Bullpen Report: September 22, 2019

A belated bullpen report, with notes from Saturday and a few quick hits from the early games today.

• It’s been a rough return for Craig Kimbrel who gave up a homer in his return from the IL on Thursday and then blew the save last night to the Cardinals after allowing home runs to Yadier Molina and Paul Dejong. Kimbrel was on the IL with right elbow inflammation and although his velocity in his most recent outings has been on par with this season (~96 mph) it’s still a tick lower than his previous years. Kimbrel should be able to succeed with that velo but while we gave a pass of sorts earlier on since he didn’t have a full spring training, it’s more likely that Kimbrel will have to adjust with a slight loss rather than expect a return. Joe Maddon said he is worried about Kimbrel’s confidence but when asked if he would turn to Kimbrel again Maddon said “I want to continue to do so.”  The Cubs season is on the brink with little time left but it seems as though Kimbrel will continue to be their main option as save opportunities arise in the final games.

• While Kimbrel has struggled upon his return, Brad Hand looked effective in his first appearance since taking a break in early September. It was low leverage but Hand struck out the side and he should be back in the main mix as Cleveland continues to fight for the playoffs. Carlos Carrasco is also starting to be effective out of the pen of late and while Hand may still see a low leverage inning or two moving forward I expect him to be back in his familiar role before the end of the year.

• Austin Adams had a MRI reveal ACL damage, so he is off the grid replaced by Sam Tuivailala, but Matt Magill and Anthony Bass should see save chances. Erik Swanson received his first career save last night in the 13th inning. Swanson is a starter by trade and should get another shot there but it’s no surprise that he has higher velocity out of the pen and if he stays there it’s hard to say he’s out of the running for future saves in Seattle as that entire situation is still up in the air for next year.

• Saturday Quick Hits: Jairo Diaz pitched a perfect 9th with a pair of strikeouts for his 5th save. As we have mentioned, Colorado will likely limit his overall effectiveness but he should finish the year as closer and could enter next season with the same role. Archie Bradley was called on for a four-out save and closed his 16th door. Bradley is often used for more than one-inning saves and I’m curious if that trend continues in 2020 or not but either way he will be entering as the strong favorite for saves. Rough outing for Taylor Rogers last night as he gave up three earned while only recording an out. Rogers has overall had a fantastic season and still supports a strong 2.69 ERA and matching 2.61 SIERA after last night’s mishap. No save situation for the Yankees but Jonathan Loaisiga whiffed five batters in two innings as he becomes a compelling multi-inning relief option this year and of more interest might be that role next year. Alex Colome (29), Carlos Martinez (23), and Raisel Iglesias (34) each recorded saves last night.

• Sunday Quick Hits: We will provide more coverage of today’s games in tomorrows BR but a few tidbits from today…Richard Bleier pitched two innings for his 4th save of the year for the Orioles.  The Orioles are trending towards a committee and  Bleier, Mychal Givens, Shawn Armstrong or Jace Fry could all see the next opportunity. With Edwin Diaz and Seth Lugo used in the 7th and 8th innings, Justin Wilson got the call for the Mets getting his 4th save of the year. Will Smith has had a mediocre August but is closing out an overall fantastic season for the Giants, getting his 34th save. Historically, Smith hasn’t had a strong preference to close so he could sign as a set up next year but he’s proven to be a fully reliable reliever in any situation. Josh Hader recorded four outs, three via strike out for his 35th save. Hader now has 133 strikeouts, and for comparison’s sake Mike Soroka has 135. Who will finish with more?