San Diego’s record may preclude fantasy owners from realizing how strong the bullpen remains to be. Brad Hand notched his 13th save working 1.1 innings giving up his first hit to a left-handed hitter all year (a double to Corey Dickerson) with two strikeouts. This marks his 15th scoreless outing over his last 17 and lowered his ERA to 2.31 on the season. Kirby Yates recorded his seventh hold allowing a walk with two strikeouts. He’s only given up one earned run in his last 17 appearances comprising 15 innings of work, limiting hitters to a .140 batting average against with 20 strikeouts so far, but 11 in his last 5.2 innings.

Also underappreciated, Blake Treinen closed out his ninth save in a 1.1 inning outing with three strikeouts in Toronto. In May, he’s accounted for a win and converted all six save chances in eight games. During these 9.2 innings, Treinen’s yielded seven hits, one earned run and three walks with 11 strikeouts. He’s nine for 11 in save opportunities this year with five of them requiring him to record more than three outs along with having to pitch more than one inning in nine of his 16 outings this year.  Read the rest of this entry »

After the Phillies announced there would be a committee approach to the ninth inning, fantasy owners should worry. Gabe Kapler’s still plying his trade as a first year manager armed with an emerging bullpen. Hector Neris started the year in the traditional closer role, but lost the role following a blown save last Friday. Edubray Ramos recorded his first save on Sunday yet no clarity arose. On Wednesday, Philadelphia started with Ramos in the top of the ninth in a save situation and he responded by striking out both hitters he faced on six pitches, both being right-handed batters. Then, they brought in Neris to pitch to Chris Davis, a left-handed slugger, who grounded out to second base securing the win. For the Phillies, the win will be the important factor, not preventing Ramos or Neris from notching a save. This will be important to remember when trying to chase saves in this bullpen going forward, especially given Ramos has limited left-handed hitters to a .200 batting average against this year compared .184 for Neris. No matter how the team spins the ninth, it’s going to be match-up based which will mean headaches for the saves chasers looking at this bullpen. All being told, it may be easier to avoid until clarity arises.

One day removed from suggesting a fluid bullpen, Atlanta provided Arodys Vizcaino with a redemption save chance last night. Vizcaino responded with his first clean save of the season. It’s Vizcaino’s eighth save and even though he has his warts, he’s closed out 20 of 23 save chances dating back to July 30th of last year. Of course, overlooking his 10 walks in 20.2 innings of work this year would be shortsighted, but dropping him due to the latest committee warning would be as well. A.J. Minter garnered the win in relief working one inning giving up a hit and striking out one. Many will keep tabs on Dan Winkler, and rightly so, due to his minuscule 0.98 ERA and 0.65 WHIP with 27 strikeouts versus 67 total batters faced (40.3 strikeout percentage) in 18.1 innings. With Vizcaino working the last two games, perhaps Winkler will get an audition on Thursday? Read the rest of this entry »

Anytime news breaks regarding an injury or the need for a change at closer, the speculation ensues. With Toronto’s Roberto Osuna placed on administrative leave by baseball, adding the correct Blue Jay reliever means a chance at procuring saves. Some focused on Seung-Hwan Oh who owns closing experience, but he pitched the sixth inning with his team down by one. Others took a chance on John Axford, he’s been pitching very well of late with seven straight scoreless outings over 9.1 innings with eight strikeouts and only one walk. Alas, he worked the seventh inning and his ability to work more than one inning could keep him out of the save mix going forward unless he records a “Hader”.

So, it boiled down to Ryan Tepera or Tyler Clippard. Manager John Gibbons opted for the closer experience with Tepera keeping his role in the eighth inning. Tepera garnered the win giving up a walk with a strikeout after Toronto rallied for four runs in the bottom of the frame. Then, Tyler Clippard entered for his first save of the year giving up a hit with two strikeouts. Over his last six appearances, Clippard’s registered three holds, a win and a save allowing four hits, an unearned run and a walk with 10 strikeouts. Although regression will happen with Clippard, it’s his role to lose with Toronto until more clarity emerges with Osuna’s pending suspension.

