right-hander is now a free agent and will look to latch on with a new organization. |
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Mar 25 2023 | Strickland was released by the Reds on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland appeared in 66 games for the Reds last season and saved seven of them, but that came with a well-deserved 4.91 ERA. He returned as a non-roster invitee this spring but failed to earn a spot. |
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Feb 18 2023 | Strickland signed with the Reds as a non-roster invitee Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland saved seven games for the Reds last season, though he likely wouldn't have matched that total with many other clubs. His 4.91 ERA looks fair according to his 4.78 FIP, and both his 21.1 percent strikeout rate and 11.6 percent walk rate were unimpressive. Alexis Diaz has been named the Reds closer, and while Strickland could find his way to the back of an unproven bullpen again at some point this season, he could just as easily fail to earn a roster spot. |
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Aug 10 2022 | Strickland struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday in the Reds' 10-2 loss to the Mets. Manager David Bell said prior to the contest that Strickland will be moved out of the closer's role and will be deployed in different scenarios as the Reds look for him to regain top form, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The role change comes after Strickland blew his fourth save of the season in Sunday's loss to the Brewers while surrendering at least one run for the fourth time in his last five appearances. Though Bell didn't formally name a new closer, Alexis Diaz is the most logical candidate to serve as the lead option in what could be a committee approach to save situations. Strickland's usage Wednesday in the final inning of a blowout loss would seem to suggest that his next few opportunities will come in low-leverage spots. |
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Aug 1 2022 | Strickland earned the save over the Marlins on Monday, pitching one inning and allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out two batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland was activated from the bereavement list early Monday and was immediately thrust back into closing duties. He came on in the ninth inning with the Reds holding a 3-0 lead and quickly ran into trouble, allowing each of the first two batters he faced to reach base. However, Strickland struck out the following two hitters before allowing a run-scoring single, and he was able to close out the contest on a flyout. The veteran has seven saves on the season, and he appears to be manager David Bell's closer of choice in spite of an unsettling 5.79 ERA and 1.63 WHIP. |
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Jul 29 2022 | Strickland (personal) was placed on the bereavement list Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland picked up two saves this week before allowing three runs to take a blown save and a loss Thursday against the Marlins, and he'll now step away from the Reds due to an unspecified personal situation. The right-hander can remain on the bereavement list for 3-7 days, so he should rejoin the team next week. Alexis Diaz should operate as Cincinnati's primary closer in the meantime. |
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Jul 28 2022 | Strickland earned a save against the Marlins on Wednesday, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland came on in the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead and overcame a leadoff single to secure the save. The right-hander has picked up a save twice in the past four days after failing to record any saves through the first 23 days of July. Cincinnati doesn't have a clearly defined closer, but Strickland appears to be the leading candidate to close things out when the opportunity arises. |
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Jul 24 2022 | Strickland picked up the save Sunday against St. Louis, tossing a perfect ninth inning in a 6-3 victory. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland got Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman and Tommy Edman to pop out in foul territory and needed just nine pitches to close out the game. It was his first save since June 28 and first save opportunity since blowing consecutive chances at the beginning of July. He and Alexis Diaz will likely continue to receive the bulk of the save chances for Cincinnati. |
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Jul 16 2022 | Strickland allowed three runs on three hits -- including a home run -- over one inning Saturday against the Cardinals. He did not record a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lars Nootbaar turned the game into a laugher with his three-run shot off Strickland in the eighth inning. The 33-year-old Strickland remains tied for the team lead in saves with four, but he now has a 5.40 ERA and 1.65 WHIP this season. Manager David Bell figures to turn to Alexis Diaz and other younger players for saves more in the second half. |
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Jul 7 2022 | Strickland gave up a run on two hits in an inning of relief to blow his second save of the season in Wednesday's 8-3 extra-inning loss to the Mets. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tasked with protecting a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, Strickland instead gave up a run-scoring double to Starling Marte to send the game to extras, when Dauri Moreta completely imploded. Strickland has blown his last two save chances and has a 5.34 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 26:18 K:BB through 28.2 innings on the year, but Cincinnati doesn't have a clear alternative for closing situations at the moment. |
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Jul 6 2022 | Strickland (2-2) picked up the win in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over the Mets, pitching a perfect ninth inning without a walk or a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander entered a scoreless tie in the top of the ninth and needed only nine pitches (seven strikes) to knife through the bottom of the Mets' order. Strickland then got rewarded when Mike Moustakas brought home Tommy Pham with a sacrifice fly in the Reds' half of the frame. Strickland has two wins and two saves in his last four appearances, but the other win came as a result of a blown save. Despite his current assignment as Cincinnati's closer, his job security seems very low -- he carries a 5.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 9:3 K:BB through nine innings since the beginning of June, and that ERA doesn't account for three unearned runs. |
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Jun 28 2022 | Strickland picked up the save Tuesday against the Cubs. He allowed one hit and zero walks while striking out one over one scoreless inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland has now earned both of the Reds' last two saves and three of the team's last four. Granted it took injuries to Tony Santillan (back), Alexis Diaz (biceps) and Lucas Sims (back) to get him there, but for his part Strickland has pitched well since the end of April. Diaz may return as soon as this weekend, but manager David Bell could opt to reward Strickland for the stability he has provided lately and keep him in the ninth inning. |
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Jun 26 2022 | Manager David Bell intimated Sunday that Strickland is the Reds' preferred closing option, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "Hunter is definitely somebody that likes [closing games]," Bell said. "He thrives on it. In some ways, I think the bigger the situation, the better pitcher he's going to be. It may not always be the ninth, but I'm definitely aware of that and it works in his favor to keep getting those opportunities." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alexis Diaz (biceps) and Tony Santillan (back) recently joined Lucas Sims (back) on the injured list, with their absences thrusting Strickland into a more prominent role out of necessity. Strickland, who claimed the Reds' most recent save chance in Friday's win over the Giants, looks like he could operate as the team's primary ninth-inning option, at least until the Reds add some healthy arms back into the mix. Of the three injured relievers, Diaz looks to be the closest to a return; he threw a bullpen session Sunday and could be activated from the IL on Friday when first eligible. |
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Jun 24 2022 | Strickland saved Friday's 4-2 win against the Giants, recording a walk and strikeout apiece in a scoreless ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Alexis Diaz (biceps) and Tony Santillan (back) both sidelined, manager David Bell turned to Strickland for the save and the righty delivered against his former team. The 33-year-old was able to work around a two-out walk and has now logged each of Cincinnati's last two saves, though he possesses an uninspiring 5.11 ERA and 1.74 WHIP with 18 walks and 24 strikeouts in 24.2 innings. |
