Bullpen Report: August 11, 2015
Our apologies on the delay but a few updates on the bullpens around the league:
• After hinting that Jean Machi would be closing for the Red Sox, it was Junichi Tazawa who received the save chance last night. Unfortunately for Tazawa owners he blew the save. This situation is red hot and according to Farrell now, Machi, Tazawa and Ryan Cook could all see save chances moving forward. At this point, all three are worth owning as the Red Sox sort out their back of the bullpen mess for the final two months. Tazawa received last night’s chance due to matchups, and considering he blew it I’d go Machi over Cook and Tazawa for the next opportunity.
• Hector Rondon did not receive the save chance today but there’s no closer controversy in Chicago (for now) as Maddon told him to “wear sneakers before the game.” In his place Pedro Strop threw a perfect eighth with two strikeouts with James Russell nailing down his first save of the year. Although Russell got the save chance in lieu of Rondon’s absence, I would still expect Pedro Strop or Motte to replace Rondon for consistent saves (if such a thing exists in Chicago) if something were to happen there.
• A tough outing for Andrew Miller blowing his first save of the year leading to a horrible loss for the Yankees in extras. Miller struck out two guys as he commonly does but also gave up three hits and two runs for the blown save. Dellin Betances is more than capable to close but Miller should receive the next chance as well since he hasn’t pitched much of late. Move on, nothing left to see here except Miller’s still fantastic 1.85/2.48/2.43 ERA/FIP/xFIP line.
• Quick Hits: Cody Allen has been underwhelming this year but he threw a scoreless ninth. In spite of his yo-yo season, he’s still green. Carson Smith threw 1.2 scoreless with one walk and three strikeouts, finishing the eighth and ninth innings. Rodney threw a scoreless 10th and received the win. He’s been pitching a lot better of late but so has Smith and I don’t think Rodney will be shooting his arrows in the ninth quite yet.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
When he's not focusing on every team's bullpen situation, Ben can be found blogging at Ben's Baseball Bias and on Twitter @BensBias
Any speculation on the A’s closer situation? Who’s a better grab off the wire, Pomeranz or Fernando Rodriguez?
I’d go with Pom or Scribner, but Doolittle could be back as soon as next week.
There is nothing in their usage or skills that would make you think Scribner is a better pickup than Rodriguez.
My bad, saw Scribner had pitched a scoreless 9th in consecutive outings (3rd and the 6th), thought something may have changed. One was a tie, the other a laugher. He has been a lot better of late, but Rodriguez is probably still ahead of him for save opps.
I’m gonna link my comment from yesterday:
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/bullpen-report-august-10-2015/#comment-905993
The graph seems to think Fernando Rodriguez would get the next save oppoortunity, but I think usage has shown Pomeranz will get the next shot at it, since Mujica has struggled, and I’ve picked him up in leagues where I need saves and he was available.