It’s hard to believe, but Craig Kimbrel’s never recorded a save requiring him to get more than four outs. He tried again to make history last night, but not only blew the save, his outing led to a Red Sox loss. Many will question his entering the game so soon, but with it on the line, Alex Cora made the right move, it just did not work out. Kimbrel entered with runners on first and third with one out giving up a triple to Brett Gardner to turn the tide then Aaron Judge hit a home run to center before Kimbrel retired the last two by strikeouts to end the inning. In spite of the blown save, Kimbrel’s been trending in the right direction of late. Speaking of which, Aroldis Chapman closed the door notching his ninth save giving up a hit and striking out three working on back-to-back days. Same goes for Chad Green, so if a save chance presents itself in the Bronx tonight, plan on David Robertson to get the opportunity.  Read the rest of this entry »

Before delving down the rabbit hole of chasing the next save, a moment to celebrate a milestone for Craig Kimbrel. He’s reached 300 saves in the fewest games (494) of any reliever, with the least save opportunities (330) and at the youngest age (29). Saturday’s save was Kimbrel’s ninth of this year and he did so in familiar fashion striking out two in a clean inning. Rounding into form, Kimbrel’s been a solid investment within the top tier of closers this season. Teammate Joe Kelly also worked out of a bases loaded jam to provide the save chance. Over his last 11 innings, Kelly’s recorded 12 strikeouts while limiting opponents to four hits and zero walks.

Now, it’s time to start trying to diagnose future save production. First, with Bud Norris leaving Saturday’s appearance with an injury, the team will need to reshuffle roles within the bullpen, again. For now, Norris will avoid the disabled list according to sources, but there’s no guarantees. Norris believes he needs a “few days” to recover since it’s an injury he’s managed before. He’s worked 17 times in 31 games including four of the last five for St. Louis. As for the next chance, here’s a quick look at the contestants: Read the rest of this entry »

One day removed from his first blown save since last August, Craig Kimbrel rebounded by striking out the side punctuating his eighth save this year. Clean innings by closers prove to be ideal along with fantasy owners appreciating Kimbrel’s uptick in velocity averaging 97.5 MPH with his fastball on Wednesday. This save also puts Kimbrel on the precipice of history closing in on being the fastest reliever to 300 saves by games, save opportunities and age. Kimbrel’s converted 299 saves in 329 chances during his career translating to a 90.9 success rate as a closer. He’s also recorded at least three strikeouts in two of his last three outings while rounding into form after an abbreviated spring training.

Putting to rest controversy in the short term in St. Louis regarding which pitcher gets the ninth inning, Bud Norris notched his sixth save of the year by retiring all four hitters he faced with two strikeouts. He’s recorded a win, save or hold in seven of his last 10 appearances along with five straight scoreless outings. Until Greg Holland regains confidence in his fastball, it’s remains Norris as the closer for the Cardinals. Read the rest of this entry »

With so many bullpens remaining clouded due to slow starts or poor performance, Cleveland’s blueprint went according to plan closing out the Orioles on Monday night. Andrew Miller worked two-thirds of an inning giving up a hit and striking out one. Then Cody Allen entered to strikeout the side en route to his fourth save of the season.

Oddest save of the night goes to Chris Beck of the White Sox. He worked 2.2 innings allowing six hits and two earned runs with a strikeout. It’s the first save of his career and it feels dirty.

Not to be overlooked, Cincinnati dusted off Raisel Iglesias using him to retire the last four batters with a strikeout for his third save of the year. Although the Reds prefer to use Iglesias in a more traditional closer role in one inning appearances, two of his three saves required him to record four outs. It’s a shaky bridge getting to him, so perhaps the team realizes a non-traditional role like last year will be necessary.

Keynan Middleton worked for the third straight day notching his sixth save. He did allow a lead-off single and a walk, but recovered with two strikeouts and a walk-off umpire review resulting in a caught stealing. Middleton’s been solid as the Angels closer. It will be interesting to see who gets the save chance Tuesday with Blake Wood landing on the disabled list.

No more speculation on who backs up Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers closer received Monday night off with his velocity starting to bounce back. Enter Josh Fields who worked a scoreless ninth giving up a hit but no other damage for his first save this season. Another arm to track in this bullpen, Tony Cingrani. Cingrani’s pitched 8.1 innings so far with 15 strikeouts, no walks, a 64 percent ground ball rate and a minuscule 0.48 WHIP.

Bounce back performance by Hunter Strickland who recorded his fourth save giving up a walk with two strikeouts against the Nationals. There’s reports about Mark Melancon starting a throwing program, however, until he starts a rehab assignment, there’s no timetable for his return.

Quick Hits: It’s only April and the Texas bullpen’s in shambles. Over the last four games, the Rangers relievers have allowed 18 runs in 14 innings, yielded a home run in each of these contests, 25 hits, nine walks, a blown save and three losses. Keep tabs on Blake Treinen who’s been used heavily to start the season. According to the television crew last night, Treinen was not available for the save. Fortunately, the Rangers bullpen made it possible for him to rest. Marlins reliever Tayron Guerrero lit up the radar gun in Los Angeles. He’s turned in five straight scoreless outings with 13 strikeouts, five walks and two hits allowed in 5.1 innings of work. Speaking of Marlins, Kyle Barraclough took the loss giving up two hits and the go ahead run to the Dodgers in the eighth inning.

