Bullpen Report: May 14, 2013
• Andrew Bailey is close to returning to the Red Sox, and when he’s back he’ll be in the closers role that Junichi Tazawa is currently occupying. Tazawa has had a great season (2.86 xFIP) but since April 24 he’s given up five earned runs in 6.2 innings pitched. During that same rough stretch Tazawa was still able to showcase his swing and miss stuff, striking out 11 batters. Tazawa should continue to close in Bailey’ absence and when Bailey is back, Tazawa will remain a fine relief ace for your fantasy team providing elite strikeouts (11.57) with potential for saves because as we all know, Bailey’s health always remains a risk. Before getting hurt Bailey had 20 strikeouts in 12.1 innings pitched with a 2.74 xFIP and while he likely won’t maintain a strikeout percentage of 42.6%, Bailey’s always been very effective when healthy and that should continue while saving game in Boston.
• I’ve been critical of Fernando Rodney this year but he’s pitching better of late. Rodney recorded his seventh save of the season tonight, striking out the side in a perfect inning against Boston. In his last four appearances Rodney’s thrown four innings, recording three saves and striking out nine batters against two walks. While it’s always nice to see Rodney rack up the K’s, the improved control might be the more positive sign as Rodney has struggled mightily with his location this season (6.75 BB/9). Nobody could have expected Rodney to have a repeat of his 2012 season, but if Rodney can avoid reverting completely back to his pre-2012 levels he would remain a solid closing option for the rest of 2013. However, if Rodney’s control problems persist, Joel Peralta’s name could be called and for what it’ worth, Peralta’s 2.20 FIP and 10.38 K/9 are numbers worth rostering even if he’s not receiving saves.
• Huston Street recorded his ninth save of the year and is now 9/10 on save opportunities. However, by any other metric you would want to use, 2013 has not been kind to Street. Street’s 6.32 K/9 would be a career low and his 6.91/4.88 FIP/xFIP leave a lot to be desired to say the least. Still, with the Padres not likely contending for a playoff spot and Street owed $7 million this year and in 2014, Street will have long leash on the role. Meanwhile, Luke Gregerson has only given up two earned runs in 18 innings pitched with a 3.01/3.34 FIP/xFIP. Although he will have to wait for a Street injury, continued collapse or midseason trade before seeing the ninth inning, Gregerson won’t hurt your fantasy team and if you’re in need of saves, he’s an intriguing guy to keep an eye on.
• Jon Axford blew his third save of the year in the eighth inning tonight against the Pirates. Ron Roenicke had previously mentioned that Axford would return to the closers role but he’s now given up six earned runs in his last six four innings pitched. All the while Jim Henderson continues to pitch brilliantly with a 1.36 FIP and 10.59 K/9. I previously had the Brewers situation listed as yellow, but with Axford’s continued struggles I’m moving it to green. Any rough patch by Henderson or prolonged hot streak by Axford could start up chatter again about a potential closer switch but for now Henderson is safe.
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
How stable would you say Heath Bell is right now? Any chance of Hernandez grabbing that role?
Fairly stable. Although he has blown a save since taking over for Putz he’s still 3/4 with pretty clean innings in the games that he’s finished successfully.
Hernandez early season struggles probably lost him out on the closers role, but he’s also pitching better of late, striking out the side last night.
Bell’s not a green on the chart below, but he’s not in any imminent danger of losing his job atm. Of course, one bad week could change that but so far so good.
“…but so far so good.”
As a Brandon McCarthy owner I disagree! Although I really do put more blame on Gibson than Bell for that one.