RADIO
A.J. Cole Will Likely Open As Nationals' Fifth Starter
7 years agoA.J. Cole didn’t make a big splash in 2017. The 26-year-old right-hander started eight games for the Nationals but didn’t impress and pitched out of the bullpen a handful of times. His low arm slot leaves his pitches flat and left-handers feasted on him to the tune of .320/.421/.553. He also threw a 33% ground-ball rate, which won’t cut it in the majors. He’ll likely slot in as the Nationals fifth starter, largely because he’s out of minor league options. The signing of a free agent pitcher (like Jake Arrieta or Lance Lynn) will likely move Cole to the pen, but he’ll be given a chance to prove himself despite not really having flashy stuff. He’s a good late-round flyer, especially in leagues that count wins, if nothing else because the team hitting behind him is full of firepower.
