The Atlanta Braves have signed free-agent pitcher Taylor Widener to a minor-league deal. The right-hander spent the 2023 season overseas pitching for the NC Dinos and the Samsung Lions of the Korean Baseball Organization but will return to the big leagues after pitching for the D-backs from 2020-2022. Widener posted a decent 4.26 ERA across 49 appearances (13 starts) with the D-backs in that span but a 4.68 SIERA, 5.54 FIP, 34.1% ground-ball rate, and elevated 11% walk rate suggest he was rather fortunate to post that solid ERA. He will likely serve as a bullpen/spot starter depth piece with a potential swingman role in his future in the Braves organization.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener put up a solid outing against the Padres on Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings of work in a 6-2 loss. It was the first time since April that he pitched five full innings, as he had gone 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA and 2.035 WHIP over his last five starts entering Saturday. He had looked good back in April, but injuries cost him most of May and all of June, and likely had an impact on his performance in July. Hopefully this is the beginning of a turnaround, and he could be a decent streaming option going forward. He's in line for another matchup with the Padres in his next start, and may be worth consideration as a streaming option in deeper formats.
Taylor Widener Struggles, Strikes Out Eight In No-Decision
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener did not factor into the decision on Tuesday night, as he allowed five runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out eight in 4 2/3 innings of work against Pittsburgh. Widener has only made seven starts this season due to injury, but when healthy he has gone 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA, 1.273 WHIP and 22.8 percent strikeout rate. The big issue though is that Widener has not pitched five or more innings in a start since the end of April. In deeper formats he could be worth looking at as a streaming option going forward, but only when he gets a favorable matchup.
The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled right-hander Taylor Widener from Triple-A Reno on Tuesday and optioned left-handed reliever Alex Young to Reno in a corresponding move. Widener will return to the team's rotation on Tuesday night to face the Pittsburgh Pirates at home. The 26-year-old has made just six starts for the D-backs this year, but he's been good, posting a 2.54 ERA and 1.16 WHIP despite striking out just 25 and walking 10 in 28 1/3 innings pitched. His 5.08 FIP means we'll likely see some regression in the second half, but in an excellent matchup with the lowly Pirates on Tuesday, Widener is certainly worth a look as a streaming option.
Taylor Widener Activated And Starting Against Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Taylor Widener (groin) has been activated from the 10-day injured list and will make the start on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Widener has missed almost seven weeks with a right groin strain, so fantasy managers should be looking to avoid him in a tough matchup. The 26-year-old was really good before his injury, though, posting a 2.63 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 20/8 K/BB in 24 innings over his five starts. Widener is worth a pickup in deep mixed leagues if he's available, but his 5.05 FIP and less-than-stellar 19.2 percent strikeout rate are reasons to be wary that he can continue to be even remotely as good as he's been the rest of the way in 2021. He's also pitching for one of the worst teams in baseball.
Taylor Widener Needs Solid Performance Before Return
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener (groin) will need a successful rehab performance before being activated by the big club. The 26-year-old has been bothered by a right groin strain for a good portion of the season, and his most recent bout with the ailment landed him on the injured list back in May. However, he hasn't impressed during his rehab outings at High-A Hillsboro, so he will need to prove himself before getting back on the hill. As a result, Widener's expected return could be delayed, opening the door for Brett De Geus to remain in the rotation for the time being.
Taylor Widener To Have Another Rehab Start Saturday
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener (groin) is scheduled to throw another rehab session on Saturday. This will be Widener's second start at High-A Hillsboro as he continues to ramp up his activity level. The team will likely play it safe with the 26-year-old by not rushing him back, primarily after being bothered by the groin ailment for a significant portion of the year. The righty is currently sitting on a 2.63 ERA throughout five starts while nearly averaging a strikeout per inning this season. Fantasy managers in most formats should keep him stashed as the upside is certainly there when he returns.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener (groin) will throw 55 pitches in a simulated outing on Monday. Widener has been a frequent member of the injury report this season after dealing with multiple stints on the 10-day because of a groin strain. Although the 26-year-old appears to be moving in the right direction, he still has a way to go before instilling confidence in fantasy managers. The right-hander is currently sitting on an adequate 2.62 despite getting limited work this season, so he is worth a stash. In the meantime, and with Madison Bumgarner (shoulder) and Seth Frankoff (forearm) also missing from the rotation, Matt Peacock and Corbin Martin should continue to see the hill some more moving ahead.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener (groin) threw in a simulated game on Wednesday, tossing 23 pitches throughout just one inning. The righty has been out for over a month now because of a strained groin. However, he appears to be making progress as he has also recently been participating in bullpen sessions before the artificial outing. Nonetheless, Widener could be due for a rehab assignment, which is good news, but with the team down several members of the rotation, Matt Peacock and Corbin Martin should continue to get some extra chances on the bump, although neither man is worth much from a fantasy perspective.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Taylor Widener (groin) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session soon. Widener has recently been throwing from 90-feet, a positive sign after he has spent multiple trips on the injured list due to a right groin strain. Widener has played sparingly this season but still has fantasy value in deeper leagues based on his upside alone. The team likely will play it safe by not rushing him back, meaning a few rehab starts are likely in his future, but he is still worth a stash for those with room to spare.
Taylor Widener
• SP
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Braves
