DOGS’ CLOSER GROVER SNATCHED UP BY CINCINNATI REDS

MOORHEAD, MINN. – The Cincinnati Reds have purchased the contract of RHP Taylor Grover from the Chicago Dogs, the American Association announced on Tuesday. Grover is the 22^nd American Association player to have his contract purchased by a Major League Baseball organization in 2018.

(Photo Credit: Chicago Dogs)

Grover joined the expansion Chicago club in 2018 and claimed the closer role for the Dogs’ bullpen. He was 1-2 with a 2.63 ERA and 14 saves for Chicago last summer. The flame-throwing Grover allowed just 19 runs (14 earned) on 36 hits in 48.0 innings pitched over 43 appearances. He struck out 63 batters, walked 20. Grover also appeared in six games for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League following the Dogs season, where he was 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA and seven strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched.

Grover began his professional career in 2013 after being selected by the Boston Red Sox in the tenth round of that year’s draft out of the University of South Carolina-Aiken. He advanced to Double-A with the Red Sox in both 2016 and 2017. In his career, Grover is 10-24 with a 3.88 ERA and 24 saves. He has recorded 366 strikeouts in 360.0 innings pitched, while allowing just 314 hits.

Grover is the first player in Chicago Dogs franchise history to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization.