Bullpen Report: August 18, 2018

It would not be August without some volatility in the ninth inning, right? After saving three straight for the Twins, fantasy owners could think Trevor Hildenberger would be the closer going forward for the Twins in spite of reports suggesting a committee. Paul Molitor held firm during the Fernando Rodney experience. However, this quote by Molitor throws a monkey wrench into things: “To be honest with you, with Hildy getting off to a good start, (he’s the frontrunner), but it might just not play out that way.” Insert the thinking face emoji. Last night, Minnesota started the ninth with Matt Magill on the mound seeking his first career save. However, he allowed two hits, an earned run and a walk with a strikeout in his two-thirds of an inning giving way to Taylor Rogers in the ninth. Rogers retired Jeimer Candelario to record his first career save instead.

There’s many moving pieces here. First, Hildenberger’s notched three of the four saves for the Twins since the Fernando Rodney trade. But, his 10.57 ERA and 1.96 WHIP through 7.2 innings in August do provide caution for deploying him as the primary closer. Add in his career 5.40 ERA in 10 previous innings versus the Tigers, and perhaps this played a factor in Molitor’s decisions Friday night. Rogers has reeled off 11 straight scoreless outings spanning 8.1 innings converting seven holds and a save in them. He also owns a 1.62 ERA his last 20 games (16.2 innings) dating back to July second. The presence of fellow southpaw Gabriel Moya in the bullpen allows Molitor to mix and match in high leverage innings. Moya’s also been hot of last with six straight scoreless appearances (7.2 innings). For fantasy purposes, based on recent usage, Hildenberger could be the primary closer going forward, but with Molitor’s quotes and last night’s usage, Rogers could be a factor as well. Those who added Trevor May in the hopes of getting saves can move on, due to his return from injury, Molitor said May will not be closing in spite of a 21 swinging strike percentage since May cannot work in back-to-back games as he builds up to returning from injury.

Both Seranthony Dominguez and Pedro Strop pitched in consecutive games prior to last night’s action, so each received a well earned day off. This paved the way for bullpen vultures to get saves in their stead. For Philadelphia, Pat Neshek notched his third save of the season, and second in August giving up only a hit in the ninth inning. He has yielded four hits his last 1.2 innings, but remains a deep league presence since he’s the go to pivot option when the Phillies make Dominguez unavailable. Although the Cubs gave Strop the night off, they started the ninth with Steve Cishek working for the third straight game. Cishek allowed a lead-off single to Corey Dickerson, but struck out Starling Marte before leaving the game with Gregory Polanco up next. Cishek’s been scoreless in 10 straight outings but has allowed a .242 average to left-handed hitters. Enter Jesse Chavez. He walked Polanco but induced a game ending double play by David Freese, Chicago’s seventh double play of the night. It’s the second save of the year for Chavez and first as a Cub.

With the news of San Francisco activating Hunter Strickland off the disabled list today, owners of Will Smith will be relieved to see this quote from Bruce Bochy:

Bruce Bochy said he'll use Hunter Strickland in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings as a set-up man. Will Smith will retain his closer job as expected.

— Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) August 17, 2018

Smith has saved 10 games, in 12 chances, since Strickland landed on the disabled list. Through 40.1 innings, Smith has whiffed 56 hitters and with Strickland added to potential high leverage innings, the Giants can shorten games with the depth in their bullpen.

Back-to-back blown saves could make things interesting in Houston. Hector Rondon not only lost his 23 game scoreless streak on the road (on a very disputed call), he walked two hitters along with giving up a hit to keep Oakland in the game last night. Rondon’s converted 13 of his 16 save chances this season but with the A’s only one game back in the standings, Houston will need him to step up if he’s to remain the closer. Roberto Osuna did navigate around a hit and a walk with a strikeout for his first hold as an Astro. There’s no immediate change on the horizon, but Rondon’s definitely on the hot seat going forward.

For all the struggles Cody Allen’s been forced to overcome this year, he secured his 24th save on Friday night walking one and striking out two in the process. He’s recorded a save in three of his last four appearances and surged of late giving up only one earned run his last 12.1 innings (0.73 ERA) with 13 strikeouts against four walks. There’s no clear cut closer due to the usage patterns of Allen and Brad Hand, but both could be valuable down the stretch if Cleveland stays hot. Andrew Miller did get a hold in this game but allowed his first earned run since May 25th. It’s his first action in four days and it seems the Indians prefer to keep him healthy and rested. In six outings back from the disabled list, Miller’s pitched 5.2 innings allowing three hits, one earned run and three walks with five strikeouts.

Quick Hits: Jose LeClerc stayed hot locking down his fourth save by striking out the side. He’s been scoreless his last nine games and dominant his last seven with 14 strikeouts along with limiting hitters to a .080 (2-for-25) batting average against. Over his last 32 games, LeClerc’s ERA sits at 1.74 with 48 strikeouts in them.

Bud Norris notched his 24th save allowing a hit with a strikeout. He’s saved his last two in a row and six of the last seven. Jordan Hicks allowed two hits, two earned runs and two walks but gets his 18th hold. Dakota Hudson secured his fifth hold in a scoreless seventh inning. Hudson has three wins and five holds in 10 outings this season.

Win number six for Blake Treinen. He turned in his 13th scoreless inning to lower his major league leading ERA for all qualified relievers to 0.87 on the season. He’s been scoreless in 24 of his last 26 outings. Fernando Rodney also recorded his fifth straight scoreless inning in as many appearances since joining the A’s in a clean appearance.

A strong non-save outing by Raisel Iglesias giving up two hits with three strikeouts. He’s not allowed a run in six consecutive outings, converted his last seven save chances and has 10 strikeouts his last seven innings with zero walks. It’s not definite he will be available on Saturday after throwing 26 pitches last night, if not, Jared Hughes could receive the save chance if provided.

Another scoreless appearance for Robert Gsellman during which he walked one. Over his last 7.2 innings, Gsellman’s allowed four hits and one walk with four strikeouts en route to two saves and two holds.

Thanks to a rain shortened game, David Robertson recorded his third save of the year, and first since July eighth. He’s only yielded one unearned run in 7.2 innings this month but only has one hold and this save to show for it.

Washington announced Koda Glover will be the primary closer until one of their injured relievers can return. Greg Holland finished his sixth scoreless outing as a National last night with a clean ninth and a strikeout. He’s not a factor for saves, but trying to salvage his season and has yet to give up a run in five innings with his new team.

Last, Kenley Jansen threw again on Friday prior to the game. He’s hopeful to be cleared to pitch according to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times. Stay tuned.