Fernando Rodney Toils His Way To 22nd Save Thursday
6 years agoMinnesota Twins closer Fernando Rodney secured his 22nd save of the season on Thursday, but it did not come easy. The veteran entered the ninth inning to protect a 2-1 Twins lead against the powerhouse Boston Red Sox, and instantly found himself in danger. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts led off the inning with a single. First baseman Steve Pearce then grounded out, advancing Bogaerts to second. Third baseman Rafael Devers fouled out, and suddenly Rodney found himself with two outs. Then he proceeded to walk both catcher Blake Swihart and second baseman Brock Holt. With the game on the line — and in true, dramatic Rodney fashion — the closer struck out outfielder Jackie Bradley to end the game. If history has taught us anything, then Rodney might be getting closer to blowing another save; his last three appearances have been anything but easy (five hits, two runs, three walks). That said, Rodney has been rumored as a trade chip, and if he moves to a contender expect him to be delegated to a setup man role, vastly reducing his fantasy value. If not, he will continue to be a middle-of-the-pack fantasy closer for the Twins.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com