Bullpen Report: August 12, 2014
• Steve Cishek had the night off and the Marlins went with Bryan Morris to start the ninth inning with a three run lead. After recording two outs and allowing two base runners, Mike Dunn came on for the one out save against the lefty Matt Adams. As we noted last night Cishek’s job is still safe but today’s outing gives us some insight into the pecking order behind him. I’m in agreement with the grid as Morris and A.J. Ramos set the table for Cishek. However, as a solid LOOGY, Dunn could steal a save opportunity or two when a tough lefty arises.
• Matt Lindstrom was activated off the DL today. Unfortunately he’s playing on the west coast tonight and this will be published before he has a chance to make an appearance. For now, I believe Jake Petricka will still receive the next few save opps, but depending on Linstrom’s performance (and that of Petricka) he could pitch himself back in the picture. Before we get too excited it’s still Matt Lindstrom and he might be pitching more for 2015 than for saves this year. Either way, we’ll be sure to monitor this situation and if anything changes in the White Sox pen.
• Judging by his ERA (2.94) Kenley Jansen has been a slight disappointment but if you dig a tad deeper his 31.5% K-B% and 1.85 FIP show he’s still the same dominant reliever he’s always been. Tonight, Jansen threw a perfect ninth, striking out two for his 33rd save of the year. Brian Wilson, J.P. Howell and Brandon League pitched the seventh and eighth inning and without any major deadline acquisitions to aid the bullpen, that might be how it plays out for the remainder of the year.
• Quick Hits: Mark Melancon pitched around a couple of base hits for his 22nd save of the season. Melancon doesn’t have the K totals of some of the elite closers but he hardly walks a soul and since 2013 he’s been supporting a pitching line of 1.72/1.91/2.30 ERA/FIP/xFIP in over 120 innings pitched. Uehara nailed down his 26th save and lowered his ERA to 1.29 in the process. Yeah, he’s pretty good. Hector Rondon threw a perfect ninth for his 15th save of the year. Rondon’s BABIP (.341) overshadows what’s really been a productive season (2.10 FIP) and his job is certainly secure.
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
Brian Wilson’s numbers the last month are actually looking more respectable. Lots of strikeouts, an acceptable number of walks.
Given the Dodgers are pretty hot right now, is he a good pickup in holds leagues?