So many bullpen situations and so little time. Obviously, in regards to Ken Giles, Houston clearly has a problem. After micromanaging him a one out save in Minnesota earlier this week, which he almost blew when Byron Buxton launched a long fly ball foul, Giles did record his first save. However, he’s among three Astros relievers to do so this season. Brad Peacock also owns one, but his ability to work multiple innings could preclude him from ascending to a full time role as the closer. Friday night, with Chris Devenski already warming up during a then tied game, he entered the ninth with a one run lead and the first two Texas hitters being left-handed. This will prove to be important going forward due to Devenski’s ability to mitigate left-handed bats evidenced by their .110/.178/.236 slash line against him last season. Devenski did allow a single to rookie Ronald Guzman and hit Robinson Chirinos with a pitch (no penalty to his WHIP) then bounced back to strikeout the last two batters he faced.

Suffice it to say, Houston’s bullpen going forward will be fluid. There’s no closer and A.J. Hinch said as much on the radio musing Giles, “May not be the full-time closer”. Recent usage reinforces this sentiment. When there’s a lower leverage save chance, Giles could get a chance to gain confidence, shaky as it appears right now. If a situation requires more than three outs, it should be Peacock who’s clearly in the mix for saves in future contests. Last, if a team features left-handed hitters in the ninth inning, Chris Devenski should be in line for the save chance. If Hinch proved anything last postseason, he’s not afraid to make changes to high leverage late innings to insure a win. Houston does not have a problem with its bullpen, but fantasy owners need to consider it fluid.

Usually contracts indicate who a team will turn to in the late innings. To be fair to Greg Holland, he entered a save chance too soon upon his arrival. Still rounding into form, Holland’s pitched 1.1 innings this year with five walks and zero strikeouts. His last appearance did not yield a run, but this could take a little time. Friday night, St. Louis turned to Bud Norris for the save and he responded by striking out the side. Of course, it did take five batters for this to happen since he also allowed a hit and a walk, but it’s his second save and Cardinals beat writer Derrick Goold suggests it may trend this way going forward, which you can read by clicking here. Fantasy owners need to adjust and it’s probably too late for Holland owners to handcuff with Norris, but in the short term it will be Bud closing for the Cardinals, which seems somewhat fitting. Do not forget Norris recorded a 2.23 ERA with 47 strikeouts in 36.1 innings during last years first half.

There could be some rocky rides ahead, but Keynan Middleton notched his third save of the year in Kansas City. He did yield a lead-off single to Jon Jay to open the inning but erased him inducing a double play on the next pitch. However, Middleton walked Whit Merrifield with Mike Moustakas on deck. Inexplicably, Merrifield attempted to steal second with the Angels catcher Rene Rivera throwing him out. Game over, save Middleton. As a former first round pick by the Angels, pedigree’s there for Middleton who features a fastball which can hit 98 MPH and with confidence in his arsenal, he could hold the role. However, trusting Angels relievers can be difficult, especially due to the whimsy of manager Mike Scioscia. Through 8.2 innings this year, MIddleton’s struck out seven, walked four with a 1.04 ERA and impressive ERA- of 27 and a 1.15 WHIP. Like any young “closer”, growing pains will happen, but recent usage indicates it’s his job to lose right now.

Although clarity in the Brewers bullpen seems far from certain, Jacob Barnes worked the seventh and eighth innings on Friday night in a game Milwaukee trailed by two when he entered. Barnes did pitch well allowing a hit with two strikeouts in his two innings of work, but it also signals he would not get a save chance on Saturday along with he may be out of the mix for saves in the near term. This should help out those with Matt Albers on the roster while those with Josh Hader continue to benefit from his strikeout upside. On the other side of the diamond, Jeurys Familia locked down his seventh save in the 12th game of the year for the Mets. Familia’s dealing 11 strikeouts in nine innings this year without giving up an earned run and a 0.78 WHIP. So far, so good.

As for Alex Colome, he looks lost. In spite of increased swinging strike and chase rates with lower contact allowed, he’s sporting a 10.80 ERA and a 3.20 WHIP after taking his second loss of the season Friday night. Colome yielded a double to Scott Kingery and a go-ahead single by Jorge Alfaro amidst striking out the side. It seems like this encapsulates his year to this point. Owners may need to bench him if possible until he can work this out. Whether it’s mechanical or mental, something’s afoot with Colome. He’s allowed 12 hits and six earned runs in five innings with the same amount of walks as strikeouts (four). Perhaps it will be Sergio Romo who’s been working in the ninth inning or Matt Andriese as a wild card, but the Rays fell to 2 – 7 in one run games this season, a change may be needed, even if temporary.

