Bullpen Report: July 6, 2022

The 2022 version of Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News 
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save.)

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Notable Workloads

•Mark Melancon, ARI: Back-to-back days; 13 pitches on Tuesday. | RosterResource

Joe Mantiply is a likely candidate for a save chance on Wednesday if Melancon isn’t available.

•Tanner Scott, MIA: 4 of last 5 days; 23 pitches on Tuesday. | RosterResource

Anthony Bass is a likely candidate for a save chance on Wednesday if Scott isn’t available.

•Joe Barlow, TEX: Back-to-back days; 3 of last 4 days; 12 pitches on Tuesday. | RosterResource

Brock Burke and José Leclerc are likely candidates for a save chance on Wednesday if Barlow isn’t available.

 

Injury Report

•Craig Kimbrel, LAD: Unavailable on Monday and Tuesday; will be available on Wednesday | RosterResource

Kimbrel underwent a CT scan on Tuesday to determine whether this comebacker during Sunday’s game caused an injury that would require a stint on the Injured List.

"Jake Cronenworth singles off of Craig Kimbrel." pic.twitter.com/Mf4wtRIj0i

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 3, 2022

It was announced after Tuesday’s game that the CT scan came back clean and Kimbrel will be available on Wednesday. His two days off, however, revealed a glimpse into manager Dave Roberts’ preference to who closes out games when Kimbrel is not available. Evan Phillips was used in the 8th inning of Tuesday’s game to protect a two-run lead while Brusdar Graterol pitched the 9th with a three-run lead. This wasn’t a huge surprise. The only question was whether he’d move his most reliable reliever, Phillips, out of his current role as the primary setup man or just leave him where he is and go with Graterol for the final outs.

And now we also know which direction the Dodgers would probably go if Kimbrel struggles enough to be removed from the closer’s role at some point. Prior to Sunday’s blown save — he allowed three earned runs on three hits — the 34-year-old had not allowed an earned run in five consecutive appearances while increasing his save total to 14 in 17 chances. But he’d been on shaky ground after allowing 10 earned runs in his previous 12.1 innings. With Graterol pitching much better since a rough patch earlier in the season — he’s allowed two runs over his last 13.2 innings pitched — Roberts could make a change if Kimbrel doesn’t bounce back.

 

Outlier Saves

•Rafael Montero, HOU | RosterResource

Despite not pitching in Monday’s game, Pressly was not available on Tuesday because he was warming up in anticipation of entering.

They counted it as a usage. Pressly was unavailable tonight as a result, Dusty Baker said. So was Ryne Stanek, who got hot on Sunday before Jeremy Peña’s walk-off and pitched yesterday. https://t.co/YHppCuw58z

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 6, 2022

I’m guessing that the Astros won’t always be as cautious with their 33-year-old closer, but they want to make sure he’s healthy down the stretch and into the post-season. And it helps when they have multiple options who they can trust to close out games, including Montero, who picked up his 6th save of the season in Tuesday’s 9-7 win over the Royals.

 

Committee Clarity

•None

 

Losing A Grip

•Joe Barlow, TEX | RosterResource

After Barlow blew his second save in as many days — Rougned Odor hit a game-tying solo homer in the bottom of the ninth of Tuesday’s eventual loss to the Orioles — his time as the Rangers’ primary closer could be nearing an end. At least for now.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward admitted "a little" concern about closer Joe Barlow in the 9th. Tonight was Barlow's 2nd straight blown save. He's blown 4 of last 8 chances.

“He’s got to be better," Woodward said. "Being a closer is about every pitch. You can’t let up on any."

— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz) July 6, 2022

If there was one candidate who might’ve had at least a slight edge in taking over the job, it was probably Dennis Santana, who came into Tuesday’s game with a 1.44 ERA and 13 holds in 31.1 innings pitched. But he had his worst outing of the season, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. And while he averages 97.5 MPH with his fastball and doesn’t allow much hard contact, he strikes out less than seven batters per nine innings. That’s not ideal when you’re trying to lock down the final three outs of the game.

Leclerc, who saved 26 games in 2018-19 before Tommy John surgery knocked him out of action for two seasons, has two scoreless outings and two very shaky outings since returning to action. He’s not currently in a spot to take on the job anytime soon.

A committee would seem to be the most likely option if manager Chris Woodward decides to go in a different direction. Lefties Burke (1.12 ERA, 9.8 K/9), Matt Moore (1.98 ERA, 10.3 K/9), and Brett Martin (3.24 ERA) would all figure to be in the mix along with Santana and Garrett Richards (3.07 ERA). Leclerc and Jonathan Hernández, who is working his way back from the Tommy John surgery that cut short a breakout 2020 season, could emerge as candidates during the second half of the season.

 

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.