Bullpen Report: July 30, 2014

• Only Addison Reed could pull off the amazing feat of allowing a 3-run homer and still racking up a save in the same game. After Eury De La Rosa started the ninth inning with a four-run lead, he allowed a pair of baserunners, turning a non-save situation into a save situation thanks to the tying run being on deck. Reed promptly gave up a three-run jack to Devin Mesoraco, turning the game into a razor-closer affair. Reed did manage to strike out Ryan Ludwick to preserve the 5-4 win but not before leaving a queasy feeling in Arizona fans’ stomaches.

The Diamondbacks closer is in the midst of a frustrating situation. His five blown saves and his eight meltdowns likely linger in his manager’s mind. However, he’s actually having his best season (peripherally) to date. His K% (27%) and BB% (7%) are both career bests (cup of coffee in 2011 not withstanding). A 3.41 xFIP and 2.79 SIERA paint the picture of a guy who has been a solid late-inning option, but one victimized by an awful 2.08 HR/9. While these numbers would hint at a nice buy-low guy in fantasy, Arizona is apparently open to moving Reed for the right package before tomorrow’s trade deadline. I tend to think he’s more likely to stay in the desert, but pick up Brad Ziegler and hold him until 4:15 PM tomorrow.

• It was Drew Storen, not Rafael Soriano who got the save in Washington this afternoon. It didn’t come easy; Storen allowed four baserunners and a pair of runs before finally wriggling out with a one-run win. While there was some concern as to Soriano’s absence, manager Matt Williams (essentially) said “don’t worry fantasy owners, I was just giving him a break after his recent workload.” While Soriano will be back in there tomorrow, his 4.03 xFIP/1.98 ERA split is not a favorable one going forward. If you’re OK in the saves department, it wouldn’t hurt to shop the 25 SV (and 40+ in 2012-2013) and see if you can get a desperate owner to overpay.

• Quick hits: Hector Rondon tossed a scoreless inning in a tie game today. The Cubs’ righty has a 4/0 K/BB in five scoreless outings since the all-star break and has re-tightened his grasp on the closer gig, especially with Neil Ramirez on the disabled list. He has pitched three of the last four (and five of the last seven) days, so expect him to get a breather tomorrow. Neftali Feliz tossed a 1-2-3 scoreless ninth for his third save of the season. Of concern is the fact that he topped out at 92 mph and gave up some solid contact. His K% has dropped every single year in the big leagues and he’s giving up liners more than one-quarter of the time. He has some leash, but man, it’s tough to find markers that make me think he’ll be even an above-average closer. Santiago Casilla nailed down save number eight. Sergio Romo is fading into the closer distance.

• More quick hits: Nate Jones apparently tore his UCL rehabbing and will undergo Tommy John surgery. Won’t be on the fantasy radar until 2016 at the earliest. Andrew Miller whiffed the side in what may have been his last appearance in Boston. He’s a must own in all leagues that count holds. Zach Britton seems to have bounced back after a couple recent hiccups and added another save to the ledger today. Darren O’Day also added a HLD and, like Miller, could provide great rates to help in roto if you haven’t filled all your RP slots with ninth-inning guys.

Closer Grid:

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