Atlanta Braves Re-Sign Darren O’Day
While the Atlanta Braves continue the search for a possible reunion with Josh Donaldson, the team has solidified their bullpen. Recently the Braves brought back right-hander Darren O’Day on a one-year $2.25 million deal with a 2021 club option. The 2021 club option could tack on $1.25 million to that mark.
Looking for a Healthy Approach
While O’Day has garnered a reputation as a quality bullpen arm, he hasn’t had much chance to show it with the Braves. The 37-year-old came over from Baltimore as part of the Kevin Gausman deal and hasn’t been very healthy. He came into the Braves organization already injured, and it didn’t get a whole lot better for him as the season wore on.
Even with his health struggles, O’Day did manage to be efficient with six strikeouts and just one run allowed to go along with one walk through 5.1 innings in 2019. O’Day also made appearances in four out of Atlanta’s five NLDS games. Through those two combined innings, O’Day was efficient with no runs allowed, two strikeouts, and just one hit allowed.
Looking to Continue the Trend
Before his recent injury, O’Day could be counted on as more than a solid bullpen arm. The submarine specialist posted a 2.55 ERA and 3.45 FIP across 560.1 innings pitched. Before his time in Atlanta, O’Day posted 578 strikeouts and a WHIP of just 1.03. The veteran has posted 50 innings or more in eight of his 12 seasons.
O’Day has allowed more than 15 runs just twice in his 12 years as a major league player. 2018 marked his second-best season in terms of walks per nine innings (1.8) and highest mark in strikeouts per nine innings (12.2). The one thing that may give the most concerns when it comes to O’Day is the home runs given up. Despite O’Day’s strong 2018 campaign, he did allow 1.4 home runs per nine innings.
With the addition of O’Day, it’s clear that the Braves are already making a push to solidify what was one of their weakest aspects. However, O’Day still has a lot to prove as he dives into 37 years of age and an injury-riddled season.
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