Ziegler gets final inning versus Philadelphia Saturday night

Those who have followed the Arizona Diamondbacks closely this season could see it coming. The adventurous outings that have plagued Addison Reed late in games this season eventually caught up to the D-backs one-time closer.

Entering Saturday night’s tilt versus the Philadelphia Phillies, Reed has posted disheartening numbers by just about any standard you use for a Major League closer. In 10 innings pitched this season, Reed had ceded 15 hits and four walks, posting a 7.20 ERA to go along with two blown saves in four opportunities; numbers that aren’t good enough to earn the benefit of the doubt.

Of course, despite Reed’s current relegation to a set-up role in the D-backs’ bullpen, manager Chip Hale isn’t shying away from utilizing Reed.

In fact, it’s Hale who believes that Reed simply needs extra time to round into form after missing opportunities to pitch due to nagging injuries during spring training. However, instead of working through those issues in close out situations, Hale is opting to pitch the 26-year-old reliever when the heat isn’t as hot.

And though it’s a small sample size, the move seemed to have a positive effect on Reed, who gave up a hit to the first Philadelphia batter he faced but managed to pitch confidently, surrendering nary a run through two innings of work.

Brad Ziegler finished out the game with the team trailing, pitching his ninth consecutive scoreless inning in 12 games versus the Phillies. A seasoned veteran, Ziegler has been the D-backs most reliable bullpen pitcher thus far this season. Through 15.1 innings, Ziegler has a 1.17 ERA to go along with eight strikeouts.