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