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Nate Jones Will Have A Chance For Saves
7 years agoChicago White Sox relief pitcher Nate Jones has recorded less than 20 innings pitched in three of the last four seasons, but manager Rick Renteria is expected to give Jones the closer's job in Chicago to open the 2018 season. The 32-year-old Jones had a 2.31 ERA in 11 2/3 innings last season, but did have a similar 2.29 ERA in 70 2/3 innings is 2016 and struck out 10.19 batters per nine in 2016 as well. Jones did walk six batters in limited exposure last season, but had a 23.7% K-BB% in 2016, showing that he can limit his walks in comparison to his strong strikeout total. The biggest issue in owning Jones is that Joakim Soria was acquired by the White Sox this offseason and will pressure Jones for the closer's role. Jones has never been a closer, and Soria averaged 36 saves from 2008-2011, so the team may look for a more stable option if Jones falters at all. If Jones is able to hold down the closer's role in Chicago, though, he has top-15 RP potential.