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Jun 13 2022 | Strickland earned a save against the Diamondbacks on Monday, pitching a perfect ninth inning during which he struck out one batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Reds have deployed a variety of closers this season, with five different pitchers notching at least one save. Alexis Diaz was the ninth-inning option of choice the day prior, but manager David Bell turned to Strickland on Monday with Cincinnati up by a run. The veteran came through to earn the save, needing only 12 pitches to retire the side in order. Strickland has previous closing experience -- he saved 14 games for San Francisco in 2018 -- so it's feasible that he could eventually move to the front of the pack for the Reds' closer role. However, the right-hander hasn't exactly impressed this season, posting a 5.73 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and ugly 21:17 K:BB across 22 innings. |
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May 26 2022 | Strickland picked up the save Wednesday against the Cubs. He allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over one inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Lucas Sims (back) on the 15-day injured list, Strickland earned his first save chance of the season. The veteran was shaky and allowed the tying run to reach third base, but he ultimately got the job done by striking out Christopher Morel. Tony Santillan, Alexis Diaz and Art Warren have all registered saves in Sims' recent absence, but the trio served as set-up men for Strickland on Wednesday. Cincinnati's closing situation will likely continue to be handled by a committee until Sims returns to the team. |
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Apr 2 2022 | Strickland is part of a large group of closer candidates for the Reds this season according to manager David Bell, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Lucas Sims (elbow) will miss the start of the season with elbow troubles and isn't a lock to claim the job once healthy. Strickland had a 2.61 ERA last season, but his 24.0 percent strikeout rate isn't typical closer material and his 34.8 percent groundball rate could result in a fair number of homers at Great American Ball Park. |
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Oct 1 2021 | Strickland was reinstated from the paternity list Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland was away from the team since Tuesday following the birth of his child, but he'll rejoin the Brewers' bullpen ahead of the final series of the regular season. Across nine appearances in September, the right-hander recorded a 3.12 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 8.2 innings. |
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Sep 28 2021 | Strickland was placed on the paternity list Tuesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old will be away from the team for at most a few days as he welcomes his child. Strickland has struggled over his past two outings, surrendering three runs in two innings. Lefty Hoby Milner was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday to replace him on the roster. |
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Aug 25 2021 | Strickland (3-1) earned the win in relief Tuesday over the Reds after tossing a scoreless inning, walking one and fanning one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland pitched the seventh inning and while he needed 27 pitches to get the job done, he came away unscathed en route to his third win of the campaign. The veteran right-hander has yet to allow a run this month and is currently riding a streak of eight consecutive scoreless appearances. |
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Aug 13 2021 | Strickland (1-1) earned the win in relief Thursday against the Cubs after tossing a scoreless fourth inning, fanning two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland entered the game in the fourth inning after Brandon Woodruff departed the game after three frames, and he made quick work of an anemic Cubs offense since he needed just 17 pitches (10 strikes) to retire the side in order. He's now tossed three straight scoreless outings and has given up just three runs across 10 appearances (10 innings) since the beginning of July, posting a 2.70 ERA and an excellent 0.40 WHIP during that stretch. |
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Aug 9 2021 | Strickland (illness) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of July, but he'll be available out of the bullpen for Monday's series opener against the Cubs. Since the right-hander was traded to the Brewers in mid-June, he's posted a 1.76 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 15.1 innings. |
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Aug 1 2021 | The Brewers placed Strickland (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even though Strickland became the latest Brewers player known to have tested positive for the coronavirus, Milwaukee waited a day before officially deactivating him. Milwaukee called up Blaine Hardy from Triple-A Nashville to fill Strickland's spot in the bullpen and on the 26-man active roster and 40-man roster. |
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Jul 31 2021 | Strickland tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Craig Counsell revealed that Strickland is vaccinated, but he still tested positive for COVID-19 after he recently reported feeling symptoms. The right-hander wasn't placed on the COVID-19 IL with teammates Jake Cousins and Jandel Gustave on Saturday, but he'll be away from the team until he clears the league's health and safety protocols. |
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Jun 12 2021 | The Angels traded Strickland to the Brewers on Saturday for cash considerations, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After coming over to the Angels in a May 15 trade with Tampa Bay, Strickland was DFA'd by the Halos earlier in the week, and he'll now join his third-major league club in 2021. The right-hander has posted an overall 4.03 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB across 22.1 innings this season. Travis Shaw was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Strickland on the 40-man roster. Per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, it is unclear if the reliever will arrive in Milwaukee in time to be activated for Sunday's afternoon game. |
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Jun 7 2021 | Strickland was designated for assignment by the Angels on Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old was acquired from Tampa Bay in mid-May for cash considerations, but he struggled in Los Angeles with seven runs allowed on 11 hits and a 4:4 K:BB over 6.1 innings. Strickland had a 1.69 ERA and 16:6 K:BB across 16 innings before the trade, and he'll now be available to be claimed off waivers. |
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May 15 2021 | Strickland was traded from the Rays to the Angels on Saturday for cash considerations or a player to be named later, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland has been effective out of the bullpen for Tampa Bay this season, maintaining a 1.69 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 16 innings. He'll help out an Angels bullpen that has struggled to this point in the campaign, though he isn't likely to see save chances with Raisel Iglesias currently in the closer role. |
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May 2 2021 | Strickland fired two scoreless innings in a loss to the Astros on Saturday, allowing one hit while not recording any walks or strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander lowered his ERA and WHIP to 1.69 and 1.03, respectively, with his latest strong showing. Strickland has produced scoreless efforts in six of his last seven trips to the mound, and despite the absence of strikeouts Saturday, he still sports an impressive 10:3 K:BB across 10.2 innings thus far in 2021. |
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Apr 20 2021 | Strickland recorded his first hold in a win over the Royals on Monday, allowing two hits and recording a strikeout over a scoreless eighth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland worked around some trouble to get through his one frame, impressively getting 16 of his 20 pitches into the strike zone. The fireballing right-hander has demonstrated nearly impeccable control throughout his four appearances, as he now boasts an 8:1 K;BB. |
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Apr 9 2021 | Strickland had his contract selected from the alternate training site by Tampa Bay on Friday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old was unable to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster but will join the big-league club one week into the season. Strickland will fill the bullpen spot of Pete Fairbanks (shoulder), who was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. |
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Feb 8 2021 | Strickland signed with the Rays as a non-roster invitee Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland owned a strong 2.91 ERA over his first five seasons in the league, but he hasn't been the same guy over the past two years. In 27.2 innings over that stretch (including just 3.1 last season), he owns a 5.86 ERA. The Rays have a well-earned reputation for getting the most out of their pitchers, but a 32-year-old signed to a minor-league deal isn't a good bet to move into a high-leverage role at any point if he does make the roster. |
