Bullpen Report: September 14, 2016
Let’s throw another name into the mess known as the Giant’s bullpen. Derek Law was activated and pitched for the Giants for the first time since August 27th. He struck out the only batter he faced down 3-1 in the 9th, as Bochy said he will not use him high leverage situations just yet. Law has had a very strong year with a 1.93 ERA (2.30 WHIP), and could see some 9th inning chances as the season winds down and the Giants bullpen continues to struggle. For now, he is off the grid.
In that same game, the Padres bullpen shut-down the Giants over 2.2 innings allowing only a walk and striking out 5, leaving Brad Hand (17) and Ryan Buchter (18) with the holds, and Brandon Maurer (10) with the save.
Dellin Betances came into a tied game in the 9th and gave up two unearned runs after Starlin Castro made an error to open the inning and Justin Turner doubled for the lead. The Dodgers would add another run on a Fielder’s Choice for a 2 run lead. Kenley Jansen would get the 9th allowing 1 hit while striking out 3 Yankees for the save (44).
Fernando Salas gave up his first run as a Met when Wilson Ramos hit a solo bomb to break up the 0-0 tie. It was his only mistake as he pitched effectively the rest of the two innings he was on the hill. Mark Melancon came in for the save after giving up the go-ahead home run to T.J. Rivera on Tuesday, and as fate would have it, Melancon would face Rivera again for the final out. This time Rivera grounded out and Melancon got the save (42).
Quick Hits: Jeanmar Gomez escaped trouble against the Pirates for his 37th save. David Phelps made his 2nd appearance out of the pen after hitting the DL and earned the hold (23), while A.J. Ramos closed it out (36). Zach Britton (43), Edwin Diaz (16), and Francisco Rodriguez (42) were perfect in their save opportunities.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]