Archie Bradley Settling in to Closer Role with Diamondbacks

Baseball fans in Reno might remember a baby-faced Archie Bradley lighting up the radar gun and shutting down opponents between 2015 and 2016 at Greater Nevada Field. Bradley came up through the Arizona Diamondbacks system as a starting pitcher, putting up impressive numbers in seven seasons in the minors. Bradley's 2016 time in the Biggest Little City remains the most eye-popping: 40.2 IP, 47 SO, .191 BAA, with a 1.08 WHIP as a starter.

At the Major League level, however, Bradley struggled to find consistency. He posted an ERA over 5.00 over each of two seasons with the Diamondbacks in which he was a starting pitcher. In 2017, he was shifted to the bullpen where he found his role and became one of the more trusted arms for manager Torey Lovullo the last three years.

Coming into the shortened 2020 MLB season, Arizona did not have a clear-cut favorite to close games and it was Bradley who emerged in Summer Camp as the one to take on the responsibility. So far the former Ace has been as reliable as ever, saving four games out of five opportunities and carrying a 1.59 ERA in 5.2 IP. As the Diamondbacks push to make the playoffs, it can be assumed that Bradley will be a pivotal piece in their success or failure.