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Sep 1 2020 | The Mets designated Strickland for assignment Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland was called up Monday and proceeded to work a scoreless inning of relief in the Mets' 5-3 loss to the Marlins. Despite the quality showing, Strickland found himself as the odd man out when New York needed to make room on the roster for Ariel Jurado, who was recalled from the alternate training site ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday against the Orioles. |
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Aug 31 2020 | Strickland's contract was purchased by the Mets on Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland made three appearances for the Mets early in the season, giving up three earned runs in 2.1 innings of work before being designated for assignment. He's likely ticketed for lower-leverage work upon his return. Drew Smith was optioned in a corresponding move. |
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Jul 30 2020 | Strickland was designated for assignment by the Mets on Thursday, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a rough first outing of the season, Strickland was able to somewhat bounce back in his next two relief appearances, but he'll still be designated for assignment after allowing one run on two hits over one inning Tuesday. Left-hander Daniel Zamora was added to the 30-man roster in a corresponding move. Strickland showed promise earlier in his career, but he struggled with the Mariners and Nationals last season, posting a 5.55 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 24.1 innings, so it's unclear whether he'll find an opportunity in another major-league bullpen. |
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Jul 25 2020 | Strickland (0-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits while recording just a single out. He took the loss in Saturday's 5-3 extra-inning loss to the Braves. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland couldn't seem to get anything going in the 10th inning of a tied contest, and even his one out, a groundout, yielded a run. Once a reliable reliever with the Giants, Strickland struggled throughout 2019 and that trend has apparently continued into 2020. As long as the 31-year-old right-hander leaks runs, he will be more likely to appear in low-leverage situations. |
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Jun 29 2020 | Strickland signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Mets on Monday and will be included as part of the team's 60-man roster pool. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Strickland won't be added to the Mets' 40-man roster, his inclusion in the pool of available players will make him an option out of the bullpen when MLB resumes its season in late July. Strickland was previously cut by the Nationals in March after surrendering 12 runs and posting a 15:8 K:BB in 21 innings with the club last season after coming over in a deadline deal with the Mariners. |
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Mar 14 2020 | Strickland was released by the Nationals on Saturday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Strickland joined the Nationals midway through the 2019 season via trade, but he struggled over his time with the team, recording a 5.14 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 21 innings. The right-hander had posted a 10.80 ERA and 1.95 WHIP over 6.2 innings this spring prior to the suspension of Grapefruit League play. It wouldn't be surprising to see Strickland land a spot in another major-league bullpen, but it's unclear whether he'll be able to secure a position as a late reliever. |
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Jul 29 2019 | Strickland, activated from the 60-day injured list earlier in the day, fired a perfect | eighth inning in an extra-inning win over the Tigers on Sunday. He did not record |
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Jul 28 2019 | The Mariners activated Strickland (lat) from the 60-day injured list ahead of Sunday's | game against the Tigers. |
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Jul 28 2019 | Strickland (lat) passed his medical exam Friday and will be activated from the injured list Sunday or early in the week, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 26 2019 | Strickland (lat) struck out two across a perfect inning Thursday night at Triple-A Tacoma, and if he passes his medical exam Friday, he's expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list sometime over the weekend, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 24 2019 | Strickland (lat) will make at least one more rehab appearance with Triple-A Tacoma this week before the Mariners consider activating him from the 60-day injured list, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 23 2019 | Strickland (lat) is expected to be activated off the 10-day injured list during the Mariners' upcoming road trip, which begins June 30 in Texas, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 20 2019 | Strickland (lat) worked a scoreless inning while walking one in a rehab outing with Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 19 2019 | Strickland (lat) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 16 2019 | Strickland (lat) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Wednesday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 14 2019 | Strickland (lat) threw a successful bullpen session prior to Saturday's game against the Angels, Sarah Wexler of MLB.com<\/a> reports. \"Outstanding,\" said manager Scott Servais. \"Looked really, really good. I went down and watched it myself. He threw 25 pitches, no reservations, did not hold back at all. The ball was coming out hot, and the breaking ball was really good as well.\" | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 13 2019 | Strickland (lat) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Anaheim, Sarah Wexler of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 8 2019 | Strickland (lat) is scheduled to join the Mariners on their five-game road trip that begins Friday and will throw a bullpen and live-batting practice during that time, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 6 2019 | Strickland (lat) felt \"awesome\" after throwing a 20-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 4 2019 | Strickland (lat) reported no issues Thursday stemming from his light bullpen session Wednesday and remains on track for a more aggressive regimen Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 3 2019 | Strickland (lat) threw off the bullpen mound Wednesday and is expected to ramp up his efforts Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 2 2019 | Strickland (lat) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 30 2019 | Strickland (lat) has been playing catch almost every day in Seattle, and manager Scott Servais stated Sunday the reliever is throwing at \"120-to-130 feet,\" Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 30 2019 | Strickland (lat) has been playing catch almost every day in Seattle, and manager Scott Servais stated Sunday the reliever is throwing at \"120-to-130 feet\", Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 28 2019 | Strickland (lat) played catch prior to Friday's game and the session reportedly went very well, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 22 2019 | Strickland (lat), who was initially slated to resume throwing Friday, will instead play catch Monday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 19 2019 | Strickland (lat) is likely to resume some light throwing Friday after suffering a setback last weekend, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. \"I won't have to go back to square one, because the strength and everything is still there, they're just hoping that pulling this fluid will get me over that hump and stop putting pressure on that tendon,\" Strickland said. \"It's a process. I started throwing BP and felt it. I wasn't ready yet.\" | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 15 2019 | Strickland (lat) underwent an MRI this week which came back clean, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 11 2019 | Strickland (lat) felt some soreness during a live batting practice session Sunday and will pause his throwing program for at least a few days, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 6 2019 | Strickland (lat) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 5 2019 | Strickland (lat) will throw live batting practice Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 3 2019 | Strickland (lat) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Wednesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 2 2019 | Strickland (lat) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session prior to Sunday's game and emerged without setbacks, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 30 2019 | Strickland (lat) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 27 2019 | Strickland (lat) has worked up to throwing at 100 percent off flat ground, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 24 2019 | Strickland (lat) impressed manager Scott Servais with his throwing session Friday, Chris Haft of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 21 2019 | Strickland (lat) is with the team on the current road trip and participated in an aggressive throwing session on flat ground Tuesday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 16 2019 | Strickland (lat) played catch again Wednesday and will repeat the process Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 13 2019 | Strickland (lat) played catch Monday for the first time since his injury, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 8 2019 | Strickland (lat) has been cleared to resume throwing Monday, Greg Johns of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 21 2018 | Strickland (finger) has been doing rehab work with weighted balls and is progressing towards playing catch, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | Strickland is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list August 19 and expects to be ready to go by that time, but still has plenty of rehab work before that expectation holds much weight. The 29-year-old should require a multi-appearance minor-league rehab assignment, and he currently appears on schedule in his recovery. |
