As the season winds down and bullpen committees continue to populate the landscape, change could be upon us in fantasy baseball. This site featured a terrific article detailing how handling relievers evolves in an interview with A.J. Hinch. Blended bullpens, new roles and keeping pitchers healthy make this column a necessary stop if chasing saves. For starters, 10 different relievers have recorded a save for the White Sox this year. Joakim Soria (16), Nate Jones (5), Jace Fry (4), Hector Santiago (2) and Luis Avilan (2) to this point, although only two of them remain on the roster. Also, Chris Beck, Xavier Cedeno, Juan Minaya, Bruce Rondon and Thyago Vieira each own one save this year. Last night, Ian Hamilton attempted his first career save but incurred the loss giving up a walk-off grand slam to Jason Kipnis. The inning started with Juan Minaya facing one hitter, Josh Donaldson and allowing an infield single after review. Then Caleb Frare entered yielding a hit to Yandy Diaz and recording the innings only out on a popped up bunt by Melky Cabrera. Hamilton then entered and hit Yan Gomes with a pitch prior to the Kipnis slam.

What does all this mean? The team will continue to audition relievers the rest of the season to try and see what roles will be applicable during their rebuild. Jones will handled carefully and it appears will not pitch in consecutive outings. He will be a factor in saves the last week and a half, but not overworked. Jace Fry pitched 1.2 scoreless innings giving up only a walk, but his ability to work more than one inning, along with Minaya make them valuable and not just ninth inning options. It stands to reason, if chasing a save, to avoid this bullpen due to the volatile usage and auditions still to come as the White Sox evaluate their young arms in high leverage. Read the rest of this entry »

Representing one of the most frustrating bullpens over the last month, could the White Sox situation finally be settling in? This coincides with the return of Nate Jones from the disabled list who recorded his first save since May 22nd on Friday night. Jones allowed a hit with two strikeouts during his second outing back this month and, dare speculate, should be the primary closer going forward. Jace Fry secured his 15th hold walking one and striking out one in the eighth inning while Ian Hamilton yielded a run (unearned) on a hit and a walk with a strikeout en route to his first hold in a two-thirds of an inning appearance in the seventh inning. This bridge continues to evolve, but fantasy owners may be able to take solace in this blueprint over the last two weeks when Chicago owns a lead.

While one bullpen in Chicago takes shape, the other returns to fluidity with Pedro Strop out for the remainder of the regular season. Fantasy owners should not overreact regarding Jose De Le Rosa’s save last night. He did get his first this year working around a double and a walk in Cincinnati. However, all of Jesse Chavez, Steve Cishek and Carl Edwards Jr. pitched in the two prior games making them unavailable in this game. Also, those who think Justin Wilson could figure in the save mix may wish to reconsider since he was passed over for Jamie Garcia. Garcia faced Joey Votto, Eugenio Suarez and Scooter Gennett in the eighth inning retiring them in order for his fourth hold. Wilson could have appeared in this game due to usage, so its worth noting. As for future saves while Brandon Morrow looks to complete a bullpen session later this afternoon, look for Chavez and Cishek to take the lead but nothing’s guaranteed. Chavez has been terrific as the Cubs pliable reliever with two wins, three saves, a 1.45 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 0.87 WHIP and 34 strikeouts against four walks in 31 innings since his acquisition. Stay tuned. Read the rest of this entry »

With Hurricane Florence nearing landfall, please be safe if in its path. Bullpens continue to be volatile as the season approaches the final 16 games for most teams. Some good news regarding the return of injured relievers Aroldis Chapman and Brandon Morrow could cheer up their owners, but in varying degrees. Chapman threw an encouraging side session according to reports detailed in this article by Bryan Hoch. With the Yankees heading home, Chapman will meet the team to throw another side session and the simulated game hoping to return to action next week. This would allow the Yankees to reset their bullpen hierarchy and return Dellin Betances to the eighth inning where he dominates. Stay tuned. As for Morrow, he threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session and details it in this video courtesy of Jessie Rogers. Given the delay in Morrow’s return along with how well Pedro Strop’s pitched, there’s no guarantee Morrow would return to the ninth inning if he makes it back.

