Bullpen Report: May 6, 2013

• As Colin suggested last night, the Red Sox placed Andrew Bailey on the DL backdated by a week. He should return in not too long if the soreness subsides in his biceps, but if Bailey has one weakness it’s his ability to stay healthy.  Joel Hanrahan would theoretically be back to his pre-season role as the full time closer for the Sox but Hanrahan blew the save tonight off of a Brian Dozier home run and left the game with an injury. We’ll have to wait to hear more information on Hanrahan but behind him in the seventh and eighth innings is Junichi Tazawa  and Koji Uehara who have both been fantastic this season. One of them could figure to pick up a save if Hanrahan were to miss any time and both should be considered great options for holds this week as well. While Uehara won’t pitch consecutive days for the Red Sox I assume he’ll get the first nod for saves if Hanrahan and Bailey were to be out.

• Greg Holland blew his second save of the season today allowing one run and letting five guys reach base in his inning of work. In extras, Kelvin Herrera threw two frames but allowed a run himself in the 11th inning via a home run from Jordan Danks.  For Holland, today’s earned run marked the first he’s given up in his last nine innings pitched. Meanwhile, since blowing away everyone in early April, Kelvin Herrera has given up eight earned runs in his last nine innings pitched with an insane six home runs allowed in that span. Herrera won’t maintain a 37.5% HR/FB all season and his xFIP of 3.02 is more indicative of what to expect moving forward over his 5.02 ERA and 6.85 FIP but his struggles have certainly given Holland plenty of cushion on his hold in the ninth inning, even if he blows a save here and there. It also doesn’t hurt when you have a K% inches away from 40%.

• Fernando Rodney finished 2012 as one of the best pitchers (including starters) in fantasy baseball, but 2013 hasn’t been so kind him. Rodney blew his second save tonight against the Blue Jays attempting the five-out save and now supports a 5.06/5.73/4.38 ERA/FIP/xFIP and a horrendous 7.59 BB/9. Rodney’s 2012 should give him a longer leash than other closers but the only year he’s ever exhibited an semblance of control was 2012 and if that performance remains the exception and not a new rule, Joe Maddon might look Joel Peralta’s way. Peralta has only allowed two earned runs in 13.2 innings with a 1.91 FIP and a 9.88 K/9. The strikeouts are down from his 2012 career high of 11.28 K/9 but Peralta’s actually missed more bats this season with a career high 13.6% SwStr%, up from last year’s 12.7%. I won’t suggest a change is imminent, but Peralta is ownable in a set up role and is an intriguing target for those in need of saves.

Closer Grid:

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