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Jul 10 2018 | Strickland (finger) had the pins removed from his right hand and will begin rehab work soon, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports. | It's not a major development for Strickland, but a necessary one nonetheless as he makes his return from surgery for a broken finger. The 29-year-old's initial recovery timetable was 6-to-8 weeks after sustaining the injury in mid-June, and he is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list August 18. |
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Jul 7 2018 | Strickland (finger) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday. | Strickland broke his right pinky finger after punching a wall back in mid-May and was originally expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks. Shifting him to the 60-day disabled list extends his timeline by a bit, guaranteeing that he'll miss at least a bit more than eight weeks. He'll be eligible to return on August 18. |
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Jun 19 2018 | Strickland suffered a broken right hand when he punched a wall following Monday's game against the Marlins. He underwent surgery Tuesday and is expected to be out for the next 6-to-8 weeks, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. He has been placed on the 10-day disabled list. | Strickland suffered the injury after allowing three runs in the ninth inning Tuesday en route to his fourth blown save of the season. Manager Bruce Bochy said that either Tony Watson or Sam Dyson would receive the bulk of the save opportunities moving forward with Strickland on the disabled list. The 6-8 week timeline puts the reliever on track to return in early-to-mid August. |
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Jun 19 2018 | Strickland allowed three runs on three hits and two walks and recorded just one out Monday in a blown save against the Marlins. | Strickland is now just 13-for-17 in save chances and has a mediocre 29:13 K:BB over 31.2 innings to boot. His decent 2.84 ERA can only go so far to mask his issues at this point. If the Giants look elsewhere for saves, the first choice would probably be Tony Watson, owner of a 1.57 ERA and the man who cleaned up the final two outs after Strickland's disastrous outing Monday night. |
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Jun 17 2018 | Strickland recorded the final two outs, including one strikeout, to earn the save Sunday against the Dodgers. | After Tony Watson retired left-handed batter Max Muncy to lead off the ninth inning, Strickland was called upon to retire Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger to earn his 14th save of the season. He bounced back after blowing his last save chance -- though that was largely due to a defensive error -- and has now converted four of his last five save chances. With Mark Melancon back in the fold, there is some chance of Strickland losing grip of the role in the future, but for now he remains entrenched as the Giants' closer. |
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Jun 14 2018 | Strickland was saddled with the blown save Thursday, allowing one hit and an unearned run, but the Giants eventually defeated the Marlins in the 16th inning. | The unearned tally crossed as the result of an error by second baseman Joe Panik that put leadoff batter Starlin Castro on second base. After a sacrifice bunt moved Castro over, a sacrifice fly brought him in to erase the Giants' one-run lead and give Strickland his third unsuccessful save opportunity of the year. He allowed a single before he forced a groundout to send the game to extra innings. The defensive gaffe was the big reason for the botched save, so it will take more than this setback to jeopardize his hold on the closer gig. |
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Jun 10 2018 | Strickland got the save against the Nationals, striking out one without allowing a baserunner over a clean ninth inning to lock down San Francisco's 2-0 victory on Sunday. | This was the 13th save in 15 chances for the big right-hander, who appears to have maintained his grasp on the closer role for the time being despite Mark Melancon getting activated from the disabled list. Melancon's presence means Strickland probably doesn't have that all that long a leash should he run into any prolonged struggles, but if he continues to pitch the same way he has throughout the year (2.17 ERA, 1.10 WHIP in 29 innings), it looks like he'll continue to get the lion's share of ninth-inning work for the Giants. |
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Jun 2 2018 | Strickland threw a perfect ninth inning against the Phillies on Saturday to earn his 12th save of the season. | He induced three straight flyball outs on 11 pitches (nine strikes), making him 12-for-14 in save situations this season. While Strickland hasn't been missing many bats lately (two strikeouts in his last five appearances), he has done well in the role and it will likely be a while before he feels any real heat from Mark Melancon. Melancon was activated from the disabled list Friday after missing the first two months with an elbow injury. |
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May 30 2018 | Strickland worked around a hit in a scoreless ninth and struck out a batter to pick up his 12th save Wednesday against the Rockies. | Strickland has been perfect in four save opportunities in May, but that's disguising some poor performances in non-save situations. In 11 appearances, Strickland has just an 8:5 K:BB and has allowed five earned runs. Strickland owns a 2.63 ERA on the season, but keep an eye on him if he shows this kind of shakiness as the calendar flips to June. |
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May 26 2018 | Strickland pitched a clean ninth inning to earn his 10th save of the season Saturday against the Cubs. | Strickland entered the game with a one-run lead, but he never wavered in setting the Cubs lineup down in order. He is now 10-for-12 in save opportunities for the season, but has converted eight consecutive chances successfully. |
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May 16 2018 | Strickland pitched a clean ninth inning while striking out one to pick up the save Tuesday against the Reds. | Strickland made quick work of the Reds in the final frame, throwing just nine pitches (eight for strikes) to lock down the win for the Giants. The right-hander has now converted his last seven save opportunities, and is 9-for-11 on the year. He's carrying an excellent 20:5 K:BB in 18.2 innings while holding opponents to a .188 batting average. |
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May 6 2018 | Strickland got the save against the Braves on Sunday, despite giving up two earned runs on two hits with a walk and a strikeout in the ninth inning to close out San Francisco's 4-3 victory. | Strickland nearly relinquished a three-run ninth-inning lead after giving up an RBI double to Kurt Suzuki and a run-scoring groundout to Ender Inciarte, but he was able to get Ozzie Albies to pop out to lock down his eighth save of the season. He's now 8-for-10 in save opportunities to go along with a 2.87 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP over 15.2 innings -- numbers that are good enough to give him a comfortable grasp on the closer duties in San Francisco for as long as Mark Melancon is on the disabled list with his elbow injury. |
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Apr 29 2018 | Strickland struck out one in a clean inning of work to earn his seventh save of the season Sunday against the Dodgers. | Strickland came on with a two-run lead, and although he threw just nine of 17 pitches for strikes, he was able to retire the side in order to preserve the win. He's been dominant of late, tossing six consecutive scoreless outings to lower his ERA to 1.32 and converting all five of his save opportunities during that span. |
