Bullpen Report: May 19, 2014
• Aroldis Chapman blew his first save of the year tonight against the Nationals. It’s tough to glean anything from Aroldis over just five innings pitched but he’s averaging 100 mph on his fastball and has nine strikeouts against three walks. Also, for what it’s worth Chapman didn’t blow tonight’s save in spectacular fashion, he gave a lead-off double that ended up scoring on a sacrifice fly. I wouldn’t be concerned about tonight’s blip, Chapman looks like himself after his unfortunate comebacker in spring training and should be a top three closer from here on out this season.
• With John Axford removed from the closer role, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen have been called on for ninth inning duties in Cleveland. Shaw pitched a perfect eighth tonight but Cody Allen was unable to save the game, blowing the game on a JD Martinez homer. Cody Allen (2.47 SIERA) is likely the better pitcher and profiles more as a “classic closer” with lots of Ks and fastball velocity but Shaw (3.06 SIERA) is totally a capable reliever himself. It’s the second subpar outing in a row for Allen and I would actually wager that Shaw receives the next save opp.This situation is obviously very fluid and both need to be owned in fantasy leagues.
• Greg Holland isn’t in any danger of losing his job but it’s worth noting the impressive numbers of the guys behind him in the KC bullpen. Wade Davis threw another scoreless inning tonight and now has a 1.86/1.06/1.74 ERA/FIP/xFIP with 36 strikeouts against nine walks in 19.1 innings pitched. Davis doesn’t exhibit elite control but you can get away with it with a 44.7% K%. Kelvin Herrera also threw a scoreless frame tonight and has a 1.27/2.42/3.34 ERA/FIP/xFIP line.
• About to click publish and Matt Lindstrom exited the game, hurting himself while trying to field a bunt. Scott Downs is now in the game to close it out. Keep an eye on this situation, Ronald Belisario, Daniel Webb and Scott Downs could factor into saves if Lindstrom misses any significant time.
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
I do not like this usage of “comebacker.” Growing up I always heard it used to describe a grounder back to the pitcher, particularly one that takes just two or three large hops. It was not a catch-all term for every hit back up the middle.
Agreed.
Good point. I won’t use that term so generally in the future. Thanks.