REVISITING A HOT HAND
The Padres did not trade Brad Hand away at the trade deadline as many expected.
Although the chances of him moving before September starts is there, chances are San Diego will see what they can get for the talented left-handed reliever during the offseason. No doubt the Nats continue to carry an interest.
From the end of July, the Friars moved Hand to the closer role. He has 10 saves in 14 opportunities, but only one blown save since switching roles. Those three earned runs allowed to the Cincinnati Reds were the first runs surrendered by him in two months. He went 23 straight appearances without being charged a run.
In Hand’s last 7 games, he has tossed a strikeout. Heading into Wednesday night, he has tallied 81 in 61.2 innings.
Every chance Hand gets to close is an audition for another team. Whether it is this winter or something the Houston Astros cash in on now, his innings draw attention.
The Nats saw him once during the Padres visit back in May. He recorded a hold in a 15-pitch clean inning.
With a WHIP of 0.941, you can understand why teams want to hold this Hand. When you realize he has three years of team control after the season ends, you can see the feeding frenzy down the road.