Bullpen Report: August 3, 2018

There’s a fine line between stubborn and obstinate, and Bud Black seemingly walks it each year with struggling closers. It’s encouraging to see he trusts his ninth inning arm, but in the midst of a playoff chase, can he afford to keep providing save chances to Wade Davis? Davis blew his second straight save on Friday night in Milwaukee culminating on a three-run walk-off home run by Eric Thames. With the knowledge Davis converted 11 straight saves prior to these implosions, one can make the case for Black to stand by his man. However, Davis has blown six saves this year and giving up wins in the spotlight applies more pressure to his now tenuous hold on the closer role. Especially with Adam Ottavino thriving in the eighth inning.

Colorado could give Davis a couple of mental days off or let him work in lower leverage for an outing or two to get him back on track without removing him from his present role. On the surface, he’s giving up eight percent more contact, to be expected with half of his games in Coors, and generating fewer swinging strikes (down five percent compared to last year). During the last 30 days, Davis has pitched in 12 games (11.1 innings) with a 12:5 K:BB, 7.94 ERA, 4.67 FIP and 1.24 WHIP. Hardly inspiring. Ottavino’s not allowed an earned run over his last 14 outings (15 innings) and secured his last three saves along with eight straight holds since June 28th. Suggesting a change from the outside looking in can be easy, seeing how the Rockies respond to Davis’ recent struggles remains to be seen.

While Kyle Barraclough did not pitch on Friday night, he did receive a vote of confidence from his manager:

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Mattingly said Barraclough will remain in closer’s role for now but admits he’ll be “top-stepping” it in the dugout until the pitcher can resolve his fastball command issues.

— clarkspencer (@clarkspencer) August 3, 2018

Barraclough’s also blown six saves this year, including three in his last four outings. He’s also given up runs in four of his last five appearances allowing 11 earned runs over 4.1 innings. Drew Steckenrider‘s turned in five straight scoreless outings along with converting five holds in a row and Adam Conley’s recorded a scoreless appearance in 21 of his last 24 including the last three straight. It may be a battle of wills with Mattingly preferring one closer and the Miami front office trying to evolve into a match-up based bullpen.

After the White Sox traded Joakim Soria, the speculators set their sights on Jace Fry. He’s suffered a blown save since and worked in the eighth inning his last two times out suggesting a bullpen by committee could be in effect. Luis Avilan, who recorded the only save since the trade, did pitch in high leverage once again after Fry on Friday night allowing two hits with two strikeouts. He’s been scoreless over his last six outings with two holds and the save in them. Hector Santiago notched his first save of the year and fifth of his career walking one in a scoreless tenth inning. Santiago’s whiffed seven of the last 14 batters he’s faced and along with Avilan, could be in the mix for saves going forward. Mining saves in this bullpen could be frustrating as the season ensues, so enter the fray with caution.

With Brandon Morrow still sidelined, Pedro Strop’s converted four of his five save chances since July 19th. Strop held on Friday afternoon for his sixth save of the season yielding two earned runs on two hits and a walk with a strikeout. It’s only the fourth time in his last 20 outings he’s given up a run, but three of them have taken place in the last six games. Newly acquired Brandon Kintzler notched his first hold with the Cubs retiring the only hitter he faced yesterday, but his 48 career saves and whispers of being in the save mix going forward should not be ignored for those in deeper formats.

While most of the notes feature volatile situations or struggles, a bit of appreciation for two surging southpaw closers. Felipe Vazquez set a team record with his 25th save of the year moving ahead of Mike Gonzalez for the highest save total by a left-handed pitcher in Pirates history. Vazquez has converted 15 straight saves with a 0.90 ERA and 35 strikeouts over his last 21 appearances spanning 20 innings. Atlanta’s bullpen has surged of late anchored by A.J. Minter. Minter locked down his eighth save on Friday night and has yet to blow a lead this season en route to 24 saves plus holds. Seven of his last 12 outs have come courtesy of strikeouts and he’s only allowed earned runs in two of his last 21 outings.

Quick Hits: An encouraging outing by Seranthony Dominguez who secured his 12th save without walking a batter. Dominguez allowed a hit with a strikeout in 1.1 innings last night and has whiffed at least one in 29 of his 34 games this year. However, he had walked seven in his previous 3.2 innings and needs to cut down on the walks going forward to ensure his success.

Jordan Hicks yielded two hits and an earned run on the way to his third loss of the season. This snaps a seven game scoreless streak for Hicks.

Clean outing for Anthony Swarzak in a non-save outing. He’s been scoreless over his last four games with six strikeouts during his last 4.1 innings giving up only a hit in them.

Sergio Romo worked for the fourth straight game and fired a clean inning with two strikeouts. Romo has a 1.24 ERA his last 29 innings with 13 saves since May 29th, but should receive Saturday off opening the door for another Rays reliever to get a save chance if one arises.

A not so nice non-save appearance by Blake Parker who allowed two hits, including a home run, with a strikeout. He’s given up runs in three of his last five outings with home runs in each of the three Parker’s been scored upon. This could translate to a different pitcher getting the next save chance for the Angels. Parker’s last save happened on July fourth.

Milwaukee’s Corbin Burnes continues to stuff the stat sheet. He garnered his second win when the Brewers walked off the Rockies with a clean ninth inning striking out one. Burnes has two wins and a save in eight games this year with 14 strikeouts and a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings.

Save number 23 for Fernando Rodney. He struck out one in a clean appearance. Rodney’s much maligned and struggled in July, but he’s 20-for-23 in save chances since May first with a 2.73 ERA in 33 innings since.

Brad Boxberger notched his 26th save allowing two hits with a strikeout. He’s recorded a 2.52 ERA his last last 15 games.

Another scoreless outing for Blake Treinen who whiffed four in two innings giving up two hits. Treinen’s been scoreless in 18 of his last 20 outings with a 0.75 ERA in 24 innings during this stretch.

While many focus on the impending return of Roberto Osuna and his role with Houston, Hector Rondon converted his 11th save over his last 12 chances striking out two in 1.1 clean innings on Friday. Rondon’s not allowed a run in 21 road games this season.

Making his debut for Toronto, Ken Giles did strikeout the side. However, he also allowed two hits and an earned run. A single by Mitch Haniger and defensive indifference allowed him to move up a base eventually scoring on a base hit by Ryon Healy. But, Giles did induce seven swinging strikes of his 14 sliders thrown which could be an encouraging sign for him as a Blue Jay.