Bullpen Report: July 8, 2018

It’s no secret many players push through nagging injuries with the All-Star break fast approaching. Aroldis Chapman’s no exception and left Saturday’s game early when the tendinitis in his knee flared up after striking out Randal Grichuk. With a four run lead, there was no need to push him. However, the recurrence of this injury means it’s something fantasy owners remain cognizant of going forward. Chapman’s been terrific this year converting 24 of his 25 save chances with a 1.42 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 38 innings, including 24 over his last 14.2 innings. Working three games in a row to start the month could have prompted this flareup. As for his backup, it’s unlikely Dellin Betances sits on a waiver wire. He’s in the midst of a tremendous stretch during which he’s recorded 18 straight scoreless outings, spanning 17.2 innings, allowing three hits and 11 walks with 30 strikeouts against 67 total batters faced.

Trying to predict the machinations of Gabe Kaplar and how he will deploy the bullpen remains confounding. Eight different Phillies pitchers have notched a save this year as this hierarchy continues to evolve. It seemed like Seranthony Dominguez could emerge as the ninth inning option with four saves his previous four outings leading up to yesterday. But, Dominguez pitched the eighth inning for his 10th hold giving up a hit and striking out two. Victor Arano recorded his second save, in consecutive outings, also allowing a hit and striking out two. Philadelphia’s beat writers did not broach the subject suggesting a clear cut closer exists on the team. Delving into the batters faced, Dominguez faced Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Colin Moran and Elias Diaz, hitters two through five in the Pirates order. It remains to be seen if Dominguez was used in the highest leverage spot, regardless of role or if Arano’s moving up in the pecking order. For now, leaving Dominguez atop the committee but also promoting Arano to second on the list.

Another surprise with the Braves who pitched Arodys Vizcaino in the eighth inning and A.J. Minter in the ninth. Atlanta lead by four, so this again could just be getting Vizcaino an inning of work returning from his shoulder injury, but he faced the eighth, ninth, first and second hitters in the order with Minter going against the heart of the order in Jesus Aguilar and Travis Shaw in the ninth. Vizcaino’s already set a career high for saves in a season with 15 and he’s 27-for-30 in save opportunities dating back to July 30th of last year. Shoulders can be tricky, so probably reading too much into the order from Saturday. However, Minter’s starting to show his upside of late with a 1.18 ERA his last 16 games and 20 of his last 43 outs recorded via strikeout. Nothing imminent, but definitely a situation to monitor.

While the focus in the bullpen reports often focus on volatility, it’s time to appreciate Blake Treinen for a moment. He won his fourth game on Saturday firing two clean innings with two strikeouts in Cleveland. His last 10 outings have been scoreless yielding only six hits and two walks with 17 strikeouts over 12.2 innings. Treinen’s converted 19 straight saves dating back to May fourth with a 0.58 ERA in 30.2 innings within 27 appearances holding hitters to a .116 batting average against. Playing the Robin to his Batman, Lou Trivino’s won four games with three saves his last 13 outings giving up only one run iwth 18 strikeouts his last 16 innings of work as well.

Due to the fact Tampa Bay plays in one run games so often, 37 out of 88 games (42.1 percent) and the likelihood they will be trading veterans for prospects soon, it’s likely Sergio Romo will be heading to a new team. Romo locked down his ninth save since May 29th yesterday in a clean ninth with a strikeout. He’s recorded a 1.59 ERA his last 17 games which will play well in a setup role with teams pushing for the playoffs. Where the Rays will turn for saves after dealing Romo remains to be seen. One contender should be Diego Castillo. He only faced one batter for his seventh hold on Saturday but has pitched with Tampa tied or ahead in all 14 of his appearances this season. Castillo’s whiffed 21 against four walks with a 1.47 ERA, 2.19 FIP and 0.76 WHIP in 18.1 innings. Ryne Stanek, Chaz Roe and Jose Alvarado all could figure in the mix, but Castillo’s upside remains the most intriguing of the group.

Most focus purely on saves when targeting relievers but it’s time to appreciate what Collin McHugh’s doing in Houston. He earned his first hold yesterday striking out two in a clean eighth inning before Houston blew the game open. McHugh’s not allowed an earned run his last nine outings covering 13.2 innings lowering his ERA to 0.88 and WHIP to 0.76 this year. His 54 strikeouts in 41 innings does not jump off the page but controlling ratios in the second half could prove beneficial to teams in deeper formats. Overlooking his work as a reliever this year would be a mistake.

As the rumor mill churns, Fernando Rodney could be traded with the Twins staring down the face of a lost season. Rodney recorded his 19th save on Saturday yielding a run on two hits with a strikeout. Since the start of May, Rodney’s converted 16 of 18 save chances with a 1.90 ERA in 23.2 innings. He’s been scuffling of late giving up runs in three of his last five games, but Boston seems interested in adding him for the stretch run. If this were to happen, Trevor Hildenberger should get save chances for Minnesota. He’s been scoreless in 19 of his last 20 games with the five run implosion incurred versus the Cubs on the road his only blemish in them. Hildenberger’s last 21.2 innings yields a 2.07 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 21 strikeouts.

Quick Hits: Zach Britton threw a clean ninth with a strikeout, his second straight clean appearance and third scoreless in a row. Amir Garrett allowed three runs on a hit and two walks in his first outing after working three consecutive games between July second through the fourth. Jared Hughes took the loss allowing both inherited runners to score on two hits with two strikeouts. Save number 20 for Brandon Morrow. He’s converted 13 straight saves, 20 of 21 this year and turned in scoreless outings 29 of 31 games. Working in a non-save outing, Felipe Vazzuez allowed a hit and two walks with two strikeouts. Over his last 13 games, Vazquez has whiffed 25 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings and the two walks were his first in eight games. Bud Norris notched his 17th save in a clean ninth with a strikeout as he tries to put the finger injury in the rear view mirror. Jordan Hicks gave up a run on two hits with a strikeout for his 12th hold. Hicks leads the Cardinals in appearances (41) and outings of two innings or more in the bullpen (6). Adam Ottavino returned to action with three strikeouts in two innings while giving up two hits for his 17th hold. He’s yielded runs in three of his last five, so hopefully this outing will help get him back on track. Wade Davis pitched a clean ninth with a four run lead but has converted his last five saves. Blown save number one for Neil Ramirez in Cleveland snapping his 17 game scoreless streak giving up three runs in one-third of an inning. Cody Allen pitched 1.1 clean innings with a strikeout and has a 1.64 ERA his last 11 outings with 18 strikeouts. Encouraging bounce back for Kenley Jansen for his 24th save striking out two of the three batters he faced. Jansen’s converted 22 of his last 23 save chances since April 21st with a 1.03 ERA his last 35 innings pitched. Blake Parker worked a clean inning for the Angels and his last eight outings have been scoreless. Kirby Yates made his first appearance since returning from the paternity leave giving up as many earned runs last night (three) in one-third of an inning as he had his previous 34 innings this year raising his ERA to 1.57 in the process.