Bullpen Report: June 12, 2018

• As Al mentioned yesterday, Zach Britton was activated from the DL yesterday. While he won’t see save chances right away, at his best he’s the best reliever in the bunch and if he’s healthy in the ninth it only helps his trade value. The Orioles are a cool 25 games back in the division and as Al also mentioned, the other relievers will certainly be on the block as well. It’s hard to construct a closer grid with so much turmoil between a returning ace closer, relievers closer to saves but likely on the move (Brad Brach, Darren O’Day) and relievers possibly further from saves today but closer in the 2nd half in Mychal Givens and Richard Bleier. It’s worth mentioning that the Orioles only have 13 saves all season and while saves are saves, there likely won’t be many going around in Baltimore after the dust settles whether it’s Mychal Givens, Richard Bleier, or someone like Brad Brach who isn’t moved.

• Kyle Barraclough converted his 3rd save chance last night and his 2nd since taking over the 9th inning duties from Brad Ziegler. Drew Steckenrider got the hold in the 8th inning for his 10th of the year. Steckenrider was cruising this year before he hit a rough patch in mid-May allowing 11 runs in four appearances. Since then he’s fired off 10 straight scoreless appearances but his previous blow ups have given Barraclough a nice leash. Barraclough has a shiny 1.27 ERA but a 3.77 FIP and 3.94 SIERA suggest he might see a blip of his own soon. While he’s still striking out more than a batter per inning, his SwStr% is down from last year and he’s no longer the strikeout artist he was when he first came up and all the while his control remains an issue. With all that said, his hold on the job is pretty firm even if his ERA starts to correct itself, but keep in mind he likely won’t see too many chances.

In other Marlins bullpen news, Adam Conley received the win yesterday pitching in the 7th, and has continued to shine in a relief role this year. Conley threw 40 innings as a starter in AAA this year but in the majors he’s strictly been in relief and in 9.2 innings he has a 12/2 k/bb with a 1.86 ERA, 2.59 FIP and 2.12 SIERA. Unsurprisingly his velocity has played up a ton in relief too, with 95 mph on his fastball this year compared to the 89-91 he showed as a starter. If Conley finishes out the year in relief he could head into 2019 as the best reliever in Miami.

• Staying in Florida, no save situation for the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday but Sergio Romo threw a scoreless ninth to hold the lead. It’s hard to rely on Romo for saves when he occasionally gets a start and the Rays use other options in the ninth but he still seems to be in the lead-ish. Jose Alvarado might be the most talented option but he’s struggled a bit of late and will likely have to throw several good frames before having another chance to secure the job. Chaz Roe, along with seemingly everyone else in the Rays pen could see some saves as well as high leverage innings creating a frustrating mess for fantasy owners.

• Quick Hits: Craig Kimbrel walked a batter but otherwise threw a Kimbrel, striking out the side for his 21st save. Kimbrel is getting a little lucky with a .192 BABIP this yera and his stirkeout rate has declined but he still has 41 strikeouts in 28 innings and a 1.90 SIERA. Kimbrel’s velocity is also down around 1 mph from last year but unless he’s hiding an injury a slightly worse Kimbrel will remain an elite option. No save situation in Cleveland but Neil Ramirez threw a scoreless ninth striking out a pair. With Bryan Shaw leaving this offseason and Andrew Miller on the shelf, the Indians pen is lacking from its recent heyday and Neil Ramirez will likely be leaned on unless the Indians acquire a reliever. Edwin Diaz recorded his 24th save, striking out two in a perfect ninth and now has 56 strikeouts in 35 innings. Bud Norris has been shaky of late but he’s held off the dogs (aka Jordan Hicks) for now, and got his 13th save pitching a perfect frame against the Padres. Since Hicks fixed his slider to generate whiffs along with his 100+ mph heater, he’s been quite special and is clearly the best option for the Cardinals. Norris still has the job but he won’t be able to last another blip or too with Hicks on his tail.