Bullpen Report: June 4, 2015
The Dodgers’ failed to make closer Kenley Jansen available for their season finale in Colorado against the Rockies last evening, raising a fair share of eyebrows — and concern — for the right-hander. Throughout the evening and into today, the team shed a bit more light into Jansen’s situation. Due to a history of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), team trainers and a consulting doctor administered a series of tests to rule out the heart issue when Jansen complained of a stomach/headache in the first frame. After receiving intravenous fluids, it was determined that Jansen’s high blood pressure could have been at the root of the other symptoms. At any rate, Jansen was better today and cleared for action by team doctors. He’s 5-of-6 in save chances on the season with a 0.00 ERA (-0.55 FIP) and a 55% K-BB% in six appearances. Wishing the best of health for Kenley.
Also out of the Dodgers’ camp: Old friend David Aardsma was granted his release today by the team after failing to add him to the active roster. The 33-year-old right-hander exercised an opt-out clause in his contract after appearing in 20 games for Oklahoma City (AAA) in which he went 0-1, 15-for-15 in save chances, posted a 2.41 ERA (2.24 FIP) and a 21.3% K-BB%. Sure Aardsma hasn’t pitched in the league since ‘13, but he put together a couple of decent seasons in Seattle..ah nevermind. Not going down this road right now. At any rate, there are a handful of teams that could use a right-handed reliever and may give the veteran a look.
Just a day after surrendering a game-tying homer off the bat of Maikel Franco to notch his first blown save of the ‘15 campaign, Aroldis Chapman returned to the hill in the ninth-inning of a save situation with a much different result. Chapman fanned Maikel Franco, Cody Asche and Freddy Galvis in order on 14 pitches to finish off the Phillies 6-4 and earn his 10th save of the year. Chapman is now 10-of-11 in save situations, with a 2.22 ERA (2.32 FIP) and a 3.23 xFIP.
Quick Hits: Hector Rondon surrendered a free pass and a hit, but picked up his 10th save on the year in a 2-1 win for the Cubs over the Nationals. Zach Britton earned the five-out save, his 14th of ‘15, fanning three along the way on 17 pitches. Glen Perkins dished a clean inning of work in a non-save situation. The Athletics needed Tyler Clippard to come in and stop the bleeding that Dan Otero caused in the ninth. Otero yielded four earned on four hits while striking out one in just a third of an inning of work. Clippard entered and immediately induced two fly ball outs off the bats of Nick Castellanos and James McCann to seal the victory and his ninth save of the year. Rough outing for Koji Uehara today. Uehara allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits without recording an out to earn his third loss on the season.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
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with Boxberger unavailable, Jepsen gets the save for the Rays (with McGee pitching the 8th).
with this, is mcgee droppable in shallow leagues w/o holds?
Probably droppable in a league without holds but he’s still next in line for saves.
The Ray’s coach, Kevin Cash, isn’t afraid to mix and match with his RPs. Seattle’s 2nd most dangerous hitter, Kyle Seager was first up to bat in the 8th and he’s a lefty so McGee was brought in instead of Jepsen.
If you can hold him, I would until we see if Boxberger can smooth things out on his end. If Boxberger continues his struggles, McGee could still factor heavily into late game situations for the Rays. I would try and hold him until Boxberger has a couple clean outings in a row again, then you can probably look to move on.