Bullpen Report: April 3, 2014

With the exception of all the Jim Johnson concerns, a lot of positive discussion took place in the comments last evening after the Bullpen Report hit the interwebs. Thank you, I/we appreciate the feedback.

-Just when the murky waters in Chicago appeared to clear, Matt Lindstrom surrendered two earned runs on two hits and a walk in a save situation this evening against the Twins. The blown save is the first on the season for Lindstrom, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Nate Jones is ready to take on ninth-inning duties. Jones appeared in the seventh-inning tonight, surrendered free passes to the first two batters he faced, then was immediately relieved of his duties. Maikel Cleto took over for Jones with two on and no out, but couldn’t keep Jones’ two runners from scoring. After the game, both Robin Ventura and Nate Jones himself acknowledged that the reliever experienced some discomfort during the game. Don’t drop Lindstrom just yet.

–Pedro Strop surrendered a leadoff single to Neil Walker, but induced a pop out on a bunt attempt, followed by a double-play to earn his first save of the season in a 3-2 Cubs victory over the Pirates. Strop likely earned the look in tonight’s contest due to Jose Veras’ 38-pitch effort last evening, so I don’t think there is any sort of competition to worry about just yet in Wrigleyville. Strop should be owned in all holds and solds leagues, but could make for an interesting handcuff in deeper mixers if you have the bench spots. The right-handers is available in 93% of Y! leagues.

–David Robertson notched the first save of the post-Mariano Rivera era in a 4-2 Yankees victory over the Astros tonight. The righty induced a deep flyout off the bat of Matt Dominguez, fanned Alex Presley and got Jonathan Villar to ground out to seal the deal. It may take 82 games or so for Yankees’ fans and fantasy owners alike to accept the fact that Rivera will no longer be called from the bullpen in closing situations, but more outings like tonight’s will likely ease their heartache. Tonight’s save was the ninth of Robertson’s career.

Quick Hits: Koji Uehara needed just seven pitches to strike out one and induce to foul outs en route to his first save of the season. Seven pitches. Glen Perkins, the beneficiary of the White Sox bullpen miscues, allowed a hit but collected his first save of twenty-fourteen. Steve Cishek earned his second save of the young season as the Marlins clipped the Rockies, 8-5. Trevor Rosenthal picked up the four out save — his second of the year — without allowing a hit or a walk, while striking out one.

Closer Grid:

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