Bullpen Report: May 8, 2023

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Notable Workloads

•Michael King, NYY: 24 pitches on Sunday. | RosterResource

Clay Holmes and Wandy Peralta would be pitching a third straight day on Monday, so that could leave Ian Hamilton or Jimmy Cordero closing on Monday.

•Jason Adam, TBR: Three of the last four days; 17 pitches on Sunday. | RosterResource

Colin Poche or Kevin Kelly could close Monday, with Ryan Thompson likely unavailable after 27 pitches Sunday.

•Adbert Alzolay, CHC: 37 pitches on Sunday. | RosterResource

Co-closer Mark Leiter Jr. went two innings on Sunday, but on just 21 pitches, so he should be available Monday.

Injury News

•None

Outlier Saves

•Justin Topa, SEA | RosterResource

Closer Paul Sewald was used in a non-save situation on Saturday, and it’s good he was, since he gave up two runs, still two too few for the Astros to tie the game. Regardless, he was out of action Sunday after those 20 pitches, giving way to Topa. He gave up a leadoff single that was quickly erased by a double play before striking out Kyle Tucker to end the game for his first career save. Acquired from the Brewers in the offseason, Topa didn’t even make the Mariners’ Opening Day roster but has emerged as as key log in the M’s pen with Andrés Muñoz hurt, allowing just two runs in 14 innings.

•Andrew Nardi, MIA | RosterResource

The Marlins played a wild game against the Cubs on Sunday, this year’s longest in terms of innings, playing 14 before pulling out the win. Miami had gotten two blown saves in the game already (Dylan Floro and Steven Okert) before the lefty Nardi was able to lock it down against the bottom of the Cubs’ order in the ninth for his first career save. A.J. Puk should continue to be the guy in normal circumstances.

•Matt Strahm, PHI | RosterResource

Rob Thomson elected to use his closer (maybe not designated but the guy who’s gotten the most opportunities) José Alvarado in the seventh inning with a three-run lead against the middle of the Red Sox’s order with multiple lefties due up. That decision worked out nicely, as Alvarado made it through that part of the order with no problem before turning the ball over to Strahm in the eighth. The Phillies expanded their lead to five in the bottom of the eighth, and Strahm stayed on to shut the door. He started the year in the Phillies’ rotation and pitched quite well, but was moved back to the bullpen as his innings have risen and Ranger Suárez is due off the IL shortly. Strahm should continue to play a key role in the bullpen even if he’s not earning saves.

•Hunter Harvey, WSN | RosterResource

Kyle Finnegan had a tough day at the yard on Saturday, recording just one out and allowing three runs to blow the save and “earn” himself a loss. He threw only 17 pitches, but that had been his fourth appearance in five days, so the Nationals gave Harvey the ball in the ninth on Sunday. Harvey issued a walk and nothing else in the ninth, earning his first career save, just 176 behind his dad, Bryan. Harvey’s been Washington’s best reliever this year, pitching to a 2.30 ERA and 3.23 FIP, though he’s walked seven in his 15.2 innings. He might be the closer before long.

Committee Clarity

•None

Losing A Grip

•None