Bullpen Report: April 23, 2023

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Notable Workloads

•Reynaldo López, CHW: 16 pitches on Saturday, back-to-back days. | RosterResource

Only Aaron Bummer and Jake Diekman were off on Saturday, making them the likeliest candidates to appear in a save situation on Sunday.

•Paul Sewald, SEA: Back-to-back days; 14 pitches on Friday; 13 pitches on Saturday. | RosterResource

Trevor Gott was off on Saturday and is the likeliest to appear should Sewald need rest. “Reliever on the Rise” Justin Topa recorded back-to-back holds on Friday/Saturday and may be unavailable.

•A.J. Puk, MIA: 21 pitches on Saturday. | RosterResource

Both setup men, Tanner Scott (21 pitches) and Dylan Floro (13 pitches) threw on Saturday. Either of them are candidates to appear if Puk needs rest, though Puk may be available on back-to-back days if the game is close.

•Daniel Bard, COL: 20 pitches on Saturday. | RosterResource

Bard made his second appearance of the season and may have thrown enough pitches to warrant a day off. If that’s the case, either Pierce Johnson or Justin Lawrence may appear in a save situation.

•Camilo Doval, SFG: 23 pitches on Saturday. | RosterResource

John Brebbia or Scott Alexander are the setup men who could appear in a save situation if Doval needs rest, though he did not throw Thursday or Friday and may still be available. Brebbia may be in need of work as he hasn’t thrown since Wednesday.

Injury News

•None

Outlier Saves

•Duane Underwood Jr., PIT | RosterResource

With closer David Bednar, and setup men Colin Holderman and Robert Stephenson each working in back-to-back games prior to Saturday’s matchup, the Pirates needed a few middle relievers to help out. Luckily, veteran Rich Hill threw five solid innings which led way to Yohan Ramirez for two innings and then Underwood Jr. to close it out in two innings. Underwood Jr. gave up no hits, no walks, and struck out one. He has had great control this season, allowing only one walk in eight innings. The pirates have a few good arms in relief currently. Dauri Moreta has been given with the “Reliever on the Rise” tag, Stephenson has a 0.00 ERA and a 9.82 K/9 (3.2 IP), and Holderman throws a 98 MPH sinker. Bednar is certainly holding down the closer role, but he seems to have a lot of support so far in the young season.

•Bryan Abreu, HOU | RosterResource

Astros closer Ryan Pressly was likely in need of a day off after throwing 22 pitches to earn the save on Saturday night. Abreu, who has electric stuff, has thrown 10 innings this season. Among relievers with at least 10 innings, his curveball leads in Stuff+ (122) and his slider’s Stuff+ is third best (143) behind Michael King‘s 144 and Bryan Baker’s 154. He came into the ninth inning, Rafael Montero threw in the eighth and struck out two batters on swinging strikes. He’s always had some issues with walks, but the 26-year-old righty certainly has the potential to earn a few more save opportunities this season. He only recorded two last season. Saturday’s save marked his first of the year.

Committee Clarity

•None

Losing a Grip

•None