Quick Hits: Two Braves relievers worked to preserve a shutout against the Cubs. A.J. Minter seems to be rounding into form. He allowed a double but struck out two in the eighth with Arodys Vizcaino bouncing back to pitch a clean ninth. Wade Davis racked up his sixth save with two strikeouts. Teammate Adam Ottavino worked two-thirds of an inning, striking out both hitters he faced raising his total to 18 strikeouts against 27 total batters this year. Another tough appearance by Dellin Betances who allowed five hits and three earned run. Aroldis Chapman did record his second save by striking out the side. Phillies closer Hector Neris walked one, but registered his second save. Rough outing for Archie Bradley allowing three hits, two walks and two earned run, but Brad Boxberger closed out his fifth save giving up a hit with a strikeout. Edwin Diaz finally issued a free pass, but also struck out one en route to his fifth save as well. Kazuhisa Makita yielded two hits in the ninth forcing Brad Hand into action. Hand responded by retiring the last two hitters for his fifth save. Roberto Osuna and Shane Greene both worked clean ninth innings in non-save appearances. Last, Kenley Jansen yielded a hit in the ninth, but it’s his fourth straight outing without giving up a run with five strikeouts over them.

Yesterday featured the drama surrounding the Cardinals bullpen, Wednesday transitioned to another rendition of who will close in Milwaukee. One day after Jacob Barnes wild pitching the tying run in, Josh Hader worked high leverage as usual recording four outs, three via strikeouts,  but allowed his second hit of the year. Of course, the hit came in the form of a Tommy Pham home run which prompted a move to Matt Albers to face the two right-handed power hitters in the ninth inning. Albers allowed a single to right field by Marcell Ozuna against the shift, then a single to Jose Martinez before retiring the next two hitters for his first save with the Brewers.

However, nothing seems to be settled here. Fantasy owners still yearn for Hader to ascend to closer, but his ability to work multiple innings seems to prohibit this move. By the way, Hader’s worked 7.2 inning this year with 17 strikeouts. Personally pulling for him to get three more in his next 1.1 innings to reach 20 strikeouts in nine innings. As for Milwaukee, will the next save chance go to Barnes? Albers? Wild cards still exist in the forms of Jeremy Jeffress, who struck out Ozuna on Tuesday, and rookie Taylor Williams. Due to the recent volatility with this situation, those who avoided entering the fray should be relieved. If invested, patience will still be required.

Seguing to Atlanta, no change will be imminent. But, two of the last three outings by Arodys Vizcaino leave his owners hoping for a rebound. For starters, Vizcaino’s yet to register a save this year. He blew the opportunity for a save on Wednesday yielding a home run to Matt Adams. More worrisome, he then allowed a two single to Michael A. Taylor which led to a errant throw to first base in a pick-off attempt moving him to second. Then a wild pitch moving Taylor to third. Thanksfully, Vizcaino escaped the ninth giving up the tying run and not a walk-off, thus avoiding a Carlos Marmol-esque meltdown. Many hoped A. J. Minter could eventually take over the ninth inning. Following a slow start with decreased velocities, Minter looked very good Wednesday striking out the side in the eighth inning. However, like Hader, Minter’s ability to work in high leverage could keep him from the ninth inning. Tracking how Jose Ramirez and David Winkler pitch going forward makes sense, but the Braves need Vizcaino to close and will give him rope to rebound.

It’s easy to overlook the strong start to the year by Edwin Diaz, but he’s been dominant out of the gate. He’s faced 18 batters this year and struck out 12 of them for a remarkable 66.7 percent strikeout percentage. Small sample size should be duly noted, but at age-24 and under the tutelage of Juan Nicasio, Diaz seems more confident translating to a 27.5 swinging strike percentage so far with reduced contact and increased swinging strikes outside the zone. Like any closer, Diaz will suffer hiccups, but he also could be on the precipice of a breakout season.

An encouraging bounce back by Wade Davis who worked a clean ninth with two strikeouts for his fifth save of the year. Working below the radar, Adam Ottavino continues to surge with two more strikeouts en route to his second hold of the season. Ottavino’s moving up in the pecking order with the Rockies riding his 64 percent strikeout rate (16 against 25 total batters faced). Injuries seem to depress Ottavino’s value, but those in leagues which reward holds or strikeout to walk ratios should see if he’s available.

