The Cincinnati Enquirer reports today that Bubba Nelson has opened the season in AA Chattanooga as the team’s closer:
Bubba Nelson, a 23-year-old right-hander, is being used as the closer at Double-A Chattanooga.
He has taken to the role.
Nelson threw a perfect ninth inning Tuesday in Chattanooga’s 2-1 win over Mobile. He is 3-for-3 in save opportunities and has pitched four shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out four.
Coming into this season, 97 of Nelson’s 119 appearances were as a starter, and he had no saves.
So far so good, he has yet to be scored on in 5 IP in 4 G and recording a save in each appearance. He has only allowed 5 baserunners (2BB), while striking out 6. Complete Reds AA stats here. Good to see him off to a nice start in his new role.
Later,
Tom