Bullpen Report: April 14, 2016
Mark Lowe notched his third hold of the young season for the Tigers despite allowing an earned run on three hits in just over an inning of work. Then trusty “old” Francisco Rodriguez came in during the final frame to seal Detroit’s victory for his second save of the season and 388th of his career. He needed just 22 pitches (17 strikes – zero swinging) to close out the Pirates. At just 34 years of age, KRod keeps climbing the all-time saves leaders list and appears to be on his way to a top four or five finish if health and father time is on his side.
David Robertson fanned two en route to his fifth save of the season in a 3-1 victory over the Twins. He is now a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances over five frames of work this season, with a 0.00 ERA, a 6:1 K:BB and without surrendering a hit. The 31-year-old’s velocity hasn’t seemed to flinch a bit compared to the last few seasons, however, the pitch mix (according to our data) appears to reflect a significant spike in the cut fastball usage. This guy is good at throwing baseballs. Matt Albers (4), Zach Duke (4) and Nate Jones (5) picked up holds in tonight’s contest leading up to Robertson’s save.
To some it was a surprise that the Blue Jays went with youngster Roberto Osuna to close out games over the recently acquired veteran reliever Drew Storen, but if those folks subscribe to recency bias, those thoughts should be a thing of the past. Including tonight, Osuna is a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities with a 6:0 K:BB over five innings of work. He’s allowed just two hits over the small sample in which he’s induced swings-and-misses at an (unsustainable) 21.4% (SwStr%) clip entering tonight’s action, despite a heavy dip in slider velocity — and increased usage.
Both Keone Kela (3) and Sam Dyson (4) notched holds in tonight’s 6-3 win for the Rangers over the Orioles. But it was Shawn Tolleson that picked up his third save of the year in four chances during a clean inning of work, allowing just one hit. Tolleson now owns a 15.00 ERA on the season with a 2:0 K:BB in just three innings on the bump. In this small sample, Tolleson’s velocity on each of his offerings are up a tick or more, but hitters are swinging-and-missing at a lesser clip (4.7% SwStr%).
Quick Hitters: Despite being within three-runs, I’m guessing it’s safe to say you heard about Wade Davis secured his fourth save of the season in two-thirds of an inning and an eight pitch (five strike) effort. Sergio Romo hit the disabled list today for the Giants. Hunter Strickland continues to be one of the younger “set-up” arms to keep an eye on should the appointed closer falter.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
In addition to contributing to the RotoGraphs blog, you can find Alan at his own site, TheFantasyFix.com and follow his nonsense on Twitter @TheFantasyFix.
Thank you guys for doing this bullpen report.
There is a small typo in the White Sox section referencing saves for guy who picked up holds.
My question is, do you think Daniel Hudson is really the first chair in Arizona? Seems like Clippard would be next in line.
recent BP reports had Clippard as the second man out, so i’m surprised that this got changed without any explanation.
This was briefly discussed in the comments yesterday. Looking at recent usage, Hudson has been used three consecutive times in the eighth inning, while 3-of-4 of Clippard’s appearances have come in the seventh. Still early in the season, so we’ll continue to monitor.