Bullpen Report: April 16, 2014

• Two games, two shutouts, two saves, two different closers for the Yankees today. Current closer Shawn Kelley polished off Masahiro Tanaka’s gem in game one of a doubleheader, while Adam Warren finished off the day’s eighteen straight scoreless innings against the Cubs in the nightcap. Kelley’s easy save solidifies his role in the ninth; he should be available to finish the game tomorrow. He impressively has yet to walk a batter this season. That the team went to Adam Warren when having the rest of the bullpen available in the second game speaks to his position as second-in-command on the depth chart. The concern about this bullpen appears it will be short-lived, however. David Robertson is going to try throwing off a mound tomorrow and hopes to return when eligible next week.

• Fernando Rodney was unable to get any arrows out of his quiver tonight, blowing his first save since joining the Mariners. It came in interesting fashion. The crooked-lidded-righty notched two quick outs before allowing a weak hit and then a walk. An error by Brad Miller loaded the bases before a wild pitch and walkoff single conspired to waste Felix Hernandez’s gem. While there was plenty of consternation of the Rodney signing this offseason, he’s been at least OK during the young season. His 8/3 K/BB in 20 TBF isn’t a terrible ratio, although his velocity is down a touch, which bears watching. At least it’s trending the right direction. His job is plenty safe for the moment, however.

• The saga that is the Oakland bullpen continues. Sean Doolittle blew a save last night, while deposed closer Jim Johnson pitched well again in a non-save situation. It sounds like Bob Melvin isn’t terribly inclined to shake up the status quo, so expect Luke Gregerson to get the next opportunity, but he also said the team will reevaluate the situation when they return home. The last couple of games have brought Johnson’s absurdly high (small sample size) SIERA down to a more palatable 4.36. The A’s have a vested interest in getting him back in the role, so scoop him up if he’s been dropped in any of your leagues.

• Injury notes: Good news if you are an owner of elite closers. Koji Uehara threw a 34-pitch bullpen session earlier today with no apparent ill effects. While 34 pitches feels excessive, the team appears to think he’ll be available out of the bullpen as early as tomorrow. Get him back into your active lineups if he’s been reserved. Not to be outdone, Craig Kimbrel tossed 14 pitches of his own during a side session this afternoon, saying he “felt great.” Sounds like “crisis averted” for the Braves.

• More injury notes: Casey Janssen and Sean Marshall are both headed out on rehab assignments. Those in deep holds leagues might be interested in the latter, but most fantasy owners are curious to see what happens with Janssen. If he shows he’s healthy and capable of being the same guy he’s been the last couple years, it’ll make the ninth inning situation in Toronto very interesting. Brian Wilson was activated from the DL yesterday. I’m steering clear until he proves his stuff is back. Bullpen Report fave Paco Rodriguez was the odd man out (hey, he has options); he’ll almost certainly be back sooner rather than later. Jeremy Affeldt is also back, although he’s not terribly useful in most formats.

Closer Grid:

[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]