Bullpen Report: September 18, 2012
Apologies for a shorter Bullpen Report tonight, but here’s the latest…
• Out since late August after suffering from an irregular heartbeat, Kenley Jansen is now cleared to play for the Dodgers. Jansen will need to have offseason surgery but he’s now able to play for the rest of this season and should immediately take over the closer’s role from Brandon League. When healthy, Jansen and his terrific stirkeout ability (13.66 K/9) make him one of the best closers in fantasy baseball – make sure he’s active on your roster and/or pick him up if he’s available in your league.
• For the second night in a row, Addison Reed recorded a save while entering the game in the middle of an inning. Reed is still the closer, but with Thornton seeing some time in the ninth inning the last couple of nights, don’t be shocked to see Ventura use him for a save if the matchup dictates it.
• Steve Cishek struggled in the ninth inning tonight, letting three runners reach base while only recording one out. Mike Dunn came on to relieve Cishek but proceeded to blow the lead. Heath Bell pitched a clean 10th inning (receiving the win) and while one might wonder if Ozzie Guillen will go to Bell again, Cichek’s pitched well enough of late and should hold onto the job for the remainder of the season.
For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here is a matchup you may be able to exploit.
A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Rafael Soriano (NYY) vs. TOR
I recommended this matchup yesterday and with the Yankees now playing a double-header tomorrow (after tonight’s game was postponed), there is an even greater chance that Soriano receives a save opportunity tomorrow.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
When he's not focusing on every team's bullpen situation, Ben can be found blogging at Ben's Baseball Bias and on Twitter @BensBias
So Thornton might get a save if the situation dictates it, but Brett Myers is still in line as the next closer? I’m confused.
If something were to happen to Reed I believe Myers would step in for saves. However, with Reed closing still, if there is a heavy lefty matchup, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Thornton receive an opportunity.