Bullpen Report: August 31, 2015
• After a throw back performance by Bartolo Colon (8 shutout innings, nine strikeouts, and five baserunners) Jeurys Familia was called on for the save. Familia wasn’t sharp, allowing three baserunners and an earned run but otherwise escaped with a 3-1 lead and his 36th save. Familia’s ERA has jumped since the first half but he’s actually pitching better of late with a higher K% and lower B% than he had earlier this season. On the year he has a 1.78/2.83/2.64 ERA/FIP/xFIP line and should continue to rack up effective saves over the last few weeks of the season.
• Cody Allen was called on for four-outs and got them all for his 28th save. He allowed four baserunners in the process (three hits and a walk) but lowered his ERA to 3.54 as no runs were scored. Although it’s not reflected in his ERA, Allen is actually pitching better than last season with a FIP under two and a best strikeout rate of his career. I would d buy on the Indians having a better chance next year and could see Allen’s ERA drop with increased save opportunities as well. In a way-too-early 2016 mock draft, I might target Allen instead of grabbing the other elite closers at likely far earlier picks.
• Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless ninth for his 33rd saveon the year tonight against the O’s. Box has been pretty effective all season but will occasionally throw a few clunkers. He’s regressed a tad this year with worse control and fewer whiffs but is still a solid option for both the Rays and fantasy teams. Jake McGee remains out after surgery on his left knee and while he could return by the end of the season, it should be Boxberger’s job for the remainder of the year. The 2014 version of Boxberger with saves would rank among the elite closers in the game but the 2015 version is a bit below that. Looking towards 2016, I would assume Boxberger would get the first nod with Jake McGee always lurking.
•Jean Machi was named the closer over the weekend and he was called on tonight with a 4-2 lead in the ninth. Machi allowed a Stephen Drew single to lead off the inning which got Craig Breslow warming up immediately. Machi then walked Alex Rodriguez, struck out Carlos Beltran, walked Brian McCann to load the bases and then walked Chase Headley to score a run. Machi was able to get a strike out and a fly out to hold the lead for the save, but it still wasn’t pretty. After 33 pitches, the Sox could call on someone else tomorrow but in spite of the iffy outing, a rested Machi should still be the primary option.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
When he's not focusing on every team's bullpen situation, Ben can be found blogging at Ben's Baseball Bias and on Twitter @BensBias