Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Yency Almonte has cleared waivers and will test free agency, according to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports. The right-hander was only able to log 15 2/3 innings of work before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. In the short stint, Almonte posted a 3.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 8:20 BB:K with one save. Under the hood, Almonte boasted stellar metrics with a 3.15 xERA and a .198 xBA. In addition, he generated a strong 29.9% strikeout rate and 30.9% whiff rate. Almonte is worth monitoring during the offseason, as he could earn a role as a high-leverage option in 2025 given his ability to generate a high number of strikeouts.
Yency Almonte To Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
Chicago Cubs reliever Yency Almonte (shoulder) is electing to undergo right-shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the 2024 season, according to sources. The 30-year-old right-hander had posted a 3.45 ERA (3.35 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, his third career save, 20 strikeouts and eight walks in 15 2/3 relief innings in his first year with the Cubbies after he was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Depending on how much damage they find in Almonte's shoulder, he might not be ready for the start of the 2025 season, either. In seven big-league seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Dodgers and Cubs, Almonte has posted a 4.44 ERA (4.41 FIP), a 1.30 WHIP, three saves and a mediocre 22.5% strikeout rate for a reliever in 223 innings out of the bullpen.
Chicago Cubs right-hander Yency Almonte (shoulder) didn't receive great news from the second opinion on his right-shoulder strain and will stop his throwing program, rest and then make a decision on whether to resume his rehab or consider a surgical option, according to manager Craig Counsell. Surgery would most likely put Almonte out for the remainder of the 2024 season. The 30-year-old veteran reliever went on the injured list back in May. Before his injury, he posted a 3.45 ERA (3.35 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, his third career save, six holds, eight walks and 20 strikeouts in 15 2/3 relief innings in his first year in Chicago. The Cubs moved Almonte from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 27.
Chicago Cubs right-hander Yency Almonte (shoulder) is shut down from throwing and is in a strengthening program. However, the hope is that his strengthening program will be relatively short and he can start throwing again next week. The 29-year-old reliever was placed on the 15-day injured last week with a right-shoulder strain but he shouldn't be out for too much longer, barring a setback. The former 17th-round selection by the Los Angeles Angels in 2012 was 1-0 with a 3.45 ERA (3.31 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, one save, eight walks and 20 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings out of the Cubs' bullpen this year before going on the IL. Almonte isn't really on the fantasy radar in any formats and holds a career 4.44 ERA (4.41 FIP) and 1.30 WHIP with three saves in 223 innings out of the bullpen.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Yency Almonte recorded his first save of the season in Tuesday's victory against the Houston Astros. Almonte got the final four outs of the contest with one strikeout and no hits or walks allowed. The Cubs bullpen has been a bit of a mess in the early goings with closer Adbert Alzolay struggling to open the season, but managers should not expect Almonte to be the new closer with Alzolay still in the picture and Mark Leiter Jr. and Hector Neris ahead of him. Almonte can safely remain on the waiver wire.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are working on a deal to send relief pitcher Yency Almonte to the Chicago Cubs, according to a source. It remains to be seen what the Dodgers will receive in return. Almonte already avoided salary arbitration with the Dodgers back in November, signing a one-year, $1.9 million deal. The 29-year-old right-hander was dominant for the Blue in 2022 but took a big step back in 2023 in his second year in LA, posting a 5.06 ERA (4.59 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 24 walks and a career-high 49 strikeouts in 48 relief innings over 49 appearances out of the Dodgers' bullpen. Adbert Alzolay will open the 2024 season as Chicago's primary closer, but Almonte could eventually earn a high-leverage setup role alongside Julian Merryweather and Drew Smyly.
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Yency Almonte (knee) is starting a minor-league rehab assignment for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. The Dodgers will have a first-round bye in the playoffs for the wild-card round, but Almonte probably won't be able to join the Dodgers in the postseason unless they advance to the National League Championship Series since he hasn't pitched since hurting his right knee on Aug. 11. The 29-year-old right-hander wasn't very good in his 49 relief appearances for the Blue this year anyway, posting a 5.06 ERA (4.59 FIP), 1.39 WHIP, 24 walks and 49 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched.
Daniel Hudson, Yency Almonte Facing Hitters Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitchers Daniel Hudson (ankle, knee) and Yency Almonte (elbow) are scheduled to face live hitters on Wednesday for the first time since spring training started. Hudson suffered a season-ending torn left ACL last June and also had a setback with an ankle injury, which will cause him to open the 2023 season on the injured list. However, Hudson could be back as a closing option for the Blue in the middle of April. The 28-year-old Almonte missed most of the second half in 2022 with an elbow injury, and he could also open the season on the injured list for the Dodgers. Hudson should have much more fantasy appeal than Almonte as an option to close out games for one of the best teams in baseball.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and right-handed reliever Yency Almonte avoided arbitration after agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. The 28-year-old signed with the Dodgers on a minor-league deal before 2022 but missed roughly two months due to elbow inflammation. Although, his 2022 campaign may have been his best performance yet. He spent four seasons with the Rockies and compiled a 5.30 ERA through four seasons. It appears that a change of scenery has flipped the script. Almonte posted a 1.02 ERA with a 3.17 FIP across 33 appearances. If Almonte can mirror his 2022 campaign and stay healthy, he should undoubtedly be considered for deep-league formats.
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Yency Almonte (elbow) threw 25 pitches of live batting practice to infielder Gavin Lux (neck) on Wednesday. Almonte looked good during the session and could be ready to rejoin the Dodgers bullpen sooner than later. However, the 28-year-old will throw at least one more simulated game before potentially going on a minor league rehab assignment. In his first year in LA, Almonte has been excellent in his 31 1/3 relief innings, posting a career-low 1.15 ERA (3.27 FIP), a 0.89 WHIP, one save and a 30:10 K:BB.
Yency Almonte
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Cubs
