Cincinnati Reds Release Veteran Pitcher

After re-signing him last month, the Cincinnati Reds have released pitcher Hunter Strickland.

The veteran right-hander appeared in 66 games for the team last season and managed to save seven games but had a lackluster 4.91 ERA.

Despite returning to the team as a non-roster invitee this spring, Strickland failed to secure a spot on the team's opening roster.

The Reds have released Hunter Strickland.

There are currently nine relievers left in big league camp vying for eight spots: Diaz, Farmer, Sanmartin, Gibaut, Cruz, Kuhnel, Sousa, Young and Law.

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 25, 2023

In nine innings spread over nine appearances during the Cactus League, the 34-year-old veteran allowed 10 runs on 13 hits, resulting in an unimpressive 8/3 K/BB ratio.

As a result, the Reds released him from his minor league contract last Saturday.

Strickland began the 2022 season as the Reds' primary closer, but eventually lost the role to hard-throwing rookie Alexis Diaz in the second half of the season.

The #Reds today released RHP Hunter Strickland. pic.twitter.com/yuLqgitsMm

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 25, 2023

He's entering his 10th major league season.

For his career, Strickland holds a decent 3.41 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, with 351 strikeouts across 374.2 innings. 

He's been quite the journeyman during his career, spending the first five seasons of his career with the San Francisco Giants, before spending one year each with the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Photo Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK