#56
Watson tossed a scoreless inning while striking out a batter in Saturday's spring training win over the Padres.
Analysis available to registered users
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- Position Depth: 1st MR
- Birthplace: Sioux City, IA
- Birthdate: May 30, 1985
- Age: 33
- Height: 6'4" Weight: 225 lbs
- Throws: L Bats: L
- MLB Seasons: 7
- College: Nebraska
All Fantrax Leagues (2019)
| % Drafted: | 33 | |
| Avg. Draft Position: | 598.91 | |
| % Owned | (Next Week): | 20 |
| (This Week): | 23 | |
| (Last Week): | 0 | |
| % Active | (Next Week): | 14 |
| (This Week): | 16 | |
| (Last Week): | 0 | |
Latest News (Mar 17, 2019)
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Watson tossed a scoreless inning while striking out a batter in Saturday's spring training win over the Padres.
Analysis available to registered users
|
No recent games
Upcoming Games
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Thu Mar 28, 4:10PM EDT | at San Diego Padres |
| Fri Mar 29, 10:10PM EDT | at San Diego Padres |
| Sat Mar 30, 8:40PM EDT | at San Diego Padres |
| Sun Mar 31, 4:10PM EDT | at San Diego Padres |
| Mon Apr 1, 10:10PM EDT | at Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Tue Apr 2, 10:10PM EDT | at Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Wed Apr 3, 10:10PM EDT | at Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Fri Apr 5, 4:35PM EDT | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Sat Apr 6, 4:05PM EDT | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Sun Apr 7, 4:05PM EDT | Tampa Bay Rays |
Games per Position
| Year | Positions |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | RP: 72 |
| 2017 | RP: 71 |
| 2016 | RP: 70 |
| 2015 | RP: 77 |
| 2014 | RP: 78 |
| 2013 | RP: 67 |
| 2012 | RP: 68 |
| 2011 | RP: 43 |
Career Statistics
| Pitching | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GP |
GS |
QS |
CG |
SHO |
W |
L |
SV |
BS |
HLD |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
HR |
BB |
K |
GB/FB |
BAA |
WHIP |
ERA |
2011 |
PIT |
43 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
10 |
41 |
34 |
18 |
18 |
6 |
20 |
37 |
0.77 |
.228 |
1.317 |
3.95 |
2012 |
PIT |
68 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
16 |
53.1 |
37 |
21 |
20 |
5 |
23 |
53 |
0.96 |
.198 |
1.125 |
3.38 |
2013 |
PIT |
67 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
22 |
71.2 |
51 |
19 |
19 |
5 |
12 |
54 |
1.22 |
.198 |
0.879 |
2.39 |
2014 |
PIT |
78 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
34 |
77.1 |
64 |
16 |
14 |
5 |
15 |
81 |
1.70 |
.232 |
1.022 |
1.63 |
2015 |
PIT |
77 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
41 |
75.1 |
55 |
17 |
16 |
3 |
17 |
62 |
1.69 |
.205 |
0.956 |
1.91 |
2016 |
PIT |
70 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
15 |
5 |
23 |
67.2 |
52 |
26 |
23 |
10 |
20 |
58 |
1.26 |
.215 |
1.064 |
3.06 |
2017 |
PIT |
47 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
10 |
7 |
6 |
46.2 |
57 |
20 |
19 |
7 |
14 |
35 |
1.38 |
.305 |
1.521 |
3.66 |
2017 |
LAD |
24 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
20 |
15 |
6 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
18 |
3.30 |
.208 |
1.050 |
2.70 |
2017 |
Total |
71 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
4 |
10 |
8 |
14 |
66.2 |
72 |
26 |
25 |
9 |
20 |
53 |
1.72 |
.278 |
1.380 |
3.38 |
2018 |
SF |
72 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
4 |
32 |
66 |
54 |
19 |
19 |
4 |
14 |
72 |
1.36 |
.224 |
1.030 |
2.59 |
| Career Total | 546 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
37 |
23 |
30 |
31 |
192 |
519 |
419 |
162 |
154 |
47 |
141 |
470 |
1.34 |
.223 |
1.079 |
2.67 |
|
| Hitting | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GP |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
OPS |
2011 |
PIT |
43 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
2012 |
PIT |
68 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
2013 |
PIT |
67 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
2014 |
PIT |
78 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
.333 |
.333 |
.333 |
.667 |
2015 |
PIT |
77 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
2016 |
PIT |
70 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
2017 |
PIT |
47 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
2017 |
LAD |
24 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
2017 |
Total |
71 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
.000 |
2018 |
SF |
72 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
| Career Total | 546 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
.143 |
.143 |
.143 |
.286 |
|
Postseason Statistics
| Pitching | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GP |
GS |
QS |
CG |
ShHO |
W |
L |
SV |
BS |
HLD |
IP |
H |
R |
ER |
HR |
BB |
K |
GB/FB |
BAA |
WHIP |
ERA |
2013 |
PIT |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2.00 |
.250 |
1.250 |
2.25 |
2015 |
PIT |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1.00 |
.000 |
0.000 |
0.00 |
2017 |
LAD |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
7 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
2.60 |
.200 |
0.857 |
2.57 |
| Career TOTAL | 16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
12 |
9 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
2.20 |
.205 |
0.917 |
2.25 |
|
| Hitting | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GP |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
OPS |
2013 |
PIT |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
2015 |
PIT |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
2017 |
LAD |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
| Career TOTAL | 16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
.000 |
|
Situational Statistics
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Transactions
| Date | Transaction |
|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2018 | Signed as Free Agent ( 2018-2019)(two-year contract) |
| Nov 02, 2017 | Declared Free Agency |
| Jul 31, 2017 | Traded From Pittsburgh (for RHP Angel German, three-player deal) |
| Feb 16, 2017 | Signed ( 2017)(loses arbitration) |
| May 28, 2016 | Reinstated from Paternity Leave List |
| May 25, 2016 | Placed on Paternity Leave List |
| Jan 15, 2016 | Signed ( 2016)(avoids arbitration) |
| Jan 16, 2015 | Signed ( 2015)(avoids arbitration) |
| Aug 20, 2011 | Called Up from Minors |
| Aug 06, 2011 | Sent to Minors |
| Jun 07, 2011 | Called Up from Minors |
| Mar 14, 2011 | Sent to Minors |
| Nov 19, 2010 | Purchased From Minors |
Watson tossed a scoreless inning while striking out a batter in Saturday's spring training win over...
Mar. 17, 2019
Watson gave up a hit and struck out a batter over two-thirds of a scoreless inning in Sunday's 4-3...
Aug. 13, 2018
Watson gave up a hit and struck out a batter over two-thirds of a scoreless inning in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Pirates.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson allowed two hits over a scoreless inning en route to his 17th hold of the season in...
Jun. 21, 2018
Watson allowed two hits over a scoreless inning en route to his 17th hold of the season in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Marlins.
Analysis available to registered users
Manager Bruce Bochy said Watson will see some save chances with Hunter Strickland (hand) on the...
Jun. 20, 2018
Manager Bruce Bochy said Watson will see some save chances with Hunter Strickland (hand) on the disabled list, though Sam Dyson is expected to see the lion's share of opportunities, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson is a candidate to serve as the Giants' closer in the absence of Hunter Strickland (hand),...
Jun. 19, 2018
Watson is a candidate to serve as the Giants' closer in the absence of Hunter Strickland (hand), Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson gave up a run on two hits over an inning in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Cubs.
May. 27, 2018
Watson gave up a run on two hits over an inning in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Cubs.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson (1-0) pitched a scoreless eighth inning and struck out two batters to earn his first win...
Mar. 31, 2018
Watson (1-0) pitched a scoreless eighth inning and struck out two batters to earn his first win Friday against the Dodgers.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson picked up his first hold of the season after firing a scoreless inning with a walk and three...
Mar. 30, 2018
Watson picked up his first hold of the season after firing a scoreless inning with a walk and three strikeouts against the Dodgers on Thursday.
Analysis available to registered users
Tony Watson Agrees To Terms With The Giants
Feb. 17, 2018
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that the San Francisco Giants have finalized a contract with free-agent relief pitcher Tony Watson. It has been rumored over the last couple of weeks that this could be a match, and the Giants have found a way to stay under the luxury tax, according to Heyman. Watson started last year as the Pirates closer and was dealt to the Dodgers at the deadline. Aside from leagues that value holds, Watson won't hold much fantasy value in 2018. However, he is a good handcuff for owners who draft closer Mark Melancon.
Several Teams Interested In Tony Watson
Feb. 13, 2018
Free-agent relief pitcher Tony Watson is receiving interest from the Giants, Philles and Red Sox, according to a source close to the situation. There are also other teams interested beyond those three teams. The left-handed reliever pitched for the Pirates and Dodgers in 2017, appearing in 11 playoff games for LA. He gave up just five hits and two earned runs in nine innings in the postseason. While perhaps not closer material, Watson is an effective late-inning reliever that can be a valuable piece for any bullpen.
Tony Watson In Discussion With Giants
Feb. 13, 2018
Free-agent relief pitcher Tony Watson is in "serious contract talks" with the San Francisco Giants, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Watson was linked to the A's last month, but it sounds like the other Bay Area club could be swooping in. The 32-year-old southpaw is one of the better relievers remaining on the market. He put up a 3.38 ERA and 53/20 K/BB ratio over 66 2/3 innings last season between the Pirates and Dodgers.
A's Remain Interested in Tony Watson
Jan. 14, 2018
The Oakland A's are looking to add a left-handed reliever and remain interested in former Dodger Tony Watson. Watson, 32, had a 3.38 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP last season with 53 strikeouts. He would be unlikely to see any saves in Oakland and would only be worth an add in deep leagues that count holds.
Watson fired a clean inning with two strikeouts in Friday's 1-0 win over the Padres.
Sep. 2, 2017
Watson fired a clean inning with two strikeouts in Friday's 1-0 win over the Padres.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson (5-4) was charged with a blown save after giving up three runs on two hits and two walks in...
Aug. 9, 2017
Watson (5-4) was charged with a blown save after giving up three runs on two hits and two walks in the eighth inning against Arizona on Tuesday. He recorded two outs.
Analysis available to registered users
Dodgers Fortify Bullpen By Adding Tony Watson
Jul. 31, 2017
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired left-handed reliever Tony Watson from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday in exchange for infielder Oneil Cruz and pitcher Angel German. Watson entered the year as the Bucs' closer but struggled and was replaced by Felipe Rivero. He stands with a 3.66 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and weak 6.8 K/9 in 46 2/3 innings. Watson will be used as a lefty setup man in Los Angeles, and he's not worth owning unless he's closing (because of his lack of K's) -- that won't happen with Kenley Jansen around in Dodgers blue. Cruz is only 18 but does have eight home runs in Low-A and plays both third base and shortstop. German is 21 and is sporting a 1.91 ERA and 37 K's in 33 innings at Low-A.
The Pirates have agreed to trade Watson to the Dodgers, pending a physical, Ken Rosenthal of Fox...
Jul. 31, 2017
The Pirates have agreed to trade Watson to the Dodgers, pending a physical, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson (5-3) gave up a run on two hits and a walk in the seventh inning against the Giants on...
Jul. 26, 2017
Watson (5-3) gave up a run on two hits and a walk in the seventh inning against the Giants on Wednesday, sending him to the loss column.
Analysis available to registered users
Tampa Bay Rays Interested In Tony Watson
Jul. 18, 2017
The Tampa Bay Rays are interested in Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Tony Watson. Watson has lost his closer job in Pittsburgh and would be unlikely to topple Alex Colome as the Rays closer. It is unknown whether he would gain a late inning role or be more of a floater. He could have some value in leagues that reward holds but he would need to reverse his struggles this season before being viable outside of very deep leagues.
Watson retired only one batter while allowing one hit and two walks Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Jul. 5, 2017
Watson retired only one batter while allowing one hit and two walks Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Analysis available to registered users
Tony Watson Continues Uncharacteristically Bad Season with Loss
Jul. 2, 2017
Pittsburgh reliever Tony Watson was removed from the closer role weeks ago, but he took another blown save on his resume after allowing the go-ahead run to score in the seventh inning of Sunday's game. Watson gave up a run on three hits in one inning of work, earning the loss. Watson was impeccable in April with seven saves and a 0.96 ERA, but has since seen that figure jump to a 4.03 ERA with only three more saves in the last two months. It's hard to explain how Watson has fallen so hard this year, but opposing batters are hitting .312 against him. He had previously gone six seasons with a high of .232 BAA, back in 2014. He doesn't seem to be getting on track and should be left on waivers until that happens.
Watson retired both batters he faced Thursday, striking out Corey Dickerson while inducing an Evan...
Jun. 30, 2017
Watson retired both batters he faced Thursday, striking out Corey Dickerson while inducing an Evan Longoria pop-up.
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Tony Watson Still Struggling in Low Leverage Situations
Jun. 18, 2017
Pittsburgh reliever and former closer Tony Watson gave up a two-out home run to Ian Happ in the ninth inning of Sunday's loss. It came in a meaningless situation, where the Pirates were already down 6-1, but it goes to show that Watson hasn't shaken his struggles since losing the closer job. Watson has allowed eight hits and three runs in his last 4 2/3 innings, none of which have come in save chances or high-pressure situations. If you were still hanging on in hopes he might reclaim the job, you can probably let go. Unless the Pirates decide to trade young fireballer Felipe Rivero by the deadline, which is doubtful, there is little chance Watson earns more saves this season.
Manager Clint Hurdle said he considered using Watson in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday's...
Jun. 12, 2017
Manager Clint Hurdle said he considered using Watson in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday's win with the Pirates leading 3-0 over the Marlins, Root Sports in Pittsburgh reports.
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Watson retired Florida in order Friday in his first appearance since being removed from the...
Jun. 10, 2017
Watson retired Florida in order Friday in his first appearance since being removed from the closer's role.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson is no longer the closer for the Pirates, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette...
Jun. 9, 2017
Watson is no longer the closer for the Pirates, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
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Tony Watson Out as Closer, Role to be Shared For Now
Jun. 9, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle finally gave in to calls to remove Tony Watson as the Pirates closer. After blowing five save opportunities this year, Watson will now see action in lower-leverage situations. Unfortunately, his replacement will take the form of two players -- relievers Juan Nicasio and Felipe Rivero. Nicasio is a seven-year veteran who spent the first half of last season as a starter before moving back to the bullpen. Rivero is 25 years old and appears on the precipice of becoming a closer if he can establish some trust with the coaching staff. Rivero has struck out 73 batters in 58 1/3 innings since joining Pittsburgh last season and has more upside in fantasy. Both relievers are widely available on the waiver wire, so act fast if you are in need of a few extra saves. Nicasio may see more chances because he's right-handed and has more of a track record.
Manager Clint Hurdle said Thursday the Pirates will discuss whether Watson will remain their...
Jun. 9, 2017
Manager Clint Hurdle said Thursday the Pirates will discuss whether Watson will remain their closer, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.
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Pirates Preparing Contingency Plan to Replace Tony Watson
Jun. 8, 2017
Pittsburgh's current closer, Tony Watson, could be moved back to the setup role he occupied for the previous six seasons. Watson blew saves in consecutive games, making a total of five in the early season. Although he hasn't officially been removed from the role, it appears manager Clint Hurdle is preparing accordingly. He stated that the team will not use a committee approach to the role. "Most of the time, it's closer-by-committee if you don't have a closer," Hurdle said. "… I think we've got two guys to look at, if Watson's not the closer, at least to consider." The two guys he referred to would be left-hander Felipe Rivero and right-hander Juan Nicasio. Rivero has been lights-out this season, making him the obvious choice, but Nicasio is more experienced and would leave Rivero for LvL matchups. Hopefully this situation clears up over the weekend.
Watson struck out one and gave up two hits in an inning of work, including a game-tying two-run...
Jun. 8, 2017
Watson struck out one and gave up two hits in an inning of work, including a game-tying two-run home run by Trey Mancini, to blow his fifth save of the season in Wednesday's 9-6 loss to the Orioles.
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Tony Watson Does it Again, Blows Save Chance
Jun. 8, 2017
Just hours after getting a vote of confidence from his manager, Pittsburgh closer Tony Watson did the same thing as last night, blowing a save chance in the bottom of the ninth. This time it was a two-run shot off the bat of Trey Mancini that tied the game before the Orioles won the game in 11 innings. The Pirates will almost have no choice but to pull Watson from the closer job now that he has five blown saves and 12 earned runs allowed in his last 14 innings. It's still premature to drop him in fantasy leagues, but at the very least he needs to be benched before he does further damage to your ERA.
Despite his recent struggles, Watson will remain the Pirates' closer, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh...
Jun. 7, 2017
Despite his recent struggles, Watson will remain the Pirates' closer, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson blew his fourth save opportunity Tuesday, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning...
Jun. 7, 2017
Watson blew his fourth save opportunity Tuesday, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning against the Orioles. He struck out one batter.
Analysis available to registered users
Tony Watson Can't Hold Two-Run Lead in Ninth
Jun. 6, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Tony Watson cost the Pirates another game on Tuesday by coughing up a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. Baltimore would go on to win the game in the 10th. It goes down as Watson's fourth blown save of the year, raising his ERA to 3.91. Meanwhile, setup man Felipe Rivero pitched 1 1/3 scoreless frames just prior to the ninth, lowering his ERA to 0.60. It would be wise to stash Rivero now if you are in need of saves or are a Watson owner, as a change could be imminent.
Tony Watson Blows Save, Earns Win Anyway
May. 30, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Tony Watson took his third blown save of the season on Monday yet improved his record to 4-1. Entering the top of the ninth with a 3-1 lead, Watson gave up a two-run home run to Diamondbacks catcher Chris Iannetta with two outs. Luckily, he was bailed out by outfielder Andrew McCutchen in the bottom half of the frame, as Cutch hit a homer of his own. Watson only gave up one run in all of April but has been increasingly shaky throughout May with nine runs allowed in 13 innings. It doesn't appear a change at closer is imminent in Pittsburgh, but a couple more outings like this could force manager Clint Hurdle's hand. Relievers Felipe Rivero and Daniel Hudson would be the top handcuffs to own.
Watson (3-1) pitched a scoreless 10th inning to collect his third win of the season during...
May. 28, 2017
Watson (3-1) pitched a scoreless 10th inning to collect his third win of the season during Saturday's victory over the Mets.
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Tony Watson Can't Hold on in Ninth Inning
May. 24, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Tony Watson played the role of goat on Tuesday night, blowing another save and taking his first loss of the season. After a lengthy rain delay and a comeback by the Pirates in the top of the ninth to take the lead, he promptly blew the game in the bottom half of the inning. Watson gave up three hits, including a walk-off single by Pittsburgh's new nemesis, Matt Adams. Watson was solid in April, allowing one run in 9 1/3 innings, but May has been a different story. He's allowed a total of seven runs in his last seven appearances with a .353 average against in the last seven days. He's a shaky must-hold until he loses the closer job in Pittsburgh. Relief pitcher Felipe Rivero would seem to be the top speculative handcuff.
Watson (2-1) gave up two runs on three hits and a walk while recording just two outs in the bottom...
May. 24, 2017
Watson (2-1) gave up two runs on three hits and a walk while recording just two outs in the bottom of the ninth before the Braves walked off with a win against him Tuesday.
Analysis available to registered users
Watson struck out one batter in a scoreless inning against the Phillies on Sunday, notching his...
May. 22, 2017
Watson struck out one batter in a scoreless inning against the Phillies on Sunday, notching his 10th save of the season and his second in as many days.
Analysis available to registered users
Tony Watson Pitches Clean Ninth for Ninth Save
May. 20, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Tony Watson recovered from a disastrous outing yesterday to pitch a perfect ninth inning on Saturday. Watson closed out the Phillies with his first 1-2-3 inning of the 2017 season. He now has nine saves to go along with a 2.89 ERA. The downside is a 1.55 WHIP, as Watson has given up 22 hits over 18 2/3 innings. It would take a few more bad outings for Watson to lose his grip on the closer's job, but he'll need to miss more bats in order to ensure that scenario doesn't happen. Relief pitcher Felipe Rivero is the handcuff to Watson in deeper leagues.
