Bullpen Report: July 3, 2018

• With Shane Greene on the DL, Joe Jimenez was called on for  his first save last night and proceeded to blow the lead in the ninth, allowing three walks and a hit but only one run. Jimenez was handed a win when the Tigers scored in the 10th with Blaine Hardy securing his first save of the year. Right now we currently have Alex Wilson and Louis Coleman ahead of Hardy on the grid as they have been relievers all season and have pitched in the set up innings. Hardy has made 15 appearances overall this year with 8 of them as starts. It sounds like the Tigers are making him a full time reliever which might place him on the grid if this usage continues. However, since he’s transitioning from the rotation, the Tigers might use him for multi-innings than as a 7th inning set up. Either way, one blown save won’t move Jimenez as the closer while Shane Green remains on the shelf.

• Ronald Acuna hit a go-ahead homer in the 11th to give Atlanta the lead over the Yankees, allowing A.J. Minter to close the door for his 4th save on the year. Dan Winkler had pitched a scoreless 8th earlier in the game, allowing two baserunners and also striking out a pair. Minter and Winkler might still be in a committee but Minter has received saves the last two games with Winkler setting up. It doesn’t take long for a committee to move to more defined roles but Arodys Vizcaino is also slated to return today. Although Vizcaino was the closer before, this situation has gone to a committee previously with him involved and he might be the worst reliever of the three. Still, his return throws some shade on Minter gaining full time closer status. The Braves have been deemed buyers for the deadline, but I haven’t seen particularly strong rumors about them acquiring relief help outside of interest in Kelvin Herrera. If an outsider relief ace/closer joins the team I could see that addition getting consistent saves in Atlanta, but until then I think we will still have a committee.

• Craig Kimbrel was called on for a four out save and he was successful getting his 25th save. The Red Sox have been involved in rumors for relief help but with Kimbrel on board anyone that they acquire would be as a setup. Craig Kimbrel owners can sleep well but Raisel Iglesias owners might have to be scanning Ken Rosenthal’s twitter.

• Speaking of Raisel Iglesias, he threw a perfect 9th for his 16th save striking out two batters. Al mentioned Red Sox and Astros trade interest in him last night and we will be sure to update you with any news on the closer trade front in Cincinnati. Iglesias would obviously be removed of his 9th inning status in Boston but in Houston it’s possible he would remain in the closer’s chair. But with that said, Ken Giles, Chris Devenski, and Hector Rondon have all been closers in Houston this year alone. How they would use an upgrade remains to be seen.

• We have been talking about Kyle Barraclough regression for a while now and although it didn’t come in hard, he did blow a a one-run lead last night against the Rays. Barraclough’s grip on the job remains strong but his good work has also made him a trade target. He’s been linked with the Dodgers with Drew Steckenrider and Adam Conley also garnering interest. A trade has been deemed “unlikely” and he’s also been linked with the Red Sox. I can understand the Marlins holding out as he’s a particularly cheap closing option but he’s also running a .120 BABIP with decreased velocity. If I were Derek Jeter I would be looking to move him but I also don’t require my guests to leave their cell phone at the front door, so what do I know.

• Quick Hits: Fernando Rodney has had a great year but every once in a while a 41 year old will blow a save. With the Twins 10 games back it’s likely they’re sellers and Rodney would likely lose his job if he was pitching on another team. Wade Davis has struggled a bit of late but struck out two batters for his 24th save last night against the Giants. Bud Norris pitched a perfect 9th for his 16th. Greg Holland threw in the 8th allowing two hits and an unearned run, allowing Norris a save opportunity. Holland has been pretty good of late with 8 strikeouts and no walks in his last 6.1 innings.