After a strong first-half http://www.diamondbacksfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-greinke-jersey , Maeda struggled during the second-half of the season. He was sent to the bullpen in the middle of August, where he remained for the rest of the season."It was an up-and-down year for Kenta Maeda. After a strong first-half, Maeda struggled during the second-half of the season. He was sent to the bullpen in the middle of August, where he remained for the rest of the season. What went rightUp until July 24, Maeda was experiencing his best year so far in the majors. His ERA was 3.12, and he was averaging 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings, both career highs. His dominance was coming against right-handed hitters, as they were hitting under .200 against him. He was averaging over 12 strikeouts per nine innings, and his WHIP was just over one (1.03). From the end of June until middle July, Maeda had a four-game stretch in which he had nine strikeoutsin each game . He went 3-1, and threw 25 1? innings. Though his ERA was over four in the postseason, he gave one of the better relief performances in recent memory for the Dodgers. During an 18-inning affair in game 3 of the World Series, Maeda threw two innings of shutout ball out of the bullpen. Five of the six outs he recorded came via the strikeout. What went wrongThe second half of the season wasn’t as smooth for Maeda. Over the last two months, his ERA was 5.35. He allowed 23 runs in just 38 2? innings Shelby Miller Jersey , including seven home runs. Maeda struggled vitally against lefties during this stretch. He had an ERA of 7.24 against them, and left-handed hitters batted .333 against him. Facing 68 lefties during the stretch, Maeda allowed 20 hits, 11 runs, and seven walks. In the middle of August, Maeda was demoted to the bullpen. Things got off to a rough start, as he had an ERA of 6.14 through his first six appearances. Maeda ultimately settled down, finishing with a 3.86 ERA as a reliever. 2018 particularsAge: 30Stats: 8-10, 3.81 ERA, 153 SO, 125 1? IP, 3.22 FIP, 1.261 WHIPSalary: $3,000 Chris Owings Jersey ,000Game of the yearMaeda had one of the best outings of his career on May 17 in Miami. He threw eight innings of shutout ball, allowing only two hits. To make things even better, he struck out eight and allowed zero walks. Roster statusMaeda is signed through 2023. GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — David Bell used a relief pitcher in center field and a catcher at shortstop, showing a willingness to try unusual strategies in his first spring training as Cincinnati Reds manager.“This whole camp has been different,” starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani said.Bell, the third generation of a prominent Reds baseball family, has allowed his coaching staff to make significant changes. Pitching coach Derek Johnson, on Milwaukee’s staff the previous three seasons, has pitchers playing soccer as part of their conditioning drills instead of running foul-pole to foul-pole.“You can see them having fun and get their conditioning in,” Bell said.Johnson also has his staff throwing more frequently, though fewer pitches each time.One of the most notable moves by Bell is allowing reliever Michael Lorenzen to both pitch and play center field — Lorenzen’s position in college — during the same game. Lorenzen has lobbied for the dual role, which is unusual in the major leagues. Lorenzen is getting into condition by chasing fly balls in the outfield during batting practice.“It’s pretty cool they are letting me do this,” Lorenzen said.Kyle Farmer http://www.diamondbacksfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-greinke-jersey , drafted as a catcher, has played shortstop. Bell intends to use infielder Connor Joe as a catcher, a position Joe hasn’t played since college.Bell has used extreme shifts that employ four outfielders and leave one side of the infield open.Reds players have welcomed the changes, especially the individually tailored plans for getting players ready.“They’re asking us how we feel and what we need physically to continue to get better,” reliever Jared Hughes said. “If guys need a day or if they need extra work, there is a really good system of communication.”After four straight seasons of at least 94 losses, the Reds are ready to consider different approaches.“Why not try new stuff?” second baseman Scooter Gennett said. “We have the ability to do it. I think Lorenzen should definitely be out there. I think he’s nothing but prove that he can hit, that he can throw. He can do it all.”Bell’s willingness to try new things also fits with a trend of nontraditional methods.“The game gets better when people think outside the box because you push the limits of what the game could be,” Hughes said. “They are looking at how we can get better and take that extra step. If you get 2 percent better over 162 games, that’s three extra wins and that could be the difference.”