Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Reds reliever Sam LeCure is having a good deal of success for the team. LeCure isn’t the most well-known Reds relief pitcher as he gets overshadowed by guys like Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Broxton, but he is one of, if not the best reliever the Reds have.
LeCure was brought up in 2010 as a starter. In his rookie season, he went 2-5 and put up a 4.50 ERA. He also had control issues as he walked 25 batters in just 15 games. In 2011, LeCure became the long man in the bullpen but improved quite a bit. He lowered his ERA to 3.71 and cut down on walks. He only 21 batters in 43 games.
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In 2012, LeCure put up a very nice 3.14 ERA and only allowed three home runs though the whole season. People were starting to notice that he might be better than the average MLB long man.
This season, LeCure is a staple in the Reds bullpen. He can really pitch at any point in the ballgame, and for more than one inning. In 45.2 innings this year, LeCure has the best ERA of any active Reds relievers at 2.76. He has allowed only four home runs and has only walked 18 batters.
The Jefferson City, Missouri native has become perhaps the most reliable reliever the Reds have. Any time Dusty Baker summons him to enter the ballgame, you can expect him to get the job done. While he may not be the most exciting player to watch, he is having a lot of success this season and is a key part of the Reds.
Coop Ledford is a Cincinnati Reds writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @CoopLed.
