Duane Underwood Jr. Fantasy Stats

Free-agent right-handed reliever Duane Underwood Jr. signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training. Underwood will be competing for a roster spot in New York's bullpen to open the 2024 season, but that's unlikely to happen unless he improves dramatically from last year. The 29-year-old had a 5.18 ERA (5.06 FIP) and 1.44 WHIP with two saves, 11 walks and 14 strikeouts in 24 1/3 relief innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He wasn't any better when he was sent down to Triple-A Indianapolis. Underwood is 5-10 with a 4.63 ERA (4.08 FIP) and 1.44 WHIP in six major-league seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Pirates in 144 appearances (two starts). He's likely to start the year pitching for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Duane Underwood Jr. picked up his second save of the season during Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He was tasked with the last two innings of the game and didn't allow a baserunner while striking out one batter. Underwood Jr. is sporting a 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 19.5% strikeout rate, and 2.4% walk rate over 10.1 innings. Pirates closer David Bednar pitched the previous two days, so manager Derek Shelton probably wanted to stay away from him. Fantasy managers can't expect regular save chances for Underwood Jr., so he has more value in hold leagues, considering the 28-year-old's already earned three.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. gave up just one hit and allowed zero runs to cross the plate in the ninth inning to pick up his first save. The Pirates knocked off the Red Sox 4-1 on Wednesday. Underwood needed just five pitches to close out the contest. David Bednar is the current closer in Pittsburgh and already has three saves, but Underwood could see his share of opportunities as the season progresses when Bednar needs a day of rest.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. (hamstring) was removed from the game on Opening Day with right hamstring discomfort, according to Jason Mackey. Underwood Jr. wasn't much of a fantasy option to begin with as he is buried in the pecking order for saves in Pittsburgh behind more experienced relievers. With a stint on the injured list a possibility, there's no reason to roster Underwood Jr. in any fantasy league.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. was activated from the 10-day injured list on Sunday. The 26-year-old righty was out of commission because of side discomfort, but it appears as if he is now ready to go. Underwood currently owns a subpar 4.86 ERA, but he has some value based on his 47 strikeouts throughout 50 innings on the year, something fantasy managers who are in need should keep in mind. To make room, Nick Mears was optioned in a corresponding move.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. kicked off his 2021 season with a bang Thursday, striking out three in one perfect inning of relief in a 5-3 Opening Day victory over the Cubs. Underwood who was acquired from the Cubs during Spring Training showed no mercy against his former teammates, needing 18 pitches to get Javier Baez, Jason Heyward and David Bote to all strike out swinging. He has been a high-strikeout reliever throughout his career, and after Thursday's performance he is looking like he could be a solid pickup in SV/HLD formats.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. struck out two in a perfect inning of relief on Monday, as he made his Pirates debut against the Orioles. Acquired in a trade with the Cubs earlier this month, Underwood looks to be locked in for a spot in the Pirates bullpen, where he will bring with him a career 27.7 percent strikeout rate and 7.7 percent walk rate in 36 1/3 career innings. He could be a decent add in NL-only leagues that count SV/HLD.

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked up hurler Duane Underwood Jr. from the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in exchange for minor league first baseman Shendrik Apostel. The pitcher had recently been designated for assignment by the Cubs. A former second-round pick out of high school, Underwood Jr. never realized his full potential with the Cubs and spent parts of the past two years pitching out of the bullpen at the MLB level. He showed some potential last year with a 31% strikeout rate but allowed too many hits and was hurt by the home run ball. His 46% hard-hit-ball rate was one of the worst in the league. Underwood Jr., 26, will be a project for the Pirates but he's also out of minor-league options.

The Chicago Cubs have announced that Duane Underwood will start and make his major league debut Monday versus the Dodgers. Underwood is 3-7 with a 4.43 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 14 games (13 starts) for Triple-A Iowa. Underwood will face a tough Dodgers lineup and is likely to be sent down after tomorrows start.