Bullpen Report: June 5, 2014
• Vic Black figured to be a fixture in the late innings for the Mets this year and although he gave up a solo shot tonight he’s starting to work his way there. On the season Black has thrown 7.2 innings with 12 strikeouts against five walks with a 1.17/3.58/2.23 ERA/FIP/xFIP. Obviously it’s a small sample size but if he can keep his walks in check while getting whiffs he could start seeing higher leverage innings in Queens. Meanwhile Jenrry Mejia had a forgettable evening, allowing three base runners and two earned runs, entering the eighth inning down a run to the Cubs. Mejia has been pretty effective during his brief Mets tenure and this one outing shouldn’t have him looking over his shoulder but I’m not yet ready to make him green on the chart below.
• Neil Ramirez picked up his first save of the year tonight against the Mets but that’s only because Rondon had pitched in back to back days. Rondon’s job is secure but this confirms that Ramirez is the next in line for the Cubbies.
• Many people, myself included, recommended keeping an eye on Rafael Soriano‘s handcuffs for saves but Soriano has been fantastic this year, recording his 12th save in 13 tries tonight and now supports a 0.78 ERA. Regression is expected as his xFIP stands at 3.94 but Tyler Clippard and/or Drew Storen’s value is mostly for holds or ratio help as Soriano’s grasp on the job is firm.
• Quick hits: Greg Holland did a Greg Holland thing, striking out three batters for his 17th save of the season. Entering the ninth inning with the bases loaded, Chad Qualls picked up his sixth save of the season. Houston isn’t a great team by any means but they may not be too terrible and Qualls is undoubtedly their ninth inning guy after the committee earlier this year. David Robertson continued his attempt to make New Yorkers forget about Mo, recording his 13th save of the season while striking out two in the process. I was hoping Jake McGee would throw the equivalent of a perfect game in consecutive relief outings but he finally gave up a few hits and earned runs for the Rays tonight but he’s still a relief ace and worthy of being owned in any type of league.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
When he's not focusing on every team's bullpen situation, Ben can be found blogging at Ben's Baseball Bias and on Twitter @BensBias
Mejia’s last couple outings have been shaky. I agree he probably isnt in danger of losing the gig but it is troubling.