Cincinnati Reds 35-Year-Old Reliever Off to Best Start of Career

This season, Suter has adjusted his pitch usage significantly between his fastball, sinker, changeup, and slider. His arsenal has relied less on his fastball and more on his sinker, leading to the lowest opponent batting average he's had in years. Entering play on May 5th, his 2.30 earned run average is his best since 2019, when the Reds saw him pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Suter has never been a high-velocity pitcher, but one with great command on the mound. His season has embodied that, having further sacrificed strikeouts and velocity in favor of fewer walks and hits. By simplifying his approach, Suter has become an elite arm for the Reds.

On the season, Suter has made 10 appearances, including one as an opening starter. His 15.2 innings of work exemplify his multi-inning ability and have kept the team in multiple games. In pitching alongside Taylor Rogers, Suter is half of a left-handed reliever duo that is one of the best in all of baseball.

With the inevitable return of fellow lefty Sam Moll from injury, it would be a surprise if Suter continues with this heavy workload. Currently, Suter is on pace to pitch over 70 innings, a clip he last reached in 2021 with the Brewers. Regardless, the Reds know that to be playoff contenders in 2025, they need Suter to maintain his strong start to the season.