Bullpen Report: August 29, 2019

• Edwin Diaz avoided the IL and after a few games of rest he returned to the mount last night against the Cubs. This was a low leverage situation with the Mets behind but Diaz struck out the side and should be back in the committee in Queens. We still have Lugo atop the committee but if Diaz keeps up performances like last night he could gain his old job back.

• Speaking of the Cubs, Craig Kimbrel closed out the 9th for his 12th save, pitching around a hit and a walk in scoreless inning. Overall, Kimbrel continues to be disappointing with a 4.00 SIERA and declining K%. His velo is still an impressive 96.3 mph but it’s also a tick below last year and while he  still generates whiffs at a great rate with a 15.5% SwStr% his K% this year is a career low. In spite of his average-ness this year he’s the best option on the Cubs and should be a consistent source of saves, even if his name is more valuable than his expected performance.

• José Leclerc pitched a perfect 9th with two stirkeouts for his 9th save of the year. It’s been a total roller coaster this year for Leclerc but he’s back to where we expected him in April, the closer for Texas who should rake in the strikeouts. Leclerc’s seasonal line is definitely worse than his 2018 season, specifically in the control department but he’s also been solid since his early struggles. He hasn’t been the closer the entire time but since May he has a 3.13/2.86/3.46/3.18 ERA/FIP/xFP/SIERA pitching line with a strong 25.7% K-BB%. Leclerc definitely isn’t Mr. Reliable but he’s a strong middle-tier closing option, above the committees but not necessarily a top 10 option either.

• Speaking of top 10 closing options, Kenley Jansen probably remains there given the team he pitches for but he blew the save against the Padres, allowing a run in the 9th. Casey Sadler recorded his first save of the yer in extras after Kirby Yates allowed two runs, giving the Dodgers the lead. The chances of Kenley Jansen returning to his previous exploits is probably over, but even though he’s the same age as Craig Kimbrel, I like his chances of continuing to be a top 10 option moving forward. After Kirby Yates received his 5th loss, his ERA jumped all the way to…1.32. Yates has had a magical closing season and will likely be the first or second closer off of the board next year.

• Brandon Workman continues to be the best option in Boston, getting his 9th save last night while striking out the side and lowering his ERA to 1.98. Workman’s control remains suspect with a 15% BB% but he’s solidified his role as closer and should be their go to without a committee next year. The closer on Boston is primed for many saves but relievers are fickle and I might proceed with caution before drafting Workman as any type of relief ace with saves.

• Quick Hits: Ian Kennedy got his 23rd save for the Royals. He should end the year and start 2020 as the closer for the Royals. Roberto Osuna pitched in a non-save situation for the Astros and allowed two-run shot to Willy Adames. Osuna’s job remains safe for the remainder of the year as he’s still a top 5 option. Brad Hand has had a few struggles in August so it’s nice to see him throw a scoreless frame for his 32nd save. Francona has always had Hand’s back and he’ll continue to be their go to guy even if he has a few more blips. Josh Hader was called on for six outs for his 26th save. It feels like Kirby Yates has been insane all year with the other top closers being a little disappointing. Hader is no different with a bit of a gopher problem but still has a 2.87 ERA and 109 strikeouts to go along with his saves.