Do not overreact to Nate Jones notching his first save since July of 2016 yesterday. With the team trailing, Jones warmed up to pitch the ninth no matter the outcome and benefited with the save opportunity when his team rallied for two runs off of a fatigued Rays bullpen. Jones issued a walk but struck out two to record the save. It’s still Joakim Soria in the role, but those hoping for Jones to eventually emerge will be encouraged by his initial results on Wednesday. Also, do not forget about Bruce Rondon. He worked the eighth inning and garnered the win. He’s retired all seven hitters he’s faced this year with five strikeouts. Again, small sample size,  but intriguing results.

Lost in the sauce of all the Mets saves by Jeurys Familia, he leads the majors with six, is the value for those in head-to-head formats in the forms of Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo. Gsellman struck out the side Wednesday night in Miami and he’s whiffed 12 of the 27 batters faced this year. Add in a 61.5 ground ball percentage with a 16 percent swinging strike rate and he makes for a nice pitcher to own as a daily plug in the starting pitcher spot as a reliever. Lugo’s also worked well in the bullpen so far, and Zach Wheeler’s debut should keep Lugo in a relief role. Lugo’s pitched six innings over three appearances giving up no runs, two hits and three walks with seven strikeouts equating to a 0.83 WHIP. Those hoping A.J. Ramos would get the save yesterday, he pitched to the last two hitters, not recording a full inning with a three run lead or pitching with the go ahead run in the on-deck circle. Rules, they’re a killer.

Quick Hits: Brad Peacock took the loss in Minnesota, but the weather affected Houston’s staff with gripping the baseball. Chris Devenski worked in the fifth inning and Ken Giles still seems shaky. This could be a bullpen with turnover in saves as well going forward. Sean Doolittle allowed two walks but recovered with two strikeouts in a 10th inning outing in a tied game. Ryan Madson struggled taking the loss giving up three hits, two walks and two earned runs. Raisel Iglesias looked terrific in a non-save two inning outing striking out four. However, Hector Neris incurred a blown save yielding three hits and an earned run. There’s no immediate replacement available for Neris, but keep tabs on when Tommy Hunter returns to the Phillies. Brad Brach seems to be settling in for the Orioles and recorded his third save. Last but not least, Keynan Middleton upset Elvis Andrus owners, but did finish a 1.2 inning save in Texas, though he did fatigue.

While many pondered the potential outcomes when deciding on taking Ken Giles in preseason drafts and auctions, Brad Peacock emerged as a popular target in the later rounds. In spite of his transition to the bullpen to start the year, Peacock’s 13 wins, 29.5 strikeout percentage and 161 strikeouts over 132 innings in 2017 made him an interesting pitcher to pair with Charlie Morton or an upside arm to deploy as a reliever with starting pitcher eligibility in leagues which use designations. After two strong innings on Wednesday, the Astros opted to leave Peacock in for three innings and the win rather than adhere to standard procedure by using their closer, Ken Giles to secure the last three outs against the Orioles.

There’s not reason for panic by Giles owners, yet at least, since leaving Peacock, while in a rhythm, translated into him retiring nine of the 11 hitters he faced. Peacock whiffed five of them, allowed two hits and issued zero walks. All told, Peacock threw 39 pitches in three innings generating 12 swinging strikes (30.8 swinging strike percentage in the appearance) and notching his, and Houston’s first save of the season. A.J. Hinch proved last postseason he would not be averse to using pitchers in roles outside the popular think box to close out games with Lance McCullers Jr. taking over high leverage last October. It’s a marathon of a season and Giles owners have reason to be upset, but it’s not time to panic, yet. Houston’s powerful offense could also cut into potential save chances as the year progresses, so Giles owners need to plan accordingly. Read the rest of this entry »

A Trip through the Relief Pitcher Rankings

No matter where one stands in regards to tiers, it helps streamline cumulative rankings in an effort to streamline assessment of a position. When trying to predict closers, well, do not. There’s going to be volatility, pitchers will get hurt or lose the role due to performance which proliferates the need for this column to run daily each week of the 26-week marathon of the fantasy baseball season.

Trying to make sense of Paul Sporer, Jeff Zimmerman, Al Melchior, Ben Pasinkoff, Keith Farnworth and my ranks seems surreal. But with the last few days of drafts looming, it’s time to figure out who to target in spite of several teams yet to announce their closer. Yes, looking at you Arizona, Texas, St. Louis, Baltimore and the Angels, with the mercurial Mike Scioscia. Agree or disagree, if one feels strongly, go with your gut. Our rankings posted yesterday and can be found here. With deference to the rankings, the tiers formed from the adjusted average to sort out the arms.

Read the rest of this entry »