Downs to remain Closer after Ryan returns

Scott Downs will remain the closer for the Toronto Blue Jays, even after B.J. Ryan returns.

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One day after the Blue Jays indicated that he would remain the team’s closer after B.J. Ryan returned from the disabled list, Downs admitted to being slightly caught off guard by the decision.

“I might have been a little surprised, but that’s not my call,” Downs said.

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Interesting. Downs has recorded 3 saves so far this year, and has been impressive in his 16.1 innings of work. Downs has struck out 20 batters, while walking only 1. 

Looking deeper, Downs is a ground ball machine, chugging along at a 59.1% rate. Strangely enough, that is actually down from his previous two seasons. Don’t call Downs a fluke, either. His BABIP is .315, slightly above his career average of .308.

What seems to have spurred on Down’s success is his ability to throw first pitch strikes. From 2006-2008, Downs never surpassed 54.8% first strikes for the season. Now, he’s at 66.7%. Quite the difference. 

Batters have also swung at pitches outside the zone 38.5% of the time (up from 25.5% last year), and made contact 67.3% of the time (down from 79.0%).

I like Scott Downs for the rest of the year, and you should too. Chances are he’s gone by now, but you should pick him up if possible. I’m not sure if he’s trade worthy, as his job security is up in the air.

Posted in Player Analysis Tagged: B.J. Ryan, Fantasy Baseball, Scott Downs, Toronto Blue Jays