Bullpen Report: July 17, 2016

Arodys Vizcaino was placed on the 15-day DL with a right oblique injury, bringing us to a familiar name in Jim Johnson. Vizcaino had been struggling lately allowing runs in four of his last five appearances, which mostly took place before he sat out with an infection in his right elbow. Jim Johnson came into a tied game in the 9th tonight and gave up a run after throwing two wild pitches along with a walk and two hits. Johnson’s fastball average is the lowest it’s been since 2007 (92.7 MPH), but his strikeout rate is 20% which is a career high. His FIP (3.54) suggests he may be a good stopgap until Vizcaino comes back, but may have a few opportunities usurped. The article linked in the beginning notes that Mauricio Cabrera may get some opportunities, who is a 22 year old with a fastball averaging 100 MPH. The highest level he played prior to this was AA, where he had strong K numbers keeping his K% over 20 for the past couple of seasons, but also had higher walk rates. So far, in his small sample, he has pitched to more contact. Definitely has future closer potential and has two saves already, so watch him closely particularly if Johnson falters.

Santiago Casilla blew his fifth save of the season after balking in the winning run in extra innings. Casilla allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a balk, and Bruce Bochy said he is not looking to make a change at closer. Despite putting up his highest ERA since 2009 (3.38), Casilla has seen an uptick in his K% (11.42%) this season and also has allowed a higher BABIP than usual (.353), so there should be some regression. His FIP (3.43) is right in line with his ERA, which is unusual since he usually outperforms his FIP. Sergio Romo pitched a scoreless ninth striking out two, and has been very sharp since returning from the DL, which will be an excellent source for Holds per usual.

Keone Kela was activated from the DL on Friday, as Jake Diekman was placed on the DL. Kela pitched a scoreless 7th inning striking out the heart of the Cubs line-up, while allowing one walk. This is very encouraging for the Rangers, as their bullpen has the second highest ERA in the league. The K rate has gone up in Kela’s small sample this season, but it was still over 10% last year. He struggled giving up 3 home-runs before his injury after only allowing 4 all of last season. Diekman landed on the DL for a lacerated finger, but is eligible to return on Thursday.

Quick Notes: Wade Davis was activated from the DL today and pitched a perfect 9th inning in a non-save opportunity. Kevin Siegrist was also activated from the DL, but it appears he will not be used in a closers role. Siegrist got the Cardinals out of a jam on Friday in the 7th, before he hit a bit of trouble in the 8th. Koji Uehera earned his 5th and 6th saves this weekend, and Brad Ziegler pitched a scoreless 7th on Friday in his Red Sox debut. Ryan Madson earned his 19th save, even after giving up his 6th home-run of the season. Kenley Jansen blew his fourth save of the season against the Diamondbacks. Kevin Jepsen signed with Tampa Bay and could eventually make his way onto the grid.

Closer Grid:

Closer First Second DL/Minors
Arizona Tyler Clippard Daniel Hudson Jake Barrett
Atlanta Jim Johnson Mauricio Cabrera Hunter Cervenka Arodys Vizcaino
Baltimore Zach Britton Brad Brach Mychal Givens Darren O’Day
Boston Koji Uehara Brad Ziegler Matt Barnes Craig Kimbrel
CHI (NL) Hector Rondon Pedro Strop Justin Grimm
CHI (AL) David Robertson Nate Jones Zach Duke
Cincy Tony Cingrani Ross Ohlendorf Raisel Iglesias
Cleveland Cody Allen Bryan Shaw Dan Otero
Colorado Carlos Estevez Jake McGee Adam Ottavino
Detroit Francisco Rodriguez Justin Wilson Shane Greene Bruce Rondon
Houston Will Harris Ken Giles Luke Gregerson
KC Wade Davis Kelvin Herrera Joakim Soria
LAA Huston Street Fernando Salas Joe Smith
LAD Kenley Jansen Joe Blanton Adam Libatore Yimi Garcia
Miami A.J. Ramos Fernando Rodney David Phelps
Milwaukee Jeremy Jeffress Tyler Thornburg Will Smith
Minnesota Brandon Kintzler Fernando Abad Ryan Pressly Glen Perkins
NY (NL) Jeurys Familia Addison Reed Hansel Robles Jim Henderson
NY (AL) Aroldis Chapman Andrew Miller Dellin Betances
Oakland Ryan Madson John Axford Ryan Dull Sean Doolittle
Philly Jeanmar Gomez Hector Neris David Hernandez
Pittsburgh Mark Melancon Neftali Feliz Tony Watson
St. Louis Seung Hwan Oh Jonathan Broxton Kevin Siegrist
SD Brandon Maurer Ryan Buchter Kevin Quackenbush
SF Santiago Casilla Sergio Romo Hunter Strickland
Seattle Steve Cishek Joaquin Benoit Edwin Diaz Nick Vincent
TB Alex Colome Xavier Cedeno Erasmo Ramirez
Texas Sam Dyson Keone Kela Matt Bush Jake Diekman
Toronto Roberto Osuna Jason Grilli Jesse Chavez
Wash. Jonathan Papelbon Shawn Kelley Blake Treinen

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





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stretchfest
7 years ago

You listed Casilla’s K/9 (11.42). His K% is 29.7%, still a career-high. I don’t mean to be an editor-bro, I appreciate this series.