Bullpen Report: September 25, 2022

The 2022 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

•Emmanuel Clase, CLE: Three of the last four days; 20 pitches on Friday. | RosterResource

James Karinchak has worked three-of-four as well, so Trevor Stephan is the likeliest closer on Saturday if neither Clase nor Karinchak is available.

•Scott Barlow, KCR: Three of the last four days; 18 pitches on Friday. | RosterResource

Dylan Coleman is in the same boat as Barlow, so if neither arm is available a save could fall to Amir Garrett, Jose Cuas, or Brad Keller.

•Daniel Bard, COL: 26 pitches on Friday. | RosterResource

Carlos Estevez threw 46 pitches between Thursday and Friday, so he’s almost definitely not available Saturday. Dinelson Lamet and Justin Lawrence are the two likeliest closers.

•Dylan Floro, MIA: Three of the last four days; 10 pitches on Friday. | RosterResource

Lefty setup men Tanner Scott and Steven Okert both went unused on Friday and should be well-rested.

Injury News

•None

Outlier Saves

•Erich Uelmen, CHC | RosterResource

The Cubs have generally turned to Brandon Hughes and Rowan Wick with ninth-inning leads (lately Hughes), but decided to give Uelmen the opportunity on Friday even though Wick hasn’t pitched since Monday (Hughes turned his ankle on a pitch on Thursday and may well have been unavailable). The rookie righty bent but didn’t break, walking two and allowing a hit but stranding the bases loaded to maintain the Cubs’ one-run lead and earn his first career save.

Uelmen will probably stick in the middle innings moving forward, as he’s got a 4.56 ERA in his first 23.2 innings of MLB action, including ten walks.

Committee Clarity

•None

Losing A Grip

•Craig Kimbrel, LAD | RosterResource

After a season full of ups and downs (mostly downs), Kimbrel’s grip is finally gone, with manager Dave Roberts removing Kimbrel from the closer’s role, effective Friday. The Dodgers won’t have a set closer and will instead rely on matchups in the ninth as Kimbrel will pitch in a variety of roles. Kimbrel’s ERA stands at 4.14, and he’s struck out under 30% of opponents for the first time in his career. He turns 35 next May and might simply be in the decline stage of his career at this point.

Dave