Bullpen Report: June 24, 2018

There wasn’t a large amount happening in the “closer world” yesterday, but let’s take a look at some appearances.

Zach Britton converted his first save of the season in the Orioles 7-5 victory over the Braves on Saturday. It took him 17 pitches to complete his scoreless frame. He yielded a walk, but was able to force two ground-outs and one strikeout. Brad Brach did not make an appearance, as he had pitched in two-of-the-last-three games overall. Mychal Givens was able to secure his 10th hold of the season, but he needed 30 pitches to get through the inning. The main focus here is on Britton, who’s managed to post scoreless outings in five-of-six appearance this season (4 ER in the lone blemish). He’s accrued a 60% GB – his calling card – to go along with a 6/5 K:BB ratio. The walks are obviously concerning, but three of them came in his first appearance. I’ve swapped him into the Orioles closer role on the spreadsheet and I don’t believe he’ll relinquish that spot unless the Orioles trade him (definitely a possibility). The best thing to do moving forward is monitor the usage behind Britton. As of now, Brach continues to be the likely fill-in if/when a Britton move occurs.

Sam Dyson was called upon in the ninth inning of a four-run game against the Padres on Saturday and unfortunately made the game a lot more interesting. After generating a ground-out to begin the frame, Dyson allowed back-to-back doubles to Travis Jankowski and Manual Margot. With men on second and third, Dyson was able to strikeout Freddy Galvis on three pitches for his second out, but would allow a two-RBI single to A.J. Ellis on the next at-bat. Dyson has now allowed 5 ER over his last 5.1 IP (seven appearances). His GB% during that time remains tremendous (63%) and his xFIP says he’s getting unlucky (3.69, .444 BABIP). There’s been a slight drop in his velocity this month, and despite his overall SwStr% (14) increase in June, his strikeout numbers will remain below-average for what we’re looking for in fantasy leagues (7.2 K/9 this season). Tony Watson secured his 18th hold and 12th-straight scoreless appearance behind Dyson, but doesn’t seem to be in the running to receive much of a bigger role. Mark Melancon didn’t pitch today (last pitched on Thursday), but Dyson hadn’t thrown since Wednesday, so the Giants likely wanted to kill two birds with one stone and see if the latter could convert. Melancon has allowed a run in two-of-his-eight appearances, while sporting better strikeout numbers (8.2 K/9, 11% SwStr) and walk numbers (2.3 BB/9). He hasn’t allowed a home run and his HR/9 has historically been solid (0.6). We’ll continue to keep Dyson yellow in our sheet, but Melancon could easily receive the next save opportunity. If he converts again, we might see a more permanent role change.

The Royals called upon Tim Hill for a save opportunity on Friday (which he converted successfully) but decided to deploy Brandon Maurer in the ninth inning on Saturday. Unfortunately, he couldn’t hold the Astros at bay, as he allowed the game-tying run on a sac-fly from Evan Gattis. His total line from the appearance was 2 H, 1 ER, 1 K, and 1 BB on 20 pitches (13 strikes). Maurer has now allowed 3 ER in 3 IP (four appearances) since being re-called from Triple-A. He possesses the most experience on this Royals team, but his major and minor league results this season have been subpar at best (5.48 ERA at Triple-A). Hill is the preferred option for fantasy at the moment. He technically has the lone save conversion since the departure of Kelvin Herrera and is showing plus skills (3.04 SIERA, 62% GB, 24/8 K:BB ratio in 23.2 IP). Hill hasn’t walked anyone this month and boasts a top-five F-Strike% among all relievers with at least 20 IP (72%). There may not be many save opportunities to come by with the Royals, but Hill is being used in the second-highest leverage situations for them and has the skills to support being in the ninth inning. For what it’s worth, Kelvin Herrera allowed 2 ER in a non-save situation for the Nationals on Saturday – his first runs allowed in three outings for his new squad. He’s obviously still one of the most important – if not the most important – handcuffs in fantasy right now.

Quick Hits:
Sergio Romo and Chaz Roe both hurled scoreless outings in a non-save situation against the Yankees on Saturday. Both pitchers have been great recently, allowing a run only once in-their-last nine appearances. Romo continues to be the top-option for saves.

Bud Norris rebounded from giving up a walk-off home run to Jesus Aguilar on Friday to convert his 14th save on Saturday. He’s been impressive this year and has no real competition for his spot at this moment. Jordan Hicks was removed from the game during his warm-ups in the seventh inning, but it was likely precautionary. Greg Holland has posted back-to-back scoreless outings (didn’t pitch yesterday) with 4 K and 0 BB. He’d be the biggest threat to take Norris’s role, but we’re a ways off from those ideas right now.

Seranthony Dominguez earned his fourth save against the Nationals yesterday. It was his fourth multi-strikeout game in-a-row and 14th-straight outing notching at least one strikeout. He’s the leading candidate for saves despite Edubray Ramos not allowing a run since early-May. Dominguez has the highest leverage score and has the skills that great closers own.

Blake Treinen struck out two and didn’t allow a baserunner in 1.2 IP to secure his 17th save of the season on Saturday against the White Sox.

Possible trade candidate Keone Kela allowed two inherited runners to score against the Twins on Saturday. He allowed one hit and one walk, resulting in his 18th save, as he struck out two and walked one.

Robert Gsellman was lit up for 5 ER in 2 IP against the Dodgers on Saturday. He’s now allowed 8 ER in his last two appearances. I’ve moved Anthony Swarzak in front of him on the table.

Jeremy Jeffress yielded a two-run homer to Yadier Molina in the sixth inning on Saturday. It’s the second time he’s allowed a run over his last three appearances (six-straight scoreless outings prior). He’ll remain in high-leverage situations.

Trevor Hildenberger upped scoreless streak to 14 after allowing no baserunners with two strikeouts against the Rangers on Saturday. He’s climbing the ladder in the Twins pen.

Cody Allen and Ryan Tepera both converted their save opportunities on Saturday, notching two strikeouts and not allowing a baserunner.

Justin Anderson allowed a three-run home run to Steve Pearce in the ninth inning en route to his second loss of the season. Anderson hasn’t been consistent in any way, but remains the prime handcuff to closer Blake Parker.

Joe Jimenez extended his scoreless streak to nine games after notching a clean outing with one strikeout against the Indians on Saturday. Over his last nine outings he’s allowed three hits with a 13/1 K:BB ratio over 9 IP. The Tigers are going to swap Shane Greene at some point this season, and Jimenez will be the benefactor.