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Apr 28 2018 | Strickland got the save against the Dodgers on Friday, striking out two without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to lock down San Francisco's 6-4 victory. | This was Strickland's fourth straight save opportunity since he blew two straight earlier in the season and he's now got a 1.50 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP through 12 innings. He's firmly entrenched as the Giants' go-to closer option as long as Mark Melancon is out with his elbow injury. |
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Apr 25 2018 | Strickland locked down the save in Tuesday's win over the Nationals, striking out one in a clean ninth inning. | Strickland threw just eight pitches (six strikes) to secure his fifth save of the season. After a couple blown saves earlier in the month, Strickland has now converted three consecutive save chances, giving up just two hits and one walk while striking out four in three innings of work. In 11 appearances, the right-hander has a 1.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against three walks. He's firmly in the closer role, and will be until more is known about Mark Melancon's status. |
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Apr 24 2018 | Strickland walked a batter but struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his fourth save Monday against the Nationals. | Strickland struck out multiple batters in an outing for just the second time all season. Still, he owns a sharp 10:3 K:BB over 10 innings of work. Strickland has now worked consecutive days and thrown 20 or more pitches in each outing, so don't be surprised if he is unavailable for a Giants save Tuesday. Tony Watson, who picked up his third hold Monday, would be the most likely candidate for the save should Strickland rest. |
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Apr 22 2018 | Strickland picked up the save Sunday against the Angels, allowing two hits and striking out one in a scoreless inning. | Strickland rebounded after blowing his last save opportunity by slamming the door Sunday against the Angels. His ERA sits at two through nine appearances, as he's allowed two runs and recorded eight strikeouts out of the bullpen this season. Expect Strickland to remain in the closer's spot until Mark Melancon is able to return from injury. |
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Apr 19 2018 | Strickland (2-0) blew his second save as he allowed a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. | Nearly the same exact scenario occurred last week against Arizona, the last save situation Strickland saw before Wednesday's. Strickland is just 2-for-4 in save situations this season, but his ERA is solid at 2.25. The problem here is mainly that the Giants haven't given him enough save opportunities to prove himself. Until then, expect him to hold San Francisco's closer's role. |
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Apr 11 2018 | Strickland (1-0) blew the save but ended up picking up the win against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, giving up an earned run on one hit with no walks or strikeouts. | Strickland served up a game-tying solo home run to Paul Goldschmidt for his first blown save of the season but was bailed out by a game-winning hit by Andrew McCutchen that gave him the victory. Strickland has the role in the interim while Mark Melancon works his way back from an elbow injury but he had been doing well with the opportunity, with Goldschmidt's blast representing the only earned run he's given up in six innings so far this season, so owners who are using Strickland as a handcuff while Melancon is out probably shouldn't be too concerned about him. |
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Mar 31 2018 | Strickland pitched a scoreless ninth inning and struck out two batters to collect his second save of the season in Friday's 1-0 win over the Dodgers. | Two games into the season, and the hard-throwing righty already has two saves. The door is open for Strickland to help fantasy owners for the immediate future while Mark Melancon nurses an elbow injury. There's not a concrete timeline for Melancon's return, and the 33-year-old veteran is coming off his worst season since establishing himself as a full-time closer in 2013-14. Expect Strickland to be a popular add off the waiver wire as a result. |
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Mar 29 2018 | Strickland allowed one hit while striking out one in a scoreless inning against the Dodgers on Thursday en route to his first save of the season. | Manager Bruce Bochy said prior to the Giants' Opening Day game that Strickland is the Giants' closer until Mark Melancon (elbow) is healthy. It surprised some that Bochy turned to Strickland over Sam Dyson given that he has been reluctant to use Strickland in the ninth in the past -- Strickland entered Thursday with just five career saves in 204 appearances. Perhaps it shouldn't have been a surprise after Strickland's stellar spring (7.1 scoreless innings). The Giants are hoping that Melancon will return in April, but that's far from a given, so Strickland should warrant relatively lofty bids in FAAB this weekend. |
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Mar 29 2018 | Manager Bruce Bochy said Strickland will work as the Giants' closer until Mark Melancon (elbow) is healthy, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic Bay Area reports. | Bochy noted Sam Dyson, who filled in as the team's closer when Melancon was hurt last season, is "working on some stuff," so Strickland will get the first crack at the ninth-inning gig for now. The Giants are hoping Melancon will be back in a couple of weeks, at which point he would take the closing reins back from Strickland. An impressive spring training likely helped the flamethrower lock down the gig, as he tossed 7.1 scoreless innings while striking out eight batters and posting a 0.41 WHIP. Strickland spun a 2.64 ERA and 8.5 K/9 across 61.1 innings in 2017. |
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Mar 28 2018 | Strickland is one of several relievers who could fill in as closer in the likely event Mark Melancon (arm) lands on the disabled list to begin the year, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. | The Giants aren't offering much information on the status of their injured closer, but the timing of the setback strongly suggests that Melancon will begin the year on the disabled list. Sam Dyson appears to be the favorite to fill in after he was given first crack last year ahead of Strickland, and the newly-acquired Tony Watson is also being considered given his experience as a closer. That said, both Dyson and Watson were atrocious this spring, whereas Strickland opened eyes with his strong Cactus League play and an improved slider, according Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic Bay Area. The flamethrowing righty would have the highest upside of the trio of candidates if Melancon does end up hitting the DL, but manager Bruce Bochy's reluctance to use Strickland in anything more than a setup role could hurt his chances. |
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Mar 20 2018 | Strickland has allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five over 4.1 scoreless innings so far this spring. | He has been close to unhittable through five Cactus League appearances, with Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic Bay Area describing it Monday as a "sit-up-and-take-notice kind of spring" so far for Strickland. The right-hander has flashed closer-worthy skills at times in his career, and the more experienced bullpen arms ahead of him in the pecking order in San Francisco all have some question marks. Keep Strickland in mind in deeper leagues. |
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Jan 12 2018 | Strickland agreed to a one-year deal with the Giants on Friday, avoiding arbitration, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | The terms of the agreement were not made available by the team. This was his first offseason as an arbitration-eligible player. Strickland was once seen as a closer-in-waiting, but the Giants put an end to that line of thinking when they inked Mark Melancon to a long-term deal last offseason. The 29-year-old righty notched a 2.64 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 58 strikeouts in 61.1 innings last season, but he was pretty fortunate with regards to run prevention. |
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Sep 24 2017 | Strickland needed to retire just one batter en route to his 19th hold of the season in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers on Saturday. | Madison Bumgarner dominated the Dodgers for the majority of the contest, but he needed assistance from Strickland to close out the eighth inning with a runner on third and a right-hander stepping into the batter's box. The veteran reliever needed eight pitches before getting Chris Taylor to line out for his 19th hold of the season. Strickland has maintained a sub-3.00 ERA for the majority of the season despite his 3.75 FIP and walk rate (4.3 BB/9) suggesting it should be otherwise. |
