The Kansas City Royals signed free-agent right-hander Nick Wittgren to a minor-league deal this week. Wittgren is likely to receive a non-roster invitation to big-league spring training. The 31-year-old has had a couple bad seasons in 2021 and 2022 with the Cleveland Guardians and St. Louis Cardinals, posting a combined 5.32 ERA (4.52 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP, two saves, 78 strikeouts and 27 walks in 91 1/3 innings over 89 appearances (one start). The Royals will be hoping he can bounce back in 2023 as bullpen depth for the rebuilding organization. In his seven major-league seasons with the Marlins, Guardians and Cardinals, Wittgren has a 3.96 ERA (4.01 FIP), 1.24 WHIP, six saves and a 22.3 percent strikeout rate.
Nick Wittgren Agrees With Royals On Minor League Contract
The Kansas City Royals signed free agent right-hander Nick Wittgren to a minor-league contract with an invite to their Big League Camp. This will be Wittgren's fourth team over his seven-year career. He spent this past season in the Cardinals bullpen and posted a 5.90 ERA across 29 innings. The 31-year-old made 29 appearances and yielded a 7.5 BB%. In his stint with the Marlins just a few years back, Wittgren was considered a vital component of the Marlins bullpen. The Royals hope to reinvigorate that success Wittgren had as he seeks to make the Royals' Opening Day roster.
Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Nick Wittgren recorded his first save of the season in the Indians 4-2 win against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. Wittgren threw a 1-2-3 ninth inning to record the save. This could be rather significant for Wittgren and the Indians as it was the first save for any Indians reliever in 2021. Wittgren being the first option today could signify that he is the leader in the clubhouse for future save opportunities. The saves situation in Cleveland is still worth monitoring as the early part of the season moves along, however, it should be noted that both James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase were used in earlier situations today with the former allowing an inherited runner to score and being served with the blown save.
Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Nick Wittgren earned a save on Wednesday, tossing the final 1 2/3 innings of a 7-2 victory. It was a much closer game when Wittgren entered, and he made it through his five outs while allowing a solo home run and a walk. He struck out three and ended up with his second save of the season and an ERA of 3.19. Wittgren has been a solid bridge to closer Brad Hand all season and should be seen as the top backup to Hand in case an injury were to strike the Cleveland closer.
Miami Marlins relief pitcherNick Wittgren has been placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right middle finger contusion. The Marlins have recalled pitcherTyler Cloyd from Triple-A New Orleans to replace him. Wittgren has appeared in 18 games this season and has a 3.06 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 17 strikeouts. He should not be owned in any fantasy formats.
Nick Wittgren
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Royals
