Ziegler gets final inning versus Philadelphia Saturday night

May 16, 2015, 10:20 PM | Updated: May 17, 2015, 9:47 am

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.

Philadelphia Phillies' Grady Sizemore runs to third base on a passed ball by Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Tuffy Gosewisch during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 7-5. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies' Grady Sizemore singles to right field during the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. Sizemore had four hits as the Phillies won 7-5. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Yasmany Tomas scores on his solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 7-5. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jonathan Papelbon throws a pitch during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 7-5. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, left, celebrates with catcher Carlos Ruiz following a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 7-5. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, right makes a catch in foul territory against Arizona Diamondbacks' Yasmany Tomas with first baseman Ryan Howard, left, getting out of the way during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt, center, celebrates his two-run home run with David Peralta, left, and Ender Inciarte, right, during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies' Maikel Franco, right, slides safely into home before Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Tuffy Gosewisch, right, can tag him during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies' Freddy Galvis, front right, heads for third on his way to score on a double by Ryan Howard with Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Yasmany Tomas, left, looking on during the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Archie Bradley looks on from the mound as he waits to get lifted during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

The Philadelphia Phillies grounds crew covers up the field as rain starts to fall during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard hits an RBI-double during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

The field is covered as rain falls during the third inning of a baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jerome Williams throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies' Jeff Francoeur rounds third base after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Archie Bradley throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies' Freddy Galvis, bottom, slides under Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed, top, while stealing second base with the ball going into the outfield during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jerome Williams throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

CNBC's Mad Money host Jim Cramer tosses out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, May 16, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.