Watson pitched a perfect inning to record his ninth save of the year Saturday against the Phillies.
May. 20, 2017
Watson pitched a perfect inning to record his ninth save of the year Saturday against the Phillies.
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Tony Watson Gives Up Three-Run Blast in Mop-Up Duty
May. 19, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Tony Watson entered Friday's game in the ninth inning with the Pirates already down by two runs. He promptly allowed a three-run home run to Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp that provided all the insurance the Phillies would need. Although it doesn't go down as a blown save, it did raise Watson's ratios to less-than-savory levels, with a 3.06 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. His career averages are lower across the board in nearly every category, but then again he was always used in the seventh and eighth inning up until the second half of 2016. He is still worth holding onto in any league that counts saves, but it wouldn't hurt to keep reliever Felipe Rivero on a watch list.
Watson struck out two but gave up a run on three hits in 1.1 innings to blow his first save of the...
May. 10, 2017
Watson struck out two but gave up a run on three hits in 1.1 innings to blow his first save of the season in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to the Dodgers.
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Tony Watson Gets First Blown Save of 2017
May. 10, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Tony Watson had been impeccable in save situations until the Dodgers came along. Dodgers rookie sensation Cody Bellinger drove in the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday, saddling Watson with his first blown save of the season. Relief pitcher Daniel Hudson completed the comeback by allowing the Dodgers to score in the 10th inning, taking the loss. Watson had been excellent so far, entering the game with a 0.77 ERA that only rose to 1.32. Consider this a minor bump in the road.
Tony Watson Picks Up First Win in Relief
May. 6, 2017
Tony Watson pitched a scoreless ninth inning, but in a game tied 1-1 he was forced to do it again in the 10th. Watson earned his first victory of the year to go along with his seven saves. He's allowed one run in 12 1/3 innings of work, good for an 0.87 ERA. While his 4.35 BB/9 and 6.10 K/9 are not ratios you want to see from a closer, he's still managing to get the job done.
Watson gave up a hit over 1.1 scoreless innings Wednesday to pick up his seventh save of the season...
Apr. 27, 2017
Watson gave up a hit over 1.1 scoreless innings Wednesday to pick up his seventh save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Cubs.
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Watson allowed a hit and a walk while striking out a batter during a scoreless ninth inning to...
Apr. 24, 2017
Watson allowed a hit and a walk while striking out a batter during a scoreless ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season Sunday against the Yankees.
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Tony Watson Nails Down Save Number Six
Apr. 23, 2017
Tony Watson picked up his sixth save on Sunday afternoon, yielding a hit and a walk to the Yankees before closing the door. He has been rock solid this season with just one earned run allowed over eight innings. His WHIP is an unsightly 1.63 thanks to five walks, but that number should decrease over time since Watson has walked 2.56 batters per nine innings for his career. He is a firm second-tier closer with good job security.
Watson pitched a scoreless ninth inning while allowing two hits to earn his fifth save Friday...
Apr. 21, 2017
Watson pitched a scoreless ninth inning while allowing two hits to earn his fifth save Friday against the Yankees.
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Watson registered his fourth save of the year Saturday, allowing one run on one hit and a walk in...
Apr. 15, 2017
Watson registered his fourth save of the year Saturday, allowing one run on one hit and a walk in one inning against the Cubs.
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Tony Watson Up to Three Saves, No Runs Allowed Yet
Apr. 15, 2017
Tony Watson is off to a solid start as the Pirates' closer after two weeks. Watson saved his third game of the year Friday, blanking the Cubs in the ninth inning of a 4-2 victory. Watson hasn't allowed a run in five innings so far, but he has shown uncharacteristic wildness by hitting three batters already. His career high is six HBP (twice), but that came after at least 71 innings. He's already halfway there after five IP this year. Even so, Watson should be a relatively secure closer as long as he's in Pittsburgh.