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Aug 21 2017 | Strickland gave up three runs on six hits while striking out two in an inning Sunday against the Phillies. | Surprisingly, none of the six hits against Strickland went for extra bases, but the end result was still ugly. The 28-year-old's ERA jumped over 50 points from 2.28 to 2.79 following Sunday's implosion. He had been dancing around poor control (4.8 BB/9) and too many baserunners (1.55 WHIP) all season, so an ERA correction was coming one way or another. Strickland continues to be used as the Giants' primary setup man in their current bullpen configuration. |
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Aug 21 2017 | Strickland gave up three runs on six hits while striking out two in a disastrous inning Sunday against the Phillies. | None of the six hits against Strickland went for extra bases, but the end result was still ugly, and the 28-year-old's ERA jumped by more than half a run from 2.28 to 2.79 as a result. He had been dancing around poor control (4.8 BB/9) and too many baserunners (1.55 WHIP) all season, so the righty was due for an ERA correction. Still, Strickland remains the Giants' primary setup man for now. |
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Aug 13 2017 | Strickland fired a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in the nightcap after giving up two runs over an inning in game one of Sunday's doubleheader against the Nationals. | No, the two-run homer he surrendered was not to Bryce Harper, who was actually sidelined after suffering a knee injury in Saturday's contest. Sunday's runs broke up an eight-appearance scoreless streak for the veteran reliever. Strickland maintains a 2.40 ERA despite carrying a hefty 1.50 WHIP and 5.2 BB/9. He should continue to see hold chances for the Giants down the stretch, but the hard-throwing righty's 5.22 xFIP warns fantasy owners of tough times ahead. |
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Jul 19 2017 | Strickland fired a perfect inning in Tuesday's win over the Indians. | The veteran reliever has now thrown seven consecutive scoreless innings, lowering his season ERA to 1.85 in 39 appearances. Despite his success this season, the Giants opted to bypass him as an option to replace the injured Mark Melancon (elbow) in favor of Sam Dyson (who was acquired via a trade in June). Strickland's name has been mentioned as a possible trade target for contending clubs, which could boost his value if he lands with a team in need of ninth-inning help. |
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Jul 2 2017 | Strickland held the Pirates scoreless over 1.1 innings Saturday, walking three and striking out two in a 2-1 win. | After notching a one-out save Wednesday, it was Sam Dyson -- and not Strickland -- who got the traditional three-out save opportunity against Pittsburgh. It was surprising to hear that the club was quick to name Dyson and his 8.64 ERA interim closer over Strickland (2.45 ERA and 9.5 K/9), but Saturday's deployment makes the former the reliever to own for saves until Mark Melancon (elbow) returns from the disabled list. |
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Jun 28 2017 | Strickland pitched 0.1 innings to get the save in Wednesday's win over Colorado. | Strickland, not Sam Dyson, was called upon to get the final out and retired the only batter he faced to earn his first save of the season. There seems to be conflicting info on who the closer will be in Mark Melancon's (elbow) absence, so this will be a situation to monitor closely. |
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Jun 28 2017 | In a surprising move, Sam Dyson -- not Strickland -- was named the Giants' interim closer with Mark Melancon (elbow) being placed on the disabled list Wednesday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. | Strickland did give up a run in one of his two appearances since returning from suspension, but still, manager Bruce Bochy's decision to roll with the struggling and less-tenured Dyson is a puzzling one to say the least. This may be a case where a decision was passed down from the higher ups in an effort to boost the newly-acquired reliever's trade value, but that is just speculation at this point. Those hurting for saves have to hang on to Strickland in the possible event that Dyson -- and his 8.10 ERA -- struggles in the role. |
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Jun 25 2017 | Strickland has completed his six-game suspension and is eligible to rejoin the Giants on Sunday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | Strickland will take back his role as one of the Giants' primary late-inning relievers. The 28-year-old currently holds a 2.08 ERA on the year. |
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Jun 19 2017 | Strickland's appeal was denied by MLB and he will begin serving his six-game suspension Monday against the Braves, Andrew Baggarly of The San Jose Mercury News reports. | Strickland appealed his suspension immediately after it was handed out, and he is just now set to serve it out after MLB decided to uphold its decision. The 28-year-old, who owns a 2.08 ERA and 26:13 K:BB through 26 innings this season, will be eligible to rejoin the big-league bullpen for Sunday's series finale against the Mets. |
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Jun 16 2017 | Strickland (1-2) allowed a run in the bottom of the ninth inning to earn his second defeat of the year during Thursday's loss to Colorado. | Strickland owns a serviceable 2.08 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 9.0 K/9, but he hasn't received a save opportunity all season and has just the single win. The hard-throwing righty has definitely established himself as a rock-solid setup man, though. |
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Jun 6 2017 | Strickland struck out the only batter he faced Monday to earn his fourth hold of the season in a win over the Brewers. | The veteran reliever was issued a six-game suspension for his altercation with Bryce Harper on May 29. While the latter's appeal was heard and his suspension was served, the league has yet to make a ruling on Strickland's appeal. The 28-year-old will continue to pitch in the meantime, but fantasy owners in holds leagues should be aware that a multi-game layoff is looming. |
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May 30 2017 | Strickland was suspended six games by Major League Baseball for his role in Monday's benches-clearing incident with Bryce Harper and the Nationals, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. | Strickland plunked Harper with a first-pitch fastball, causing Harper to charge the mound and the benches to clear. Both players were ejected and ultimately suspended. However, Strickland is appealing the suspension, so he'll be eligible to play until his the league hands down a ruling. |
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May 30 2017 | Strickland was suspended six games by the MLB for his role in Monday's bench-clearing incident with Bryce Harper and the Nationals, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. | Strickland plunked Harper with a first-pitch fastball, causing Harper to charge the mound and the benches to clear. Both players were ejected and ultimates suspended. However, Strickland is appealing the suspension, so he'll be eligible to play until his the league hands down a ruling. |
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May 30 2017 | Strickland was ejected from Monday's loss to the Nationals after he was involved in an on-field brawl with Bryce Harper. | The veteran reliever drilled the Nationals' star with a fastball, leading to an altercation on the mound where both players landed punches. Neither player suffered an injury, but a suspension could be looming for Strickland once the league reviews the situation. |
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May 21 2017 | Strickland (1-1) allowed just two hits while striking out three batters over two scoreless innings to earn his first victory of the season during Saturday's extra-innings win over St. Louis. | With mid-90s heat and a high-leverage role out of the San Francisco bullpen, Strickland carries modest fantasy value. He's posted a 1.10 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 9.9 K/9 for the season, and his underwhelming WHIP is probably unsustainably high and currently ballooned by a 5.0 BB/9. The 28-year-old reliever entered 2017 with a 2.2 mark, so statistical correction is likely ahead. It is worth noting that Derek Law, and not Strickland, handled the closing duties when Mark Melancon was on the disabled list earlier this season. |
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Apr 30 2017 | Strickland kept his scoreless streak going Sunday, firing a scoreless inning and striking out three in an extra-inning loss to the Padres. | The 28-year-old has been a bright spot in an otherwise shaky San Francisco bullpen this season. The only blemish on the back of the veteran's baseball card are the five walks he's surrendered over his 10 innings of work. Strickland hasn't recorded a hold yet -- mainly due to the team's struggles as a whole -- but those should begin rolling in as long as he continues to dominate on the mound. |
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Apr 11 2017 | Strickland -- who was away from the team on paternity leave -- returned to action Tuesday, tossing a scoreless inning and striking out two in a 4-3 loss to the Diamondbacks. | The veteran reliever looked sharp in his return, something that couldn't be said about the entire Giants bullpen while he was away. With fellow late-inning reliever, Derek Law, struggling early in the season, Strickland should be manager Bruce Bochy's go-to man in high-leverage situations leading up to the ninth inning, making him a solid source of holds with good strikeout potential. |
