Bullpen Report: April 9, 2021

The 2021 version of Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

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.)

Notable Workloads

Julian Merryweather, TOR: 31 pitches on Thursday. | RosterResource

Jordan Romano and Rafael Dolis are candidates for a save chance on Friday if Merryweather is not available.

 

Injury News

•Enoli Paredes, HOU: Left Thursday’s game with side discomfort. | RosterResource

After walking both batters he faced in the eighth inning, Paredes was removed after the trainer visited him on the mound.

Enoli Paredes "did something to his side," according to Dusty Baker. He is being evaluated by doctors now.

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 9, 2021

Considering he had walked four batters in 1 1/3 innings over his first two appearances, manager Dusty Baker might’ve taken him out even if he hadn’t been injured. It’s not known if Paredes’ control issues are related to the injury or if this is something that occurred in Thursday’s outing. The 25-year-old was one of the Astros’ best relievers in 2020 and was expected to be one of the team’s primary setup men this season.

•Trevor Rosenthal, OAK: Underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery; A.J. Puk, OAK: Placed on 10-Day IL (strained biceps). | RosterResource

Rosenthal has not been ruled out for the season, although it sounds like he could miss three-to-four months in a best-case scenario. The A’s have yet to have a save situation, but a closer committee with Lou Trivino, Jake Diekman, and Sergio Romo appears likely for the time being. Puk, who pitched three innings in relief on Monday, could also be in the mix once he’s healthy.

Trevor Rosenthal was feeling numbness in his fingers and pain in his shoulder and chest after pitching. He had TOS surgery today in Dallas and could miss four months.

Who will pitch the ninth?https://t.co/g7f0JG0HeO

— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) April 8, 2021

 

Outlier Saves

•None

 

Committee Clarity

•Lou Trivino, OAK | RosterResource

While veterans Diekman and Romo have long track records of success pitching in the late innings, Trivino could be the more likely candidate if the team goes with one pitcher in the closer’s role as opposed to a committee.

After a breakout rookie season in 2018 (2.92 ERA, 10.0 K/9, 4 Sv, 23 Holds in 69 appearances), Trivino struggled the following year (5.25 ERA in 61 appearances). He bounced back in 2020, but it flew a bit under the radar due to the short season. The 29-year-old had a terrific spring, however, with seven shutout innings and only one hit allowed, and that success has carried over into his first four appearances of the regular season (5.2 IP, ER, H, 2 BB, 6 K).

Sounds like Lou Trivino could get some save opportunities with Rosenthal out. Melvin said Diekman is more ideal for the eighth inning, especially against Houston and their lefties.

— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) April 8, 2021

Losing A Grip

•Anthony Bass, MIA | RosterResource

Lost in the chaos of the Marlins’ loss to the Mets on Michael Conforto’s controversial walkoff hit-by-pitch was Bass’ second blown save in two chances. Even if Conforto would’ve been called out for leaning into a pitch, the bases were still loaded with two outs and Pete Alonso coming up to bat.

The 33-year-old Bass, who signed a two-year, $5 million contract during the offseason, couldn’t hold a 4-2 lead over the Rays on Opening day. On Thursday, he allowed a game-tying homer to Jeff McNeil to lead off the ninth before loading the bases for Conforto. Yimi García, after allowing only one earned run in 15 innings in 2020, had been the favorite to be the Marlins’ closer before Bass signed. He could still get that chance if Bass doesn’t turn things around quickly.