Bullpen Report: September 11, 2014
A brief set of notes from Thursday’s games:
Multiple reports indicate that Sean Doolittle will likely be activated from the disabled list in time for Friday’s game. The A’s closer threw a 40-pitch session on Wednesday and reported no soreness or setbacks from the intercostal injury that caused him to miss 17 games, but will take the extra day of rest (Thursday) to ensure he’s fully ready after the laborious workout. Prior to hitting the shelf, Doolittle performed like one of the best closers in the game. He converted 20-of-23 saves with a 2.28 ERA (1.44 FIP) and a 36.2% K-BB%. The chart will be updated upon his official activation tomorrow.
Francisco Rodriguez cruised to his 41st save of the season on just 11 pitches from the bump this evening. KRod induced a ground out, a fly out and a strikeout to seal the 4-2 victory for the Brewers over the Marlins. He’s now hit the 40-save plateau for the fifth time in his 13-year career. He’s one of the more underrated closers — especially in fantasy, based on his preseason ADP this season — of the past decade.
With Koji Uehara taking a leave of absence from the ninth-inning role for the Red Sox, Edward Mujica stepped in to take on some save chances for skipper John Farrell. Mujica dished a clean home half of the ninth on only nine pitches to finish off the Royals and pick up his fifth successful conversion on the year. Mujica did get knocked around for a couple of runs in Wednesday’s non-save situation, but the veteran laid that to rest and got right back on the horse tonight.
Mark Melancon surrendered a hit, but fanned two en route to his 29th save of the season. He’s now 29-of-33 in save situations with a 2.00 ERA (2.17 FIP) and a 20.8% K-BB% in 64 trips to the bump for the Buccos. Aroldis Chapman yielded a free pass, but fanned two to notch his 33rd save of the year. The Cuban southpaw has now converted 33-of-35 saves and posted a ~40% K-BB% with a 0.85 FIP in 47 appearances this season.
Quick Hitters: Jake Petricka surrendered a single and a free pass, but induced a double play and recorded a strikeout in a 13-pitch effort to notch his 13th save of the ‘14 season. Cody Allen nailed down his 20th save of the year in his 23rd opportunity. The 25-year-old right-hander gave up a walk, but dished a clean frame of work to seal the 2-0 victory for the Indians over the Twinkies.
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.