Bullpen Report: June 9, 2015

Sorry for the delay on this folks, but here’s a recap from last night…

• In case you felt that the Cubs bullpen situation wasn’t confusing enough, the Cubs decided to bring Rafael Soriano into the mix. We are less interested in the contract particulars here at the Bullpen Report and instead are curious how he will play out in Chicago’s pen. Soriano has yet to pitch this season so he will start off in the minors but speculation is he could be in Chicago around July 1st.  Rafael Soriano wasn’t particularly thrilling last year for Nationals, which helps explain why he wasn’t picked up this offseason but a 3.19/3.08/3.92 ERA/FIP/xFIP pitching line last year is useful. It’s also similar to what Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop have done this year. When Soriano is ready the Cubs are looking at three similarly talented right-handed relievers with Jason Motte lingering as well. However, it should be noted that Soriano seemed to break down towards the end of last year. Whether that’s a sign of what to expect from Soriano moving forward or whether the time off should help him, we will have to wait and see to find out.

I’m inclined to think that while Soriano is toiling in the minors, one of Rondon, Strop or Motte will grab a hold on the ninth inning but maybe this is setting up to be a real committee.

• Carson Smith was called on for his second save of the year and although it wasn’t a clean inning, he secured the win for the Mariners. Fernando Rodney‘s struggles this year are well documented and closers with an ERA above six generally don’t last too long unless you are Shawn Chacon over a decade ago. Lloyd McClendon’s loyalty to Rodney and Experienced Closers is of course well known too. If Carson Smith keeps giving up homers in the ninth, Rodney could find himself back in his familiar role, even if Smith is the far better pitcher. As strange as this might sound, if you own Carson Smith and are able to trade him as a closer with a top tier stirkeout rate, you might be able to get great value out of him considering Rodney will always be in the rear window.

• Zach Britton recorded a 5-out save for the Orioles for his 16th save on the year. Britton is well known for his ridiculous worm killing ways (68.3% GB%) but he’s really had a breakout this season increasing his strikeouts and limiting his walks. Britton has a 1.14 SIERA in 2015 and it’s not really on the heels of any batted ball or LOB% luck. After 37 saves and a 1.65 ERA, Britton’s managed to improve and ranks as one of the best closers in the league. Looking back on our relief rankings, there are a few tweaks I would, including moving Britton up a few slots.

• Greg Holland got his 11th save of the year after pitching on three consecutive days. He also hit over 96 mph on his fastball and could be turning a corner. I was weary of Holland’s health when doing the ranks, and I still am a bit but I wouldn’t be too shocked to see him perform at more Holland-ian levels in the second half.

• Quick Hits: It wasn’t pretty but Axford now has 11 saves on the season. David Robertson gave up a hit and a strikeout for his 12th save. It wasn’t pretty again for Grilli either but he closed the game, a day after blowing the lead.  K-Rod  probably deserves more respect around these parts (1.23 ERA with above average strikeouts) and he picked up his 12th save on the year. With the Brewers firmly out of the race, he’s a name that should pop up in trade rumors as we approach July.  Kenley Jansen continues to dominate upon his return from the DL, tossing a perfect ninth for save number seven and he now supports a -0.39 FIP. Woah.

Closer Grid:

[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]