Bullpen Report: May 7, 2015
Andrew Miller worked around a leadoff walk to Steve Pearce — his eighth free pass allowed this season — to remain a perfect 12-for-12 in save chances for the Yankees this season. Following Pearce, Miller sat down three straight Orioles including strikeouts of Ryan Lavarnway and Caleb Joseph to notch the save and secure the 4-3 victory. Dellin Betances also dished a clean frame in today’s contest to maintain his perfect 0.00 ERA (1.30 FIP) in over 16 innings on the bump this season. Miller and Betances are anchoring a Yankees’ bullpen that was tops in the league in strikeouts (107) and fifth-best in ERA (2.19) entering today’s action.
In his first trip to the mound since coming off the disabled list, Greg Holland made quick work of the Indians to notch his fifth save of the season. Holland induced a fly out, a groundout and a line out on just six pitches to seal the deal for the Royals. While Holland was on the mend, 29-year-old Wade Davis filled his role nicely, but returned to his eighth-inning role today now that Holland stepped right back into the closer’s spot. And after today’s clean inning of work, Davis is 2-0 with six saves, a 0.00 ERA (1.39 FIP) and a 12/1 K/BB on the season. Despite Holland’s return, Davis is still one of those set-up men to roster in just about every format possible to take advantage of the scab wins, ratios, strikeouts and random saves if your roster permits.
The Athletics’ bullpen is struggling. As a team, they rank last in the league with a 5.44 ERA, not too far off from their 4.41 FIP which ranks 27th. They own a 12.1% K%-BB% which is only good enough for 19th among bullpens and just about half that of the Houston Astros’ who are currently tops in the first division. A much needed Sean Doolittle is scheduled to face live batters before Friday’s game for the first time since suffering a strain in his left shoulder. And if all continues to go well, the Athletics could potentially get their left-hander back on the mound before the month’s end. In need of a reliever today, Oakland purchased the contract of 30-year-old right-hander Fernando Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville and designated Chad Smith for assignment. Rodriguez appeared in today’s game, fanning four Twinkies in two frames of work while surrendering just one hit.
Quick Hitters: Neftali Feliz fanned two enroute to his fourth save of the season. Feliz needed just 12 pitches to convert the save, bringing his ERA on the year to 4.38 (3.14 FIP). Glen Perkins fanned one to notch his 10th save of the season in a 6-5 Twins victory over the Athletics. Joakim Soria picked up the four-out save this afternoon to raise his total on the year to 11. And he did so economically, fanning each of the four White Sox in just a 16-pitch effort. Trevor Rosenthal took to the bump in relief of Seth Maness in the ninth to finish off the Cubs and earn his 10th save of the year.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
In addition to contributing to the RotoGraphs blog, you can find Alan at his own site, TheFantasyFix.com and follow his nonsense on Twitter @TheFantasyFix.
Who’s the better bet for getting SP holds and being generally decent at other things the rest of the year, Cingrani or Roark? Possibly someone else but I don’t see anyone particularly of interest right now.
Always appreciate the Report even though I am thankfully in leagues that all count saves and holds to some degree, so it’s not quite as annoying as in some years.
McAllister and Delgado also in this conversation. I just don’t know what usage we can expect going forward. Mostly interested in holds.
Confused as to why Cody Allen is still green in Cleveland when he pitched in the 7th inning of a losing ball game today. It makes me nervous that a shakeup may be coming before he has time to figure out his breaking pitches.
Twitter told me it was because he hadn’t pitched since the 3rd.
Probably similar to what happened to Boxberger a little bit ago, where Cash put him in during the 7th inning because he desperately wanted him to get some work in.
Should miller be yellow when he’s 12 for 12 and received the opportunity 100% of the times he’s been available?
No, he shouldn’t be. Fixed. Thanks!
Why is the ineffective Al Aburquerque still listed as 1st chair in Detroit? He of the 9.25 FIP? Alburquerque has been getting used in the middle innings lately. Shouldn’t he be dropped off the grid, and Gorzellany or Nesbitt be moved up?
Nesbitt should at least be 2nd in line. He is their 2nd best RP behind Soria
For holds is carson smith droppable?
Could grab thornton,brown,maness,hatcher or caminero?
Also could go for a dark horse like Scribner?
I’d go Scribner, Caminero in that order.
Does anyone else hear “Canyonero! (hyah!)” every time they read Caminero’s name? He’s a squirrel crushin’, deer smackin’ pitching machine, after all.
Nope, you’re not the only one.
Boy, links aren’t styled at all. In case it wasn’t obvious:
http://www.therewasnodoubtaboutit.com/2015/04/an-ode-to-arquimedes-caminero/
When/If do you expect Watson to be getting Save Opps in Pitt?
Melancon velcoity was up a bit last night IIRC. He’s been more solid lately. Hurdle is going to give his veterans a lot of rope. I wouldn’t hold your breath too much on Watson saves
Any thoughts on Huston Street? Velocity on his sinker is down a tick and he isn’t generating nearly the swinging strikes he was last year.
How would you rate the following relievers for Holds moving forward:
Scribner, Siegrest, Caminero