Bullpen Report: August 30, 2018

When the game reached the seventh inning and Kenley Jansen remained in the dugout, it became apparent the Dodgers were going to keep him out of a potential save situation in Texas. Jansen’s allowed runs in each of his four appearances since returning from the disabled list without a rehab outing resulting in seven earned runs, two losses and a blown save. Less than optimal in the midst of a pennant chase. Kenta Maeda recorded his first save of the year, and second in his career during the regular season, allowing a hit, an earned run and two walks with a strikeout. He’s made six appearances as a reliever this year with a 2.69 ERA, 10 strikeouts against two walks and a matching 1.42 WHIP and FIP. While it’s apparent Maeda will back up Jansen going forward, the team will use their veteran closer this weekend in the role in a key match-up versus Arizona:

Kenley Jansen will be ready to close tomorrow against Arizona, Dave Roberts said.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) August 30, 2018

In other Dodgers news, the team placed a waiver claim on Ryan Madson in an attempt to bolster the bullpen before September. The teams have until Friday afternoon to consummate a deal. Stay tuned to world of evolving bullpens.

If forced to choose one word to describe the Phillies bullpen, fluid. On Wednesday night, surging Hector Neris struck out the only two batters he faced in the bottom of the sixth inning. Neris has made eight straight scoreless appearances since his recall striking out 18 of the 28 batters he’s faced for a ridiculous 64.2 strikeout percentage. He could work his way back to high leverage, but remains on the outside looking in so far despite his strong performances of late. Seranthony Dominguez garnered his second win in relief giving up a hit with two strikeouts in the seventh inning. He’s been scoreless in consecutive outings and 14-for-18 in saves chances this season. Both Luis Avilan and Pat Neshek faced one hitter in the eighth, without recording an out, which left Tommy Hunter to navigate two innings for the save. His third this year, and first since August fifth. Hunter only needed 19 pitches to do so, but entered having allowed runs his two previous outings. To say the least, owning a Phillies reliever will be nerve wracking over the last month of the season aboard the S.S. Kapler.

Remember when teams circled the Marlins bullpen performed well earlier this season with Drew Steckenrider, Adam Conley and Kyle Barraclough on scoreless streaks with Brad Ziegler holding things together? It’s been struggling since the onset of the second half with Barraclough regressing then landing on the disabled list, Steckenrider and Conley looking fatigued and culminating in a 11 run seventh inning last night in Boston. The Red Sox racked up 12 hits with Conley yielding three of them leading to three earned runs. His ERA’s up to 4.65 this year after his third blown save and he’s allowed 10 earned runs in 11.1 innings in August. Steckenrider did not register an out, ceded two hits, three earned runs and a walk. He’s allowed runs in each of his last three outings (five runs, four earned) on five hits and the walk in 1.2 innings. This month, Steckenrider owns a 6.52 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 9.2 innings. With Tayron Guerrero struggling on Tuesday night, could Barraclough get the next save chance? It’s quite possible. But the bullpen’s ERA now sits at 5.82 in the second half.

A wild night in Cincinnati with the Brewers hanging on for a 13-12 win with both bullpens struggling to keep runs from scoring. Raisel Iglesias takes the loss after working a scoreless ninth, he returned to face Jesus Aguilar in the tenth and allowing a home run. Iglesias has given up runs in three straight appearances, two on home runs for two losses and a blown save. He’s secure in his role due to 15 strikeouts versus zero walks in August over 12.1 innings, but his 4.38 ERA and 5.19 FIP do warrant caution. Especially given the four home runs this month match his season total prior to it. Jeremy Jeffress held on for his seventh win working two innings yielding a hit, an earned run and two walks with two strikeouts. He’s secured a save in three of his last four chances and remains the primary closer with Corey Knebel still in the minors. Joakim Soria allowed a run resulting in a blown save and Josh Hader struggled giving up three hits, four earned runs and a walk during his two-thirds of an inning. Hader entered with only one run against him over his previous nine innings spanning five games with 12 strikeouts, but did not have his best stuff last night.

Interesting split results from Wily Peralta and Ken Giles. Each remain as the only closers without a blown save this year, but each struggles when not pitching in a save situation. Giles allowed three hits, three runs (one earned) and struck out one with his team trailing last night. But, he’s 18-for-18 in saves this year giving up only one earned run in these games in 17 innings (0.53 ERA) with 21 strikeouts. However, in non-save appearances, Giles has yielded 25 earned runs in 23.2 innings on 40 hits for a 9.49 ERA. A similar circumstance for Peralta who gave up a home run to Mikie Mahtook in the ninth game getting work with the Royals comfortably ahead. Peralta’s eight-for-eight in nine outings in high leverage with a 1.00 ERA but in non-save outings owns a 5.26 ERA and 1.53 WHIP giving up eight earned runs in 13.2 innings. Neither pitcher’s in jeopardy to lose their role, but pitching out of saves hurts their owner’s ratios.

Taking advantage of match-ups, the Rays deployed Jose Alvarado for the save on Wednesday night in a 1.1 inning appearance. Alvarado faced Ender Inciarte in the eighth, then Freddie Freeman, Nick Markakis and Johan Camargo in the ninth for his sixth save retiring all four in order. While Sergio Romo remains the primary option, it’s good to note how well Alvarado’s pitched of late. He’s made seven straight scoreless outings with two saves and four holds in them. Alvarado’s also surging in August with 17 strikeouts against two walks in 12.1 innings with a 1.46 ERA and minuscule 0.49 WHIP. Over his last 26 games, Alvarado has a 1.14 ERA in 23.2 innings for the Rays and could emerge as a sleeper option for saves in September or next year in drafts.

Quick Hits: Jeurys Familia takes the loss Wednesday afternoon giving up his first home run since May 13th to Tyler White in walk-off fashion. This also marks Familia’s first loss with Oakland.

Benefiting from White’s home run, Roberto Osuna won his second game of the year allowing a hit and striking out the side. He’s worked in four of the last five games, so look for Hector Rondon to get the save chance if provided on Thursday.

Jace Fry ceded a hit but struck out two for his fourth save. Fry has not allowed an earned run in nine games with 15 strikeouts in nine innings of work. He has three saves, three holds and a win during this stretch. He represents the best option for the White Sox in the ninth even if he’s not used as a traditional closer.

Trevor Hildenberger notched his fifth straight save in a clean outing. Taylor Rogers gets his 12th hold and extended his scoreless innings streak to 14 spanning 17 appearances.

Gifted a one out save, Mychal Givens took advantage striking out the only batter he faced for his fifth save of the season. Givens has been scoreless his last five games and converted four of his last five save opportunities.

Speaking of hot, Jose LeClerc did not register a save, but did move his scoreless streak to 13 innings striking out two in a clean outing. LeClerc’s struck out 21 hitters in this streak, has a 0.73 ERA his last 25 games and converted seven saves his last 10 games.

Felipe Vazquez locked down his 28th save, and 18th in a row, giving up a hit on Wednesday night. Vazquez owns a 0.61 ERA his last 29 outings with 42 strikeouts in 29.1 innings.

Brad Boxberger secured his 30th save striking out both hitters he faced in San Francisco. He’s converted five of his last six saves but keep an eye on his 3.52 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in August.