Bullpen Report: August 2, 2018

In the midst of his walk year to free agency, it’s been anything but easy for Kelvin Herrera. He’s been traded from the organization he grew up in, lost his closer role upon arrival in Washington and has struggled since moving to the National League. Herrera did record his second save for the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon, but it did not come easy. After getting the first out, he then allowed a home run, off the glove of Juan Soto, to Wilmer Flores, a double to Michael Conforto and a walk to Jose Bautista. Herrera did induce a game ending double play but he’s allowed runs in back-to-back games and in five of his last 10.

Of more concern, in 16 games in Washington, Herrera’s 4.30 ERA, 6.59 FIP and 1.77 WHIP do not provide confidence going forward. He’s walked seven in only 14.2 innings as a National after issuing two walks in 25.2 innings for the Royals. Over the last month, Herrera’s use of his change has increased along with throwing fewer sliders and fastballs. Not sure if this plan comes from the coaching staff or a lack of trust in a pitch, but Herrera’s yielded a .318 batting average against this year with the change compared to .200 against with the slider. With Sean Doolittle still sidelined with his foot injury and Brandon Kintzler traded, Ryan Madson lies in the wings if needed for saves. Madson had been scoreless in his previous seven outings until giving up a run as well on Wednesday. There’s no immediate threat to Herrera’s role, but it’s tenuous at best right now for him to remain in the ninth until Doolittle returns.

Corey Knebel did return to the ninth inning on Tuesday night, in a tied game, working after Jeremy Jeffress who pitched the eighth inning. This return to normalcy will placate Knebel’s owners but could the Brewers bullpen remain fluid going forward? Craig Counsell astutely noted Knebel’s struggles against right-handed hitters who own a .879 on-base plus slugging against him this year. Plus, Knebel struggled to a 5.35 ERA in July over 12 innings with a 1.50 WHIP. On the other hand, Jeffress has limited right-handed batters to an on-base plus slugging over three hundred points below Knebel and a .186 average against this season. Add in Josh Hader to this mix and it seems like the Brewers would prefer Knebel to return to his old form and close, but with every game factoring in the playoff race, it could morph into a match-up based bullpen. Hold tight for now, but be pliable.

Los Angeles remained quiet on the bullpen front at the trade deadline adding only John Axford for depth. Scott Alexander surged in July allowing one run over 13 appearances spanning 12.1 innings with 14 strikeouts versus three walks. Last night, Alexander struggled handing out three free passes and two hits resulting in two earned runs against for his first blown save. Kenley Jansen fired a scoreless ninth inning preserving the tied game allowing a walk and striking out one. Jansen’s righted the ship after early struggles this year and has a 1.38 ERA during his last 42 outings with 28 saves, 51 strikeouts and 11 walks in 45.2 innings. Dylan Floro garnered the win in relief throwing a clean 10th inning. One arm to keep tabs on for the Dodgers? Caleb Ferguson. As a reliever, he’s made nine appearances with two wins, two saves, a 1.29 ERA and eye popping 27:2 K:BB in 21 innings. If Alexander struggles in August, Ferguson could transition to high leverage.

Just when it seemed safe to label the Indians bullpen, Brad Hand notched his second save on Wednesday in a 1.2 inning outing. Hand allowed a walk and a hit with two strikeouts for his 26th save of the season. Keep in mind, Cody Allen did pitch in the two previous games and received the day off. Allen, in spite of his implosions, has converted his last 16 save chances despite a 5.64 ERA since May sixth. Hand’s turned in five straight scoreless outing for Cleveland with seven strikeouts, two holds and two saves in them. Although this looks like a potential time share, Allen will get a bit more rope going forward. Or so it seems.

It’s boom or bust with the Tigers Shane Greene, but he’s been very busy of late. Greene tallied his 23rd save on Wednesday walking one and striking out one. He’s recorded a save in three straight outings and secured 13 saves in a row. His return shifts Joe Jimenez back into a setup role puncturing his fantasy value for those who stashed him hoping for a trade of Greene.

Quick Hits: Another bumpy ride for Fernando Rodney owners. He allowed two hits, a run (unearned) and a walk with a strikeout. Rodney’s given up runs in four of his last eight games with his WHIP rising to an unsettling 1.40 on the year. During his small sample in the second half, Rodney’s pitched five innings striking out six, walking five and owns a 2.20 WHIP. It might be time to stash Addison Reed if he performs well going forward.

Trying to predict how Tampa Bay will deploy its bullpen the last two months will be difficult. Sergio Romo recorded his seventh hold striking out one in a clean outing last night but was not needed in the ninth after the Rays extended their lead. He’s pitched very well since the inception of June with a 1.33 ERA his last 27 games and 12 saves since May 29th. But Romo’s last save was on July 25th and he has two holds since then.

Speaking of difficult, Baltimore’s bullpen may provide more headaches than its worth if mining for saves. Mychal Givens entered the eighth inning with a six run lead and only recorded one out while giving up two hits, an earned run and two walks. He’s allowed runs in four straight games and in five of his last six spiking his ERA to 4.92 on the year. Mike Wright Jr. could close if a chance arises, but he served up a home run to Gleyber Torres before getting the last out in the Orioles win. Wright’s 1.98 ERA over his last 23 games (36.1 innings) provides hope, but he needs to limit hard contact and fly balls to be successful.

Before adjusting the Blue Jays hierarchy, Ken Giles will join the team in Seattle tonight. Manager John Gibbons suggested Giles will see save chances but will he be thrust right into the role? It remains to be seen, but if Giles can regain confidence in his slider, he could be a sneaky add for the last two months.

Already under scrutiny, Roberto Osuna’s lawyer did him no favors with recent quotes. It will be very intriguing to see how the Astros use him when eligible to return on Sunday, plus how he’s received in a very strong willed clubhouse. Stay tuned.

Last, it appears the Cardinals have adjusted the bridge to Bud Norris with Dakota Hudson moving into the seventh inning leading up to Jordan Hicks in the eighth. Hudson’s made three scoreless appearances as a reliever with a hold and a win so far. Our charts reflect this change.