Bullpen Report: June 2, 2018

Owning Edwin Diaz can be a wild ride. After his hot start to the season, he’s allowed runs his last two appearances causing his ERA to rise from 1.59 to 3.03 as a result. Prior to this rough patch, Diaz pitched seven times in a 10-day stretch from May 20th through his four run implosion on the 29th. Recalling last year, Diaz did lose his mechanics and the closer role for a brief period. In spite of the recent struggles, Diaz has a 43.1 strikeout percentage and saves in 19 of his 22 chances this season and WHIP still below one (0.91). His new teammate, Alex Colome could help share the burden of high leverage since the Mariners attract close games.

Since joining the Mariners, Colome’s recorded two holds and a save retiring nine of 10 batters faced. Prior to joining Seattle, Colome had notched 10 consecutive saves for the Rays. Due to the patience the team has displayed in the past with Diaz, his owners should not panic. But continued struggles will put pressure on Diaz who should benefit from the tutelage of Colome and insurance he provides giving Diaz a much needed break from over usage patterns.

After surging his previous 17 outings, Kenley Jansen recorded his 13th save in Colorado allowing three hits, a walk and an earned run in the process. It’s only the second run yielded by Jansen over his last 18 games (19.1 innings) with 11 consecutive saves, 21 strikeouts against four walks and a 0.93 ERA. It appears he’s back in light of last night’s blip to the relief of his owners and the Dodgers alike.

With the bridge to Aroldis Chapman rounding into form, Chapman struck out the side for his 13th save lowering his ERA to 1.48 on the year. Chapman’s whiffed 44 of 95 total batters faced for a 46.3 strikeout percentage and he’s currently pacing towards the first 40 save season of his career.

Brandon Morrow continues to surge notching his 14th save giving up a walk with a strikeout against the Mets on the road. Morrow’s made 10 straight scoreless appearances and worked in three of the last four games for the Cubs. Luckily, he’s only made only 35 pitches in these outings so Morrow could be used once again on Saturday, though the team prefers to protect his arm due to his injuries of the past. On the year, Morrow’s 0.93 ERA and 0.98 WHIP should impress fantasy owners who took the chance on him.

No one seems to target Fernando Rodney in drafts, but he closed out his 12th save in a clean outing on Friday night. Rodney’s saved 10 straight with a 0.73 ERA and 0.81 WHIP over his last 12.1 innings in spite of 10 strikeouts versus five walks. Some correction could be in the offing, Rodney’s been worth the gamble so far. Same goes for Shane Greene who notched his 14th save giving up a hit with a strikeout. Greene’s only allowed one earned run his last six appearances with four saves and six strikeouts in them.

Quick Hits: Working in a non-save outing, Jeurys Familia allowed three hits and an earned run on Friday. This marks the third time, of his last four games, Familia’s yielded at least two hits and earned runs in two of these games. There’s no signs of a change in the Mets closer role, but games like this keep the door ajar for Robert Gsellman going forward. Joakim Soria recorded his first hold in a clean seventh inning with two strikeouts. Bruce Rondon worked the eighth and Nate Jones the ninth after the White Sox added to their lead. Jones has made eight straight scoreless appearances but his last save occurred on May 22nd. Mike Lorenzen worked four innings for his first save this year. Lorenzen allowed two hits, two earned runs and a walk with four strikeouts in San Diego. Both Hector Neris and Brad Ziegler pitched in low leverage situations giving up runs for their third straight outings. Neris yielded three hits and a run with three strikeouts pushing his ERA to 5.06 and WHIP to 1.55 on the season. Ziegler served up a home run to Ketel Marte raising his ERA to 7.88. Blake Parker recorded the last two outs for the Angels having to enter the game with two runners on in the ninth. Parker’s pitched well but has not saved a game since May 23rd.