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Boston Red Sox: Top 3 internal closer options for team

By Matthew Trotta

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 07: Pitcher Marcus Walden #64 of the Boston Red Sox stands on the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth inning at Fenway Park, on April 7, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 07: Pitcher Marcus Walden #64 of the Boston Red Sox stands on the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth inning at Fenway Park, on April 7, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox Marcus Walden (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

2. Marcus Walden

This guy comes out of nowhere at the beginning of the year and has worked his way into being a bright spot in the Boston Red Sox pen.

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Through 23 appearances and 34 2/3 innings, he has posted a 2.08 ERA with 38 K’s, 9 BB’S, 21 hits, and 1 save. Marcus Walden also has a 0.87 WHIP and opponents are batting .171 against him.

Over the last 10 games Walden has pitched in (between May 2nd-June 6th), he has chucked 14 1/3 innings pitched with a 2.51 ERA, 15 strikeouts, 4 walks, 10 hits and 1 save. In addition, Walden has an even 1.00 WHIP and batters are hitting at .192 over that span.

Walden has proven in a short window of time that he has the ability to pitch at this level, remain consistent, and able to pitch in crucial moments of a ballgame.

I wouldn’t say Walden is a better option compared to Brandon Workman, but he could most certainly be an effective and successful closer for the Red Sox if they choose to go down that route.

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