Bullpen Report: May 3, 2018

One day removed from his first blown save since last August, Craig Kimbrel rebounded by striking out the side punctuating his eighth save this year. Clean innings by closers prove to be ideal along with fantasy owners appreciating Kimbrel’s uptick in velocity averaging 97.5 MPH with his fastball on Wednesday. This save also puts Kimbrel on the precipice of history closing in on being the fastest reliever to 300 saves by games, save opportunities and age. Kimbrel’s converted 299 saves in 329 chances during his career translating to a 90.9 success rate as a closer. He’s also recorded at least three strikeouts in two of his last three outings while rounding into form after an abbreviated spring training.

Putting to rest controversy in the short term in St. Louis regarding which pitcher gets the ninth inning, Bud Norris notched his sixth save of the year by retiring all four hitters he faced with two strikeouts. He’s recorded a win, save or hold in seven of his last 10 appearances along with five straight scoreless outings. Until Greg Holland regains confidence in his fastball, it’s remains Norris as the closer for the Cardinals.

No save chance for Fernando Rodney, but he was in line to do so until the Twins scored a run in the eighth inning extending their lead to four. Rodney did turn in a clean ninth with a strikeout. Also, Zach Duke registered his sixth hold giving up a hit with two strikeouts while Addison Reed notched his fifth hold in a scoreless inning allowing a hit and striking out one.

Concern seems to rising about Kenley Jansen. He did save his fourth game of the season in Arizona but it’s been 12 days since his last save. During his save, Jansen allowed a hit, a walk, one earned run and without recording a strikeout. For the year, his ERA of 5.40 and WHIP of 1.63 do not scream dominant reliever. While his BABIP’s in line with last season, his strand rate’s dropped to 67.6 in 2018 compared to a career rate of 82.9 percent which could suggest some bad luck. However, Jansen’s reduced swinging strike percentage and chase rate combined with more contact allowed has translated to early struggles. There’s time for him to right the ship, but owner’s seem to be growing impatient with his results.

After being named April’s best reliever for April, Edwin Diaz absorbed the loss giving up a home run to Mark Canha on Wednesday night. Before this, Juan Nicasio wasted James Paxton’s 16 strikeout performance giving up two runs in the eighth on a home run Jed Lowrie. Both relievers have been terrific for Seattle prior to last night’s collapse. Nicasio had retired 20 of the previous 22 batters he faced entering last night’s appearance with seven straight scoreless outings. He still leads the majors with 11 holds. As for Diaz, he turned in a perfect April in regards to save chances converting all 11 last month with a 0.63 ERA and 27:7 K:BB. Both pitchers deserve a mulligan for Wednesday, but the timing stinks for Paxton owners.

No save chance for the Angels, but Noe Ramirez turned in a strong seventh inning by striking out the side. He could eventually become a dark horse in high leverage innings but remains on the outside looking in with the team. Jim Johnson entered the game to record the last two outs after the Orioles rallied for five runs in the top of the ninth. Johnson does not get credit for the save, but could be in the mix for the next save chance given Mike Scioscia’s propensity to mix things up late in games.

For the second straight night, Jeremy Jeffress closed out the game for the Brewers. It’s his second save this year and after working on consecutive days along with two innings on Wednesday, it should be Josh Hader back in the saddle when Milwaukee plays on Friday. Also, Corey Knebel will start his rehab at Double-A Biloxi on Thursday and could return to the team for their next road trip to St. Louis.

Quick Hits: Blake Treinen garnered his second win during the Seattle meltdown. Treinen pitched two scoreless innings giving up four hits and two walks with three strikeouts. He’s been shaky at times, but also has been forced to work more one inning in seven of his nine appearances. Hector Neris worked a scoreless ninth giving up a hit in a non-save appearance. Detroit’s Shane Greene worked the for the third straight game turning in a clean ninth inning in a non-save outing. It could be Joe Jimenez for the save chance on Thursday if one’s provided. Kudos to Will Smith of the Giants who made his season debut giving up a walk with two strikeouts during his inning on Wednesday. Cleveland’s been struggling without Andrew Miller. As a team, they’ve 9.45 ERA with an on-base plus slugging percentage against above 1.000 in the 20 innings since Miller’s injury. Regression came for Robert Gsellman last night who entered the game without allowing a hit in 20 at-bats to left-handed hitters. He allowed four runs in his inning on Wednesday including a hit to the first three left-handed batters he faced.