Bullpen Report: August 28th, 2016

Although we had a long weekend, there were no major news stories from the bullpen, so we’ll keep this short and sweet. A couple of middle relievers had some role changes and one big name could be coming back soon.

Clay Buccholz pitched in the 8th inning on Saturday (not a hold/save opportunity), but it appears he may be line for the set-up role up in Boston. He has been effective as a reliever throwing 20.2 innings with a 3.05 ERA (3.15 FIP), but his xFIP is at 5.59 mainly because he hasn’t really struck anybody out in the pen (5.23 K/9). His BABIP is down to .213 in the pen versus a .288 career mark, so I would be cautious adding him in your holds leagues just yet even with the increase in opportunities it seems.

Jeremey Jeffress was arrested for a DWI this weekend and is placed on the restricted list while the MLB investigates. As a result, Jeffress moves into our DL/Minor League slot while Diekman is back to next in line for saves. Jeffress in his 9 innings of work for the Rangers has a 4.00 ERA (3.48 FIP) and has struggled with his control a bit (5 BB/9). Not sure how long this investigation will last, but at this point Jeffress really only held value in holds leagues and that value may be pretty diminished after recent events.

Giants’ reliever Derek Law has been placed on the DL with a forearm strain this weekend, which is always scary to hear. Law has been excellent this season posting a 1.94 ERA (2.34 FIP) and was really becoming an important arm out of the Giants pen. To replace him on the grid is familiar friend Hunter Strickland who is posting similar numbers in regards to his Ks and BBs, but has given up slightly more homers. Still, Strickland has a 2.65 ERA (3.31 FIP) and may become a nice source of holds down the stretch.

Wade Davis started his rehab assignment last week and reportedly felt good. Ned Yost has indicated that he will have a few more rehab appearances and could be back as early as next week.

Closer Grid:

Closer First Second DL/Minors
Arizona Daniel Hudson Randall Delgado Jake Barrett
Atlanta Jim Johnson Mauricio Cabrera Arodys Vizcaino
Baltimore Zach Britton Brad Brach Mychal Givens Darren O’Day
Boston Craig Kimbrel Brad Ziegler Clay Buchholz Koji Uehara
CHI (NL) Aroldis Chapman Carl Edwards Jr. Travis Wood Hector Rondon
CHI (AL) David Robertson Nate Jones Matt Albers
Cincy Tony Cingrani Raisel Iglesias Michael Lorenzen
Cleveland Cody Allen Andrew Miller Bryan Shaw
Colorado Adam Ottavino Jake McGee Carlos Estevez Scott Oberg
Detroit Francisco Rodriguez Justin Wilson Alex Wilson
Houston Ken Giles Will Harris Luke Gregerson
KC Kelvin Herrera Joakim Soria Matt Strahm Wade Davis
LAA Fernando Salas Deolis Guerra J.C. Ramirez Cam Bedrosian
LAD Kenley Jansen Joe Blanton Adam Liberatore
Miami Fernando Rodney A.J. Ramos Kyle Barraclough
Milwaukee Tyler Thornburg Corey Knebel Blaine Boyer
Minnesota Brandon Kintzler Ryan Pressly Taylor Rogers Glen Perkins
NY (NL) Jeurys Familia Addison Reed Hansel Robles
NY (AL) Dellin Betances Tyler Clippard Adam Warren
Oakland Ryan Madson John Axford Ryan Dull Sean Doolittle
Philly Jeanmar Gomez Hector Neris Edubray Ramos
Pittsburgh Tony Watson Neftali Feliz Felipe Rivero
St. Louis Seung Hwan Oh Kevin Siegrist Jonathan Broxton
SD Brandon Maurer Kevin Quackenbush Brad Hand Ryan Buchter
SF Santiago Casilla Sergio Romo Hunter Strickland Derek Law
Seattle Edwin Diaz Steve Cishek Arquimedes Caminero Tom Wilhelmsen
TB Alex Colome Brad Boxberger Xavier Cedeno
Texas Sam Dyson Jake Diekman Matt Bush Jeremy Jeffress
Toronto Roberto Osuna Jason Grilli Joaquin Benoit
Wash. Mark Melancon Shawn Kelley Blake Treinen

[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]





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Anon
7 years ago

I keep waiting for Gomez to blow a save or two because Neris has been ridiculously good. But Gomez just keeps spacing out his blown saves and only giving up runs when he has a multiple run lead.