Bullpen Report: June 30, 2017
There wasn’t a lot of activity in bullpens on Friday night with seven of the 14 games (CLE-DET ppd because of rain) having a differential of at least five runs, but some of the more volatile bullpens were further shaken this past evening.
Matt Bush was pummeled for three runs on four hits in just a third of an inning, his third blown save in his last five outings and fifth overall. Bush allowed 10 runs in 9.3 innings (9.67 ERA) during June, boosting his ERA from 1.37 to 4.03 and putting his job at risk as Keone Kela continues to excel. Bush and Kela might’ve had an open competition this spring had Kela not wound up in the doghouse due to an attitude issue during Spring Training. Kela allowed just two runs in 10.7 IP (1.69 ERA) with 16 strikeouts in June.
Saturday morning edit: The Rangers are going to a committee and it could be at least in part because Kela’s shoulder is an issue. Jose LeClerc is an interesting add for sure.
Alex Colome had a similarly rough June (8.10 ERA in 10 IP), capping it off with his fourth straight run-allowing appearance, though he still notched the save despite Mark Trumbo’s 10th inning homer. Prior to Friday, Colome had allowed 2, 3, and 2 ER in his previous three outings and he allowed at least one hit in each of his nine June outings (15 H total). Tommy Hunter has posted a 2.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 18 Ks in his last 13 IP. He has shifted his pitch mix, moving from his four-seamer to his cutter and curve more often and it has helped fuel his best season yet (26% K, 18% K-BB, and 11% SwStr – all career-highs).
Bud Norris is due off the disabled list on Saturday and he’s expected to re-assume the closer’s role, ahead of Cam Bedrosian. Norris is 11-for-12 in Saves and has a 1.82 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 32 Ks in 24.7 IP since taking over the ninth inning in late-April.
Brad Brach blew his fourth save of the season and Darren O’Day capped off the loss after a Steven Souza three-run homer, but I’m only mentioning it for the sake of being thorough because Zach Britton is continuing his rehab and is slated to return on July 5th. He will regain the closer’s role immediately.
This is for NL-Only and Holds leagues folks: keep an eye on Phil Maton in San Diego. The 24-year old righty has hurled 8.3 scoreless innings thus far, allowing just five hits and fanning 11 batters (35% K) with a win, save, and hold. I could see him getting more of a Holds-friendly role as he continues to excel and as the Padres start to make moves (relievers are the one thing they have to offer in the market).
The Astros found a way to get Aaron Judge out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh49x4V6-Q8
Nori Aoki is obviously a must-add in every single league format as the next great reliever!!!
Trade Watch
Here’s are my top 10 potential closers who could be dealt this month in order of likelihood (based on my opinion, of course):
- Kelvin Herrera
- David Robertson
- Mark Melancon
- Justin Wilson
- Addison Reed
- A.J. Ramos
- Jim Johnson
- Brandon Kintzler
- Pat Neshek
- Everyone in Oakland
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
Hunter will not close because his career splits vs. lefties are very bad, and right-handed closers face about 10 percent more lefties in that role.
Boxie, baby!