Bullpen Report: September 16, 2020

The 2020 version of Bullpen Report includes six different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

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.)

Notable Workloads

•Jeremy Jeffress, CHC: 20 pitches on Tuesday. | RosterResource

Jeffress hadn’t pitched in three days prior to his 20-pitch blown save on Tuesday. I wouldn’t rule him out for Wednesday’s game, but Craig Kimbrel would seem to be a likelier option for a save chance considering how well he’s pitched as of late (5 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K).

•Kenley Jansen, LAD: 3 of last 4 days; 28 pitches on Tuesday. | RosterResource

Blake Treinen and Pedro Báez are likely candidates for a save chance on Wednesday.

•Héctor Neris: Back-to-back days; 25 pitches on Tuesday. | RosterResource

Brandon Workman is a likely candidate for a save chance on Wednesday.

 

Injury News

•None

 

Outlier Saves

•Amir Garrett, CIN | RosterResource

With Raisel Iglesias and Archie Bradley each having pitched back-to-back days, the Reds went with Garrett to close out a 4-1 win over the Pirates on Wednesday. The 28-year-old lefty walked two, but escaped without allowing a run to pick up his first save.

 

Committee Clarity

•Stefan Crichton, ARI | RosterResource

After successful save chances in back-to-back appearances, Crichton appears to be the Diamondbacks’ primary closer with 11 games to go. On Tuesday, he pitched a 1-2-3 ninth against the heart of the Angels’ order to secure a 9-8 win.

The 28-year-old, who was acquired from the Orioles in April 2018, has a 3.23 ERA in 53 innings over the past two seasons. He should have a high-leverage spot in the team’s 2021 bullpen.

•Jeremy Jeffress, CHC | RosterResource

A blown save by Jeffress on Tuesday – he allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Francisco Lindor — isn’t likely to change the outlook of the team’s closing situation. The 32-year-old, who came into the game with an 0.98 ERA and seven saves in eight chances, should remain the team’s primary closer. His team still won despite the blown save. No big deal.

But, it’s worth a reminder that Kimbrel has not allowed a run in five consecutive outings and his numbers over his last 11 appearances (10.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 7 BB, 22 K) look very much like what the Cubs expected when they signed him last year. Having multiple closing options isn’t a bad thing, but it’s possible that we could have a closer controversy heading into the postseason if Kimbrel can keep it up.

•Héctor Neris, PHI | RosterResource

With the Phillies leading 4-1 over the Mets in the ninth inning and both Neris and Workman available, manager Joe Girardi went with Neris to close things out. The 31-year-old pitched a scoreless inning for his fourth save. This doesn’t rule out a co-closer situation, but we know who Girardi trusts more.

•Nick Anderson, TBR | RosterResource

It looked like the Rays were cruising to victory with a 6-1 lead over the Nationals and their best relievers getting a day off. But after Ryan Sherriff loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, Anderson had to come in and put out the fire. He struck out both batters he faced on just seven pitches to pick up his fifth save. The 30-year-old has not allowed a run in 12 innings while striking out 19 batters.

 

Losing A Grip

•None