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Apr 10 2017 | Strickland returned from paternity leave Monday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | As expected, Strickland rejoined the Giants after three days away, with Steven Okert being optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. The 28-year-old will reclaim his spot as the team's primary setup man. |
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Apr 7 2017 | Strickland was placed on paternity leave Friday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | Strickland should be back early next week to reclaim his setup spot. Steven Okert will take his place on the roster. |
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Mar 28 2017 | Strickland retired the only batter he faced Monday, slightly lowering his Cactus League ERA to 4.82 over 9.1 innings. | Manager Bruce Bochy has remained quiet regarding who his primary setup man will be this season. Both Strickland and Derek Law were considered the frontrunners, and Will Smith's (elbow) injury has removed the lefty from the equation. Both relievers are expected to be used in some capacity in the late innings of close games, so the competition only affects those who play in leagues that count holds as a category. |
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Feb 8 2017 | Strickland will compete with Derek Law for the setup role this spring, CSN Bay Area reports. | The 28-year-old Strickland proved that his 2015 season was not a fluke after posting a 3.10 ERA over 61 innings last year. He spent the majority of the season pitching in the seventh and eighth innings, and the same should be expected this year after the club signed closer Mark Melancon. Whoever manager Bruce Bochy settles on as his primary setup man will see a bump in value in leagues that count holds. |
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Sep 23 2016 | With Sergio Romo converting both of his recent save opportunities, it looks like Strickland is no longer a candidate to close out games for the Giants. | Strickland was given a chance to take the reigns on the closer role once Santiago Casilla was demoted from the position. He failed to do so, converting only one of the three save opportunities presented to him. Since then, Romo has converted two clean saves, leading us to believe that Strickland is no longer in the mix for consistent appearances in the ninth inning. |
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Sep 20 2016 | Strickland blew his first save since being named co-closer, allowing both inherited runners to score in Monday's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers. | As expected, manager Bruce Bochy went to Law, Lopez (against a lefty) and Strickland to protect a one-run lead Monday. All three failed to record an out in the ninth and Strickland was saddled with the blown save. There hasn't be a change of plan announced, so we have to consider Strickland and Law the favorites to continue seeing save opportunities. |
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Sep 18 2016 | Manager Bruce Bochy said that Strickland and Derek Law would be "more in the mix" for save opportunities down the stretch, CSN Bay Area reports. | While Bochy refuses to give fantasy owners an blunt answer to who will close games for the Giants, naming two favorites does help clear the mess that was created after Santiago Casilla's removal from the role. Strickland and Law both have "closer's stuff" so it isn't a big surprise that these two will see the lion's share of opportunities. The latter is fresh off of a DL stint, so Strickland is the more likely of the two to see the next save opportunity. |
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Sep 14 2016 | Strickland will remain the team's primary closer, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | Strickland yielded four runs in just 0.2 innings en route to a blown save and a loss Tuesday in his second save opportunity since taking over as the closer, but manager Bruce Bochy will keep going to the 27-year-old for the time being. Bochy did indicate that he may continue playing the ninth inning on a matchup basis as well, as he did Tuesday, so while Strickland is still the primary option, it sounds as though he won't be the only arm used in save situations. |
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Sep 14 2016 | Strickland was charged with four earned runs in Tuesday's ninth-inning implosion against the Padres | Strickland's attempt for a second-consecutive save didn't go as smoothly as his last one. He entered Tuesday's game with a three-run lead against one of the worst offensive units in baseball. Strickland pitched much better than the stat line suggests. Two bloop hits and an infield single loaded the bases for the Padres with just one out. Strickland's first mistake of the inning was walking Luis Sardinas with the bases loaded. His second was swiping at a Yangervis Solarte grounder that could have been a game-ending double play, instead getting just one out and allowing a second run to score. Manager Bruce Bochy then made the biggest mistake of the inning and removed his new closer to go to the left-handed Steven Okert, who promptly served up a meatball that Ryan Schimpf hit over the wall. As you can tell, Strickland was charged with four runs despite not giving up one hard-hit ball, so this may not end up being the end of his save opportunities. We will have to see how Bochy decides to handle the next save opportunity as his plan of playing matchups backfired Tuesday. |
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Sep 11 2016 | Strickland notched a four-out save Sunday, allowing one hit and striking out two in the win over Arizona. | With Santiago Casilla recently losing the closer job, Strickland made a case for himself with his third save of the year, but first since July 23. It is important to note that manager Bruce Bochy went to Sergio Romo and Will Smith -- two other potential options to close -- before handing the ball to Strickland. Bochy says he will continue to use a committee approach to close out games, but Strickland is definitely worth an add in case he runs away with the job. |
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Sep 11 2016 | Strickland could be in line to see save opportunities down the stretch. | Now that Santiago Casilla has officially been removed as the Giants's closer, Strickland is a favorite to see save opportunities while the Giants deploy a committee approach to close out games. Of all the options available to manager Bruce Bochy, the big righty most resembles the traditional closer look with a 6-4, 220 pound frame and a fastball in the high 90's. Strickland's consistency is also working in his favor after never going through a particularly rough stretch at any point this season. He currently has a 2.72 ERA and 50 strikeouts over 56.1 innings. |
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Sep 8 2016 | Strickland could be an option to close if the Giants opt to remove the struggling Santiago Casilla from the role, CSN Bay Area reports. | There are several veteran options manager Bruce Bochy could turn to ahead of hard-throwing righty, but he has a tendency to rely on veterans more than younger arms. If Strickland were to become the closer, he presents the highest upside of any of the potential replacements with a 2.77 ERA and strikeout stuff. |
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Jul 23 2016 | Strickland notched his second save with a scoreless 12th inning in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Yankees. He also recorded a strikeout. | The 27-year-old needed only 12 pitches to work through the 12th frame, recording his first save since June 8 against the Red Sox. Strickland has had an up-and-down July, but now has scoreless efforts in three of his last four trips to the mound. He's only two-for-five in save chances this season, but has three victories and 10 holds as well. |
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Jul 3 2016 | Strickland surrendered a three-run homer in the eighth inning of Saturday's loss to the Diamondbacks. | Strickland was only charged with one run, but the homer blew the lead and eventually the game for the Giants. While this was an outing he would like to forget, he has done a respectable job as one of the Giants' late-inning relievers this season (3.00 ERA and 10 holds). The home run was just his second allowed on the season. |
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Jun 18 2016 | Strickland could see save opportunities this weekend with Santiago Casilla on paternity leave. | Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News reported that manager Bruce Bochy would use matchups in the ninth inning while Casilla is away. Strickland is a likely candidate to see opportunities against righties after picking up his first save on June 8. The Rays have more righties than lefties in their lineup, making Strickland the favorite to see a save opportunity if one arises this weekend. |
