Bullpen Report: April 18, 2016

• Quick Notes from Sunday: Ryan Madson received and finished another save opportunity last night against the Royals earning his fourth save on the year. No announcement on a change has been made but Madson has received more save chances than Doolittle thus far. I’m going to put Madson ahead on the red hot grid for now but we might be looking at a quasi-committee of sorts. Alex Colome earned his first save for the Rays and should be an option for saves until Brad Boxberger returns. Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save of the year. Jason Grilli also blew the save but Arodys Vizcaino wasn’t available and this only helps Vizcaino’s standing in the Braves pen.

And on to today’s games:

• Koji Uehara didn’t have a great Patriots’ Day in Boston, blowing up for four earned runs while only getting one out in the eighth. Uehera wasn’t hit particularly hard and was the victim of poor defense along with a lack of control (BB and HBP). Still, the 0.1 IP and 4 ER line doesn’t look nice when you check the lone day game box score at work and remember you had him in your active lineup. The lack of control is likely a blip but Uehara is 41 years old and his velocity is down a tick from last year. He’s still the setup man in Boston but his margin for error is shrinking.

• Glen Perkins had a second opinion on his elbow and there will be no surgery required, just rest and rehab. I’m not entirely sure how long that will keep Perkins out but a shoulder injury coupled with his ailments last year doesn’t exude much confidence in his chances on a high save total this season. Expect Kevin Jepsen to continue to fill in while Perkins is on the shelf with Trevor May still lurking as well.

• Roberto Osuna simply had the day off today dealing with a blister which gave the save chance to Drew Storen. Although he recorded the save, Storen needed the entire three run cushion after he gave up three hits and two earned runs raising his ERA to 8.44. At this pace Storen won’t keep getting the opportunities on Osuna’s off days but it’s worth noting that his 4.23 FIP and 3.50 xFIP suggest he hasn’t necessarily been pitching that poorly.

• Jeurys Famila was ready for the save but David Wright’s second homer of the day in the ninth inning didn’t allow for the chance. Familia allowed a single and double to start the inning but then went 1-2-3, only allowing one run to finish the game. Familila hasn’t generated the same amount of whiffs as last year but his 60% ground ball percentage and 95+ mph sinker will do just fine.

• Bryan Price gave J.J. Hoover a vote of confidence yesterday and although it was a non-save situation Hoover responded well in today’s outing, throwing a perfect frame with two strikeouts.  Hoover’s never exhibited strong control and last year the stirkeout rate dropped to 19.7%. His 2.94 ERA made it look alright but a 4.36 SIERA tells a slightly different story. The strikeout rate has continued to decline this year amidst the early season struggles and Hoover will have to have more nights like tonight to continue to have a semblance of a grasp on the ninth.

Closer Grid:

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