Major Leaguer resume Vol.93/ WBC Player’s resume Vol.79: Joe Jimenez(Atlanta Braves) : Major Candidate for Team Puerto Rico: “Strikeout reliever!!”

■Today’s player
Today's payer's resume concerns the Atlanta Braves reliever, Joe Jimenez. After playing for the Detroit Tigers for six years, Jimenez was traded to the Mariners on December 7, 2022. He was born in Puerto Rico and can join Team Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

■The KAISPO's baseball analyst comments
"Jimenez is a strikeout reliever with a strong slider. In 2022, he pitched 62 games in relief with a 3.49 ERA as the Tiger's starters faltered. His pitches are four-seamer, slider, and changeup. He increased the distribution of the powerful four-seamer and slider, posting high averages of a 33.3% strikeout rate and a 12.23 K/9. Also, his command, which was a problem in 2021, improved. Jimenez will be a reliever for the Braves starting in 2023 and be expected to provide good relief."

■Story
The right-hander debuted in a game versus the Minnesota Twins on April 13, 2017. He retired the three batters in order in relief. He finished his first season with 0-2, a 12.32 ERA, and 17 strikeouts in 19 innings over 24 games. In 2018, Jimenez made strenuous efforts with 5-4, and a 4.31 ERA in 68 contests, while the Tigers were sluggish. He was named his first All-Star.

The 28-year-old struggled in the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, recording a 7.15 in 25 appearances and troubled to find the plate in 2021. In 2022, the strikeout artist recovered his command, marking 3-2 with a 3.49 ERA, 11 Holds, and two saves in 56 2/3 frames over 61 outings, improving BB/9 to 2.06 from 6.95 in 2021.

■MLB Career Stats
At the end of the 2022 season, he has logged 19-19 with a 5.24 ERA and 333 strikeouts in 297 relief appearances, covering 266 innings in his six big league seasons.
(MLB No.392 KAISPO No.1572)