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Jun 10 2016 | Strickland earned his first save of the season in Wednesday's victory over the Red Sox, retiring the single batter he faced. | Wednesday marked Strickland's 28th game of the season, yet he's pitched just 22.1 innings. Strickland's primary use remains pitching brief 0.1 inning stints, particularly against right-handed hitters, and his 26 percent strikeout rate is the third best among Giants' relievers. |
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May 10 2016 | Including Monday's clean outing against the Blue Jays, Strickland has tossed 5.2 consecutive scoreless innings over his last five appearances. | Strickland had a rocky month of April with a few poor outings that saw his ERA inflate to 5.40. Since that time, he has lowered his ERA back down to 3.21 to go along with a 13:4 K:BB ratio. Santiago Casilla is in no danger of losing the closer's gig anytime soon, but if Strickland continues to pitch like he has over the past couple of weeks, then he will insert himself back into the conversation should Casilla ever falter. |
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Apr 19 2016 | Strickland blew the two-run lead he inherited in the eighth inning of Monday's loss to the Diamondbacks. | On the bright side, both of the runs were scored via three singles and two sacrifice flies, so Strickland didn't necessarily get hammered. This was a poorly-timed blown save for Strickland, as current closer Santiago Casilla blew a save of his own in the top of the ninth inning. A clean inning from Strickland would have shortened the leash on Casilla and gotten him closer to taking over as the team's closer. |
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Apr 15 2016 | With news of Sergio Romo (elbow) hitting the disabled list, Strickland is in line to be the club's primary setup man. | There is no official timetable for Romo's return, but initial reports are that he may be out for a while. Strickland was a popular pick to possibly surpass either Romo or closer Santiago Casilla on the depth chart, but he ended up starting the season in middle relief. He should be a great source of holds and strikeouts for as long as Romo remains out, and he also becomes the logical pick to take over as the team's closer should Casilla go down with injury or struggle. |
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Apr 1 2016 | Strickland - who has posted a 3.27 ERA in 11 spring appearances - will start the year in middle relief. | There were rumblings that Strickland could usurp Santiago Casilla as closer during spring training, but that never came to fruition and the former will start the season in middle relief. This news should come as no surprise as manager Bruce Bochy is notorious for being loyal to his veterans and Sergio Romo and Casilla have done nothing to deserve a demotion from their respective setup and closer roles. If Casilla were to lose his job due to poor performance or injury, then Strickland could be the top candidate to close given his hard-throwing arsenal. Those in leagues with holds should roster Strickland, but other than save speculation or ratio boosting, there isn't much value to be had in mixed leagues. |
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Mar 17 2016 | Strickland has posted a 4.50 ERA in six spring training appearances. He has seven strikeouts to just one walk over that span. | Strickland has been a trendy target for cheap saves early on in drafts as many have lost faith in Santiago Casilla holding on the closer job over the course of the season. While Strickland's repertoire is that of a more traditional closer, Casilla has done nothing to show that he is ready to relinquish the job. Barring an injury to Casilla in the next couple of weeks, Strickland will be nothing more than stash for those hoping the former falters at some point this year. |
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Aug 14 2015 | Strickland tossed two shutout innings while striking out three in Thursday's win over the Nationals. | Strickland needed just 18 pitches to get through two innings Thursday. After proving to be extremely homer-prone in last year's playoffs (six homers in 8.1 innings), he has limited the long balls (0.26 HR/9) in 2015. His 1.57 ERA ranks second among Giant relievers with at least 30 innings pitched. Current closer Santiago Casilla converted the save Thursday, but has had an up-and-down season. Should Casilla continue to falter, Strickland would definitely be a candidate to move into the closer's role, given his high velocity (96.6 MPH average fastball) and ability to miss bats (10.49 K/9). That is all speculation at this point, until then, continue to view Strickland as a solid middle relief option who can net fantasy owners strikeouts and a handful of holds. |
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Jun 1 2015 | With Sergio Romo (illness) unavailable to pitch Sunday, Strickland tossed a clean inning in the eighth against the Braves. | Since his call up May 24, Strickland has tossed 7.1 scoreless innings. His use in the eighth inning shows the confidence manager Bruce Bochy has in the 26-year-old flamethrower. What's more impressive is his new-found ability to limit his homers (zero) and walks (zero), which were glaring flaws in the Giants' 2014 postseason run when he surrendered six homers and two walks in 8.1 innings. |
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May 24 2015 | Strickland was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. | Strickland has been on quite the roller coaster ride over the past 24 hours, as he was recalled to be the 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader, but demoted immediately following the contest. However, due to Sunday's DFA of third baseman Casey McGehee, Strickland will return to the Giants' bullpen and should see a middle-relief role moving forward. |
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May 24 2015 | Strickland threw two shutout innings in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rockies, striking out three. | Strickland demonstrated better command of his offspeed pitches than he did last year in the playoffs. His Triple-A numbers, particularly his 25:3 K:BB in 21.2 innings, also demonstrate that prowess. We'll likely see him back with the Giants soon. |
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May 23 2015 | Strickland was recalled Saturday to be the 26th man for Saturday's doubleheader. | The hard-throwing righty will offer bullpen depth for Saturday's games and then be sent back to Triple-A. |
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Mar 29 2015 | Strickland was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. | Strickland appeared in 11 spring contests for the Giants, allowing eight runs (seven earned) over 10.1 innings. He tossed seven scoreless innings in the majors last season, however, and could be called upon again if the need for another bullpen arm arises. |
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Mar 4 2015 | Strickland gave up three runs (one home run) over an inning of work in his spring training debut against the Athletics. | Strickland has an overpowering fastball, but his issue last postseason was his inability to limit the long ball. This proved to be an issue in his first appearance of spring training when Jason Pridie went yard off the hard-throwing righty. The Giants want Strickland to work on developing his slider so that opposing hitters don't simply sit on his fastball. He is expected to be part of the Giants' Opening Day bullpen, but he will have to limit his home runs allowed if he wants to be used in high pressure situations. |
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Sep 23 2014 | Strickland notched his first career save Monday, striking out two in a perfect 13th inning against the Dodgers. | Giants closer Santiago Casilla was called upon in the 11th inning of a tie game, paving the way for Strickland to finish off the Dodgers. The rookie fireballer isn't in line to earn any more saves going forward, but he's made an impression with his triple-digit fastball and may have a significant bullpen role in 2015. |
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Sep 2 2014 | Strickland tossed a scoreless eighth inning in his major-league debut. | The 24-year-old rookie came into the game throwing gas, averaging 98 mph on his fastball and touching 100 mph once. The Giants will give him a good look this September to see if he is ready to join the bullpen permanently in 2015. |
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Aug 31 2014 | Strickland will be called up from Double-A Richmond on Monday, the San Jose Mercury News reports. | A 2007 draft pick of the Red Sox, Strickland, who underwent Tommy John surgery last year, has never pitched in a major league game. He's split 2014 between High-A San Jose and Double-A Richmond, compiling a cumulative 2.09 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 38.2 total innings. He'll provide bullpen depth down the stretch. |
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Jul 25 2013 | Strickland was released by the Giants on Thursday. | Despite the release, Strickland will likely attract interest elsewhere after posting excellent results at High-A San Jose earlier this season. Still, as a 24-year-old stuck at High-A, his window to reach the big leagues may be closing quickly. |
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