The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with free-agent relief pitcher Hector Rondon on Tuesday. He'll have a chance to make another $1 million in performance bonuses if he's in the majors. Rondon became a free agent when the Diamondbacks declined his $4 million option for the 2021 season. The 32-year-old right-hander struggled to a 7.65 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and a 23:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 20 relief innings for Arizona last season. Rondon has 92 career saves over eight big-league seasons with the Cubs, Astros and D-backs, but he hasn't saved a game since 2018 and will just be competing to make the major league roster out of spring training. Hector Neris and Archie Bradley figure to be competing for the primary ninth-inning job in Philadelphia in 2021. Rondon can be ignored in mostly all fantasy leagues for the time being.
The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year deal with relief pitcher Hector Rondon on Wednesday, according to sources. Rondon, 32 next month, is guaranteed $3 million. He'll make $2.5 million in 2020 with a $500,000 buyout on his team option. The right-hander had a 3.71 ERA in 62 games last year with the Astros and helped the Cubs win a World Series in 2016. He has a career 3.29 ERA in 416 innings across seven seasons in the big leagues. He'll join the Arizona bullpen as the likely setup man to closer Archie Bradley. Rondon does have 92 career saves in his pocket, but he won't have much fantasy value in Arizona if he's not closing games consistently, unless you're in a league that counts holds.
Houston Astros pitcher Hector Rondon will serve as the opener Tuesday when the team takes on the Angels in Anaheim. After 396 appearances in the major leagues, Rondon will take the mound in the first inning to start the game. Rondon is having a solid season but is posting a 6.75 ERA over his last seven appearances with five walks over his last 6 2/3 innings. Prospect Rogelio Armenteros will be called up from Triple-A and will be tasked with throwing several innings after Rondon opens.
Houston Astros relief pitchers Hector Rondon and Joe Smith are being added to the roster for the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox in favor of reliever Will Harris and outfielder Myles Straw. Rondon was solid for the Astros as their primary closer for much of the year, but he lost the job when the team traded for current closer Roberto Osuna.
Hector Rondon, Chris Devenski Left Off ALDS Roster
Houston Astros relief pitchers Hector Rondon, Chris Devenski, Brad Peacock and Joe Smith were all left off the roster for the American League Division Series against the Indians. Rondon was the team's primary closer (15 saves) until they traded for Roberto Osuna, and Rondon struggled to close out the year. Devenski battled injuries and wasn't himself in 2018, posting a 4.18 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 9.7 K/9 in 50 appearances (47 1/3 innings).
Updating a previous report, X-rays on Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Rondon's wrist came back negative after he took a line drive off his wrist in the outing on Monday against the Twins. It looks like Rondon avoided a serious injury, but he may need a day or two to rest. He has been solid for the Astros this year, but Roberto Osuna should be considered the favorite for saves to close out the season.
Houston Astros relief pitcher Hector Rondon (wrist) left his outing after being hit by a line drive off his right wrist on Monday against the Twins. Rondon only faced one hitter in the outing. He has a 2.09 ERA, 10.10 K/9 and 14 saves in 19 chances this year. However, Roberto Osuna, who was being rested on Monday, has become the favorite for saves in Houston in the final month. Check back later for more news on the severity of Rondon's injury.
Hector Rondon To Get First Crack At Second-Half Saves
Houston Astros closerHector Rondon is expected to get the first shot to close games heading into the second half of the season. Rondon has taken over the role from embattled 2017 closer Ken Giles and has converted eight of nine saves since June 1. Giles is now in the minors and the job appears to be Rondon's to lose moving forward. Manager A.J. Hinch will have the luxury to turn to pitchers Collin McHugh and Chris Devenski at times but Rondon has impressed with 21 strikeouts over his last 14 innings pitched. The Astros carry the second best record in baseball heading into the second half and Rondon is a must-add in all formats.
Houston Astros reliever Hector Rondon picked up his fourth save in six chances Sunday as the Astros won again 7-4. The offense is absolutely humming right now and the team may have found its closer for the foreseeable future. Rondon has not allowed a single run yet on the road this season in 13 1/3 innings pitched away from Minute Maid Park. Rondon is throwing some serious heat and has a ton of confidence right now. It is pretty clear the closer's job is his to lose after 2017 closer Ken Giles was used in the eighth inning of a tight game. Rondon will be a sneaky add to anyone's fantasy roster this week as the Astros have now won their last 12 games.
Hector Rondon Notches Third Save in Five Days For Astros
Has Ken Giles lost his grip on the Houston Astros closer position? After a few shaky outings, Giles entered Sunday's game in the sixth inning (and pitched well), leaving the ninth for Hector Rondon. Pitching for the second straight day, Rondon struck out the side in the ninth to secure his third save in five days. After the game, Astros manager A.J. Hinch wouldn't commit to a single closer. However, Rondon has a 1.57 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP with 26 Ks in 23 innings pitched this year. Compared to Giles (5.40 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 19 Ks in 20 IP), it's a reasonable bet to think Rondon owns the closer role for now.
