Bullpen Report: May 13, 2022

The 2022 version of Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News 
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save.)

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Notable Workloads

•Félix Bautista, BAL: 3 of last 4 days; 24 pitches on Thursday. | RosterResource

Jorge López is expected to return from the Bereavement List on Friday, making him the most likely candidate for a save chance.

•Edwin Díaz, NYM: 23 pitches on Thursday. | RosterResource

The last time Díaz threw this many pitches, he pitched one inning the following day. In all likelihood, he will be available again on Friday. If not, Seth Lugo and Drew Smith are candidates for a save chance.

•Corey Knebel, PHI: Back-to-back days; 27 pitches on Thursday. | RosterResource

Brad Hand is a likely candidate for a save chance if Knebel isn’t available on Friday.

 

Injury News

•Lucas Sims, CIN: Placed on 15-Day IL (lower back spasms). | RosterResource

The Reds were without Sims for the first 13 games of the season and now he’s out again for an undetermined amount of time.

David Bell said Lucas Sims has a “bulging disc” in his back.

“He started some light exercises today, core strengthening. I can’t tell you how long. From all of my experience, I still don’t have a prediction on that. I haven’t heard anyone talk about it being long term.”

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) May 12, 2022

Since returning from the Injured List on April 22, Sims made six appearances and looked sharp aside from one disastrous outing last week when he walked four batters and allowed five runs in a blowout loss.

In the meantime, a handful of Reds’ relievers will battle it out for save chances. Alexis Díaz (0.59 ERA, 15.1 IP, 18 K) is the most deserving, although there would be a ton of pressure, not only because he’s a rookie, but because he’s the younger brother of one of the best closers in baseball (Edwin Díaz). Jeff Hoffman (1.59 ERA, 18.2 IP, 17 H) has also proven that he’s worthy of an opportunity. But, after both pitched on Wednesday, a potential save chance on Thursday would likely fall to Art Warren, who has struggled a bit after a breakout 2021 season. It didn’t quite happen, but the 29-year-old did pitch the 9th inning to close out a 4-0 shutout win over the Pirates.

 

Outlier Saves

•None

 

Committee Clarity

•None

 

Losing A Grip

•Mark Melancon, ARI | RosterResource

Prior to a one-week stint on the COVID-19 IL, Melancon had allowed only one earned run in eight innings with four saves in four chances. He returned with a one-out save on May 6, but followed up the next day with his first blown save (0.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 H) and third loss of the season. The 37-year-old was able to bounce back with a scoreless inning to pick up his 6th save against the Marlins on Monday, but had his worst outing of the season on Wednesday. Pitching in the 9th inning with the game tied at three, Melancon allowed a leadoff walk before retiring the next two batters. The Marlins followed with back-to-back singles to take the lead before Jazz Chisholm Jr. broke things open with a three-run homer.

While Melancon’s strong start and track record of success — he saved 39 games and was an All-Star with the Padres last season — should allow him some room for error, it’s notable that his fastball velocity is down from 92.2 MPH in 2021 to 90.6 MPH thus far in 2022. He also has only four strikeouts in his 10.2 innings.

If Melancon continues to struggle and the Diamondbacks make a change at some point, Ian Kennedy would be the favorite for save chances. His seven walks and eight strikeouts in 14 innings are a bit concerning, but he’s allowed only one earned run over his last 10 innings after a couple of shaky outings early in the season. A closer committee could also be a possibility with lefties Joe Mantiply and Kyle Nelson likely in the mix.

 

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.