One day after recording his first major league save, Yoshihisa Hirano allowed a two-run walk-off home run to D.J. LeMahieu. Baseball’s an unforgiving game. This snapped Hirano’s eight game scoreless streak and became the first earned runs he’s yielded since August 21st. On a positive note, it seems as though Hirano’s the new preferred option in Arizona’s fluid bullpen, so he should bounce back from this outing. Hirano does not own any glaring splits within his batted ball profile, just the occasional gopher ball which occurred in Colorado last night. He’s working in a setup role, but Brad Ziegler did secure his seventh hold with Arizona last night. Ziegler’s been scoreless his last eight (6.2 innings) and owns a 1.31 ERA his last 20 appearances.

Save number eight for Jose Alvarado in a clean outing with two strikeouts. Alvarado’s given up only one hit his last 12 games (9.2 innings) with 16 strikeouts versus only three walks. In the second half, Alvarado’s worked 20.2 innings with a 1.30 ERA and has a 1.14 ERA over his last 37 contests dating back to June 12th. While our chart will still consider this a committee, Sergio Romo’s only pitched once over the last 15 games for Tampa Bay. It’s probably too late to handcuff Romo with Alvarado, but keeper league owners and those preparing for drafts next season should not ignore Alvarado’s recent surge in performance.

Not akin, but worth noting, Atlanta used Jonny Venters for the save on Wednesday despite A.J. Minter’s last outing being on Monday. Minter’s been battling back soreness and may not have been available, so his owners should track this closely. As for Venters, he remains one of the best comeback stories of 2018 notching his third save of the year, and second since joining the Braves with a 1.66 ERA in 20 games. Dan Winkler garnered the win in relief walking one and striking out one.

After intimating a committee in Minnesota following the Fernando Rodney trade, it’s been Trevor Hildenberger working as the primary closing option. Hildenberger notched his sixth save last night giving up a hit and striking out during a 1.1 inning appearance. He’s been scoreless his last seven games and converted six straight save chances. Teammate Taylor Rogers struck out the only batter he faced extending his scoreless streak to 19.2 innings spanning 18 games. During his streak, Rogers has seven holds, two saves and 18 strikeouts.

Former Twins reliever, Ryan Pressly, recorded his first save with Houston firing a clean ninth inning with a strikeout. Flying below the radar due to Roberto Osuna’s arrival, Pressly’s been scoreless his last 15 outings with a win, seven holds and this save in them. As an Astro, Pressly owns an impressive 0.96 ERA, 1.50 FIP, 0.54 WHIP, 25:1 K:BB, 59 percent ground ball rate, a swinging strike percentage of 16.9 and 64.1 percent contact allowed. If anything were to happen with Osuna in the future, keep Pressly in the memory bank.

In a pivotal match-up with the Cubs, the Brewers bullpen thrived on Wednesday night. Corey Knebel allowed his first hit since his recall on September second but struck out two in 1.1 innings of work. Knebel’s retired 20 of 21 hitters faced over his last six outings with 12 strikeouts. Josh Hader did yield a hit while striking out the side. He faced 10 hitters in three innings in Chicago with nine strikeouts and raised his season total to 130 strikeouts in 74.2 innings. For perspective, Jake Arrieta has 127 strikeouts in 159.2 innings this year. Jeremy Jeffress did not get a save chance when Milwaukee added to its lead in the ninth inning, but he did throw a clean ninth with a strikeout as he remains entrenched as the primary closer in a surging bullpen.

Quick Hits: A return to action for Kenley Jansen, a clean inning with a strikeout. It’s been a week since he pitched in a live game and has been scoreless his last five appearances with six strikeouts.

A much needed scoreless outing by Shane Greene with only a walk against him. Greene’s struggled of late giving up runs in three of his last five contests.

Felipe Vazquez held on for his 22nd consecutive save, and 32nd of the season, allowing three hits, an earned run and striking out two in St. Louis. Vazquez now owns the longest save streak in the National League this year, breaking a tie with Jansen, and owns a 1.36 ERA over his last 39.2 innings with 56 strikeouts.

Once again, a non-save appearance for Will Smith and he yielded two hits and an earned run to take the loss. This snaps a four game scoreless streak for Smith who lacks a save in September.

Save number nine for Kirby Yates despite giving up two hits, including a home run, with a strikeout. Yates has converted nine of 10 save chances since the Brad Hand trade, including his last four in a row. Hopefully he will be able to mitigate the gopher ball which plagued him in late August.

While Boston continues to audition pitchers for the eighth inning, Craig Kimbrel’s rounding into form. Kimbrel notched his 39th save and has only allowed one hit over his last eight appearances (31 total batters faced). He’s only given up one run over his last nine games and struck out 25 in his last 13 appearances.

Benefiting from Hirano’s walk-off home run, Wade Davis won his third decision of the year throwing a clean ninth inning with two strikeouts. Davis has only yielded one earned run his last 12 games on five hits and two walks with 17 strikeouts.

Still no clarity in the White Sox bullpen but, Hector Santiago recorded his second save in extra innings. Juan Minaya gets his second win working two innings giving up a hit and a walk with two strikeouts. Ian Hamilton pitched a clean eighth inning and Jace Fry struck out two in the ninth. It seems like they prefer Minaya’s ability to work multiple innings, so hone in on the Hamilton to Fry bridge but nothing’s guaranteed with this bullpen.

With attention shifting to football for many fantasy owners, remaining vigilant with baseball will be important when projecting roles for next season. For example, Ty Buttrey notched the first save of his career last night for the Angels striking out one in a clean outing. His role continues to grow in high leverage and Buttrey’s been scoreless in eight of his nine appearances this season. He, along with Jose Alvarez own the best peripheral numbers in the Angels bullpen over the last 30 days. As for Buttrey, he’s pitched 9.1 innings since his promotion with a 0.96 ERA, 1.97 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, 10:3 K:BB, 16.9 swinging strike percentage, an ERA- of 23 and limiting contact to 65.5 percent. Keep in mind, Blake Parker recorded the previous two saves for the Angels but has not pitched since September third. This could just be a preview of next year for Buttrey, but if he moves into a share of the closer role, he’s an intriguing pickup for the remainder of the season. Read the rest of this entry »

Masked within encrypted updates,time’s running out on a return for Brandon Morrow. Pedro Strop’s filled in affably as the closer since July 19th converting 10 of the 12 save chances provided, including his outing on Wednesday night giving up a hit and a walk with a strikeout for his 12th save of the season. As for Morrow, he would need to throw at least two bullpen sessions and a simulated game prior to returning before the playoffs, but still not progressing well during his rehab, as intimated here:

https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/1037473848873168896

With the high leverage bridge evolving the last three weeks, plan on Strop anchoring the bullpen the rest of the way. There’s a slight glimmer of hope Morrow could return, but this rhetoric about his progress has been proliferated for almost two months. Plan accordingly.

More concrete news regarding Kenley Jansen. He will not make the trip to Colorado for a big series with implications in the standings. However, staying healthy, as it should be, remains of the utmost importance regarding his heart issues. Jansen did get work in on Wednesday tossing a clean ninth inning with two strikeouts. He’s made four straight scoreless appearances with five strikeouts against three hits since his four game runs allowed stretch. While this proves encouraging, his doctor also recommended Jansen returns to using the prescribed medication which made him feel like a “zombie” during the runs streak, so stay tuned to how this could affect his future performance. As for this weekend, Los Angeles could deploy a committee of Ryan Madson, Kenta Maeda and a wild card in high leverage:

Given the downside risk of bringing Kenley Jansen to Denver, plus the addition of Ryan Madson and the expected activation of Ross Stripling, it is hard to imagine the Dodgers will bring Kenley Jansen to Denver.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) September 5, 2018

Unlike Maeda, Ross Stipling seemed excited for a chance to record a save if transitioned to the bullpen and makes for an intriguing arm this weekend in Coors for the Dodgers. Stay tuned. Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to September as the marathon reaches its final stage. An encouraging outing by Kenley Jansen notching his first save since August seventh. Jansen needed to survive the heart of the Diamondbacks order and only yielded a double to Paul Goldschmidt of the four batters he faced including striking out the red hot David Peralta. As for Jansen, he’s stopped taking the medication which made him feel like he was “sleepwalking”, which may not be in the best interest of his health with a heart condition, but Jansen snapped a four outing streak of allowing a run in each with last night’s scoreless save. Jansen’s shown the ability to overcome a slow start in April to surge, so his owners will hope for a similar bounce back in September. Los Angeles did add veteran Ryan Madson in a waivers trade and plan on deploying him in high leverage to lead up to Jansen. Bullpen evolution never ceases.

A return to the ninth inning for veteran David Robertson who converted his fifth save of the season, and second in his last three outings. He’s made three consecutive scoreless appearances with seven strikeouts, two walks and one hit allowed in them. Robertson also finished August without ceding an earned run in 11.2 innings, but did give up three unearned in them. With Dellin Betances under the microscope after serving up back-to-back home runs in Thursday’s loss, the closer by committee to fill-in for Aroldis Chapman should continue. However, do note, Zach Britton’s last save was a week ago and he’s been working in a set-up role since. While the Yankees intimated a three-headed closer timeshare could ensue, it’s been Robertson and Betances in the ninth the last seven days. Read the rest of this entry »

When the game reached the seventh inning and Kenley Jansen remained in the dugout, it became apparent the Dodgers were going to keep him out of a potential save situation in Texas. Jansen’s allowed runs in each of his four appearances since returning from the disabled list without a rehab outing resulting in seven earned runs, two losses and a blown save. Less than optimal in the midst of a pennant chase. Kenta Maeda recorded his first save of the year, and second in his career during the regular season, allowing a hit, an earned run and two walks with a strikeout. He’s made six appearances as a reliever this year with a 2.69 ERA, 10 strikeouts against two walks and a matching 1.42 WHIP and FIP. While it’s apparent Maeda will back up Jansen going forward, the team will use their veteran closer this weekend in the role in a key match-up versus Arizona:

Kenley Jansen will be ready to close tomorrow against Arizona, Dave Roberts said.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) August 30, 2018

In other Dodgers news, the team placed a waiver claim on Ryan Madson in an attempt to bolster the bullpen before September. The teams have until Friday afternoon to consummate a deal. Stay tuned to world of evolving bullpens. Read the rest of this entry »

Although nothing’s set in stone, the first Yankees save opportunity went to Zach Britton, in his former ballpark, and he converted it despite ceding a home run to Chris Davis. It’s Britton’s first save with New York and snaps a three game scoreless streak. However, Britton seems to be turning a corner with the Yankees not walking a batter his last five appearances and getting the ball down in the strike zone which yields success for the veteran closer. This will be important since Aroldis Chapman received a platelet-rich plasma injection and will miss the next two weeks as a result. The team hinted a triumvirate could be deployed in late innings so high leverage could evolve. Dellin Betances recorded his 32nd consecutive outing with at least a strikeout in the eighth inning. Over his last 33 games, Betances has a 0.56 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 32.1 innings. Chad Green garners the win in relief striking out two in the ninth and David Robertson pitched in the seventh, for the first time in a week, giving up a two-run home run to Jonathan Villar. Use last night as a template with Betances in the eighth and Britton in the ninth until further notice.

It seems like the Indians would prefer Cody Allen to succeed in the ninth, but he blew his fifth save of the season serving up back-to-back home runs to Ryan O’Hearn and Hunter Dozier in the ninth en route to his fifth loss of the year. Allen’s allowed runs in three straight outings working two innings with four earned runs, two walks and one strikeout in them. He whittled down his ERA to 3.98 on August 17th but it’s ebbed back to 4.50 as a result of the last three games. Brad Hand notched his ninth hold walking one in the eighth inning. Hand’s been scoreless his last seven outings with 10 strikeouts in 7.1 innings and scoreless in 12 of his 14 appearances with Cleveland. With five saves and six holds since joining the team, it’s likely Hand gets the next save chance. Especially with Andrew Miller starting to look like his old self registering his third straight scoreless outing last night with a strikeout. Read the rest of this entry »

In what seems like the most volatile August in recent memory for closers, the attrition continues with Aroldis Chapman officially landing on the 10-day disabled list due to tendinitis in his knee. Luckily for the Yankees, their full stable of veteran pitchers stocked with closing experience along with the “Terminator” in the eighth, Dellin Betances should be able to survive Chapman’s absence and allow him to rest his knee, an injury which dates back to May. Due to the Yankees loss last night, there’s no clear blueprint to how Aaron Boone will handle high leverage going forward, but according to this tweet, plan on David Robertson (135 career saves) and Zach Britton (139 career saves) to be in the mix with Dellin Betances (32 career saves):

Boone said Yankees will “mix and match” with Britton, Robertson and Betances when it comes to closing games. With a deep and versatile pen, Boone feels Yanks are “equipped” to handle Chapman’s DL stint.

— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) August 22, 2018

Recent usage suggests Boone may prefer to keep Betances in the eighth inning where he’s been a dominant force of late recording at least one strikeout in 31 straight games fueling his 0.58 ERA over his last 32 outings with 53 strikeouts. Robertson’s nursing a sore shoulder, which allowed Tommy Kahnle to record the save on Tuesday, but should be available going forward. Look for the Yankees to mix and match the ninth inning with the two veterans with “closing experience” while Chapman tries to get healthy.

It’s tough to pile on a struggling pitcher, especially one returning from an irregular heartbeat and the birth of his child, but Kenley Jansen suffered his second loss in the span of three days allowing three hits, two earned runs (on a home run by Paul DeJong) and struck out one during his appearance Wednesday night. Jansen’s given up home runs in back-to-back appearances twice this season after only doing so once his prior eight seasons. Also, Jansen’s served up nine home runs in 2018 in 56.1 innings which matches his total from the previous two in 137 innings. With the velocity and effectiveness of his cutter vacillating this season, Jansen’s struggles exposes the entire Dodgers bullpen. During the second half, Jansen’s saved five games with the two recent losses, produced a 4.50 ERA in nine games with a 5.96 FIP but 15 strikeouts against two walks with a 1.20 WHIP. His 33.3 home run per fly ball rate should stabilize but only if the 44 percent hard hit percentage subsides. It’s a tenuous time to own Jansen, in fantasy and real life.

Looking past the hot start of Seranthony Dominguez could be tough to do. However, his sluggish second half suggests fantasy owners may need to bench him if the home runs persist. Dominguez started his save chance looking strong recording outs against the first two hitters he faced. Then, Dominguez could not bury a slider enough to get Juan Soto to swing and miss resulting in a foul ball. Soto then hit the next pitch down the line for a double leading to Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off two run home run. Dominguez battled control issues last in July but has not walked a batter in August instead, he’s served up three home runs leading to five earned runs allowed. Like Jansen, Dominguez has seen his home run per fly ball spike since the break to 27.3 percent, his hard hit rate to 37 percent while getting fewer swings and misses (11.7 swinging strike percentage). This equates to Dominguez 6.10 ERA, 6.74 FIP and 1.65 WHIP in the second half. If he can get the movement back on his slider, Dominguez could bounce back, but stashing Pat Neshek (three saves already this season) may be a good idea with the team needing to convert every win possible. Stay tuned.

Although A.J. Minter threw a positive side session on Wednesday, and being available on Wednesday night, manager Brian Snitker wanted to provide him with one more day of rest to get Minter’s back healthy. Jonny Venters notched his second save of the season, and first since May 28th with Tampa Bay, allowing a hit with a strikeout in Pittsburgh. Venters has been terrific since joining the Braves with 8.2 scoreless innings along with three holds and a save his last four appearances. Minter owners can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he will be back in the saddle as the closer going forward.

Owning Robert Gsellman for fantasy must be frustrating. On the one hand, he’s in the midst of a 10.2 inning scoreless streak spanning nine games and struck out two batters in a clean eighth inning last night. However, during this streak, Gsellman’s recorded only two saves with three holds. In the eighth inning, the Mets used Gsellman to work the highest leverage inning remaining facing Buster Posey, Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria. Then, Mickey Callaway cobbled together the ninth inning using Daniel Zamora to strikeout Brandon Crawford and Paul Sewald for the last two outs resulting in his first career save. The good news, Gsellman’s remains Callaway’s most trusted reliever, the bad news, he’s the primary closer but will face teams best hitters when necessary to preserve a win.

Perhaps a sneak preview of coming events for the Astros? Roberto Osuna notched his first save with Houston in a clean ninth inning striking out one in Seattle. One day after the team hinted Osuna’s the primary closer going forward. This marks his first save since May sixth and fantasy owners should act accordingly, but keep in mind A.J. Hinch will play match-ups as well, so as Al Melchior suggested yesterday, cutting Hector Rondon in all formats could be a mistake in leagues where every save matters. Rondon’s converted 14 of his last 17 save chances and could pitch the ninth as he did on Tuesday.

Quick Hits: It appears the Brewers have reverted back to their shared ninth inning duties when Corey Knebel landed on the disabled list with Jeremy Jeffress and Josh Hader sharing the work. Jeffress converted his fifth save striking out one in 1.1 innings on Wednesday.

As the White Sox bullpen turns landed on Juan Minaya pitching 1.2 scoreless innings giving up two hits and Hector Santiago in the ninth allowing a hit and a walk with two strikeouts. Still leaning Jace Fry here for the next save, but it’s a mystery.

Jose LeClerc continues to thrive as the closer in Texas. He notched his sixth save despite walking two hitters with two strikeouts. LeClerc’s reeled off 11 straight scoreless outings and owns a 0.79 ERA his last 23 games. Over his last nine games, LeClerc’s held hitters to two hits in 29 at-bats, walked three and struck out 17 converting all six saves and finishing each of the Rangers’ seven wins in this stretch.

Working in a non-save outing, Felipe Vazauez struck out one in a clean ninth. He’s saved 17 in a row and struck out 40 his last 25 innings with a 0.74 ERA his last 24.1 innings.

Sergio Romo saved his 18th game allowing two hits but no runs. Romo’s converted his last five saves and been scoreless his last six. Scouts continue to watch him and Romo could be a waiver deadline trade to a contender. If this happens, stash Jose Alvarado now where available. Alvarado retired the only hitter he faced via strikeout and has struck out seven of the last 12 he’s faced.

Since Bud Norris pitched the two previous games, Jordan Hicks recorded his fifth save striking out the side in Los Angeles. He’s back to striking out hitters with six his last two outings and Hicks along with Dakota Hudson continue to provide depth in the bullpen for the Cardinals.

One injury update. Brandon Morrow continues to target September for a return but reports suggest it’s realistic and optimistic? Morrow’s been on the disabled list since Juley 18th and will undergo further testing on Friday for a clearer picture on how to proceed with his rehab and perhaps a timetable will emerge then.

It would not be August without some volatility in the ninth inning, right? After saving three straight for the Twins, fantasy owners could think Trevor Hildenberger would be the closer going forward for the Twins in spite of reports suggesting a committee. Paul Molitor held firm during the Fernando Rodney experience. However, this quote by Molitor throws a monkey wrench into things: “To be honest with you, with Hildy getting off to a good start, (he’s the frontrunner), but it might just not play out that way.” Insert the thinking face emoji. Last night, Minnesota started the ninth with Matt Magill on the mound seeking his first career save. However, he allowed two hits, an earned run and a walk with a strikeout in his two-thirds of an inning giving way to Taylor Rogers in the ninth. Rogers retired Jeimer Candelario to record his first career save instead.

There’s many moving pieces here. First, Hildenberger’s notched three of the four saves for the Twins since the Fernando Rodney trade. But, his 10.57 ERA and 1.96 WHIP through 7.2 innings in August do provide caution for deploying him as the primary closer. Add in his career 5.40 ERA in 10 previous innings versus the Tigers, and perhaps this played a factor in Molitor’s decisions Friday night. Rogers has reeled off 11 straight scoreless outings spanning 8.1 innings converting seven holds and a save in them. He also owns a 1.62 ERA his last 20 games (16.2 innings) dating back to July second. The presence of fellow southpaw Gabriel Moya in the bullpen allows Molitor to mix and match in high leverage innings. Moya’s also been hot of last with six straight scoreless appearances (7.2 innings). For fantasy purposes, based on recent usage, Hildenberger could be the primary closer going forward, but with Molitor’s quotes and last night’s usage, Rogers could be a factor as well. Those who added Trevor May in the hopes of getting saves can move on, due to his return from injury, Molitor said May will not be closing in spite of a 21 swinging strike percentage since May cannot work in back-to-back games as he builds up to returning from injury. Read the rest of this entry »