Veteran relief pitcher Steve Cishek has decided to call it a career after 12 years in the big leagues, spanning stays with eight different teams. "It's time," Cishek said. "It's gotten harder for me to bounce back game-to-game. The ball wasn't coming out as crisp as before, and it felt like I had to pitch differently. I know I'll get the bug and want to get back out there, but I don't think I'm pulling a Tom Brady." Cishek's strange sidearm delivery made him especially tough on right-handed hitters in his career. The 36-year-old made his major-league debut in 2010 with the then-Florida Marlins and finished up in 2022 with the Washington Nationals. Cishek will wrap up his 13-year career with a 2.98 ERA (3.49 FIP), a 1.20 WHIP, 133 saves, 743 strikeouts and 288 walks in 710 2/3 innings over 737 relief appearances.
Washington Nationals right-hander Steve Cishek was ejected from his team's game against the New York Mets on Friday night after he hit Francisco Lindor in the face during the fifth inning. Lindor was the only batter Cishek faced in an outing that spanned just two pitches. It didn't appear that Cishek intentionally hit Lindor, but that was the fourth hit batter by the Washington pitching staff in just two games this series, so the umpiring crew was most likely trying to send a message to the Nats. Cishek was replaced by lefty Sean Doolittle in the contest. It remains to be seen whether Cishek faces further disciplinary action from the league.
The Washington Nationals agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal with free-agent reliever Steve Cishek on Saturday, according to sources. Cishek had a rough 2020 season with the Chicago White Sox but bounced back to post a 3.42 ERA and 1.49 WHIP with 21 holds for the Los Angeles Angels in 68 1/3 innings over 74 relief outings in 2021. Kyle Finnegan, who had 11 saves for the Nats last year after they traded Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson, is currently penciled in as the closer to open the 2022 season. However, Washington's bullpen isn't set in stone by any means, so if Cishek pitches well in spring training and early on, he could see some valuable high-leverage innings in D.C. The 35-year-old righty has 132 career saves with a 2.85 ERA in 668 relief appearances over 12 big-league seasons with seven different teams.
Los Angeles Angels reliever Steve Cishek was added to the bereavement list prior to Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He will now miss a minimum of three games and at most seven. Cishek has been one of the better pitchers out of the Angels bullpen this season, pitching to a 3.64 ERA, with a 20.4 K%, a 13.4 BB%, and 16 holds. He is only relevant in leagues that count holds, as he doesn't get any save opportunities and his ratios are well below average.
The Houston Astros signed free-agent relief pitcher Steve Cishek to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Tuesday. The veteran right-hander has a 2.78 ERA in 594 career relief appearances with a .214 average against and 132 saves in 10-plus major league seasons. He's held right-handed hitters to a .204 average and has had an ERA of 2.81 or lower in seven of his 10 full seasons. Cishek made 20 appearances with the White Sox last season and had a 5.40 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched. The 34-year-old right-hander had a 2.55 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 9.0 K/9 in his two seasons with the Cubs prior to that, including 11 saves. Ryan Pressly appears to be Houston's most likely closer in 2021, but Cishek could be in the mix for high-leverage setup situations alongside Pedro Baez and Blake Taylor if he makes the team out of spring training.
The Chicago White Sox and relief pitcher Steve Cishek agreed on a one-year, $6 million deal on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the agreement. The deal includes an option that could take the deal to a second year at $12 million total. Cishek had a 2.95 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, seven saves and 57 K's in 64 innings for the Cubs in 2019. He has 132 career saves under his belt, but he'll likely open the season alongside Kelvin Herrera as a setup man for closer Alex Colome, severely limiting his fantasy appeal. If Colome falters at all or is injured, though, Cishek could be the first man up for ninth-inning duties for a vastly improved White Sox squad.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Steve Cishek (hip) has been activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. He missed 10 days of action due to left hip inflammation, but is ready to pitch out of the bullpen on Tuesday. However, Craig Kimbrel is back as well, so Cishek won't see too many ninth inning save spots right now. David Bote has been optioned to Triple-A to make room for Cishek on the active roster.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Steve Cishek (hip) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. The team is hopeful that Cishek will be ready to return to the Cubs by Tuesday, assuming everything goes well. He's been sidelined with left hip inflammation, but it doesn't sound too serious. He should get save chances in Chicago until Craig Kimbrel is ready to return.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Steve Cishek (knee) thinks he'll only miss one or two games after he was carted off the field before the game on Wednesday after he was hit by a ball during batting practice while playing catch. He was diagnosed with a deep bruise inside his right knee. Cishek has a 3.21 ERA and six saves in 29 appearances for the Cubs this year. He had some short-term fantasy value in deeper leagues when Pedro Strop was on the injured list, but he'll mostly pitch in a setup role the rest of the season, especially with closer Craig Kimbrel expected to make his season debut later this month.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Steve Cishek(leg) was carted off the field Wednesday during warm-ups. Cishek's right leg was hit by a ball, which doesn't sound like much, but it was enough to warrant him being carted off the field. There's no word yet on the severity of the injury, but this doesn't look good. Further updates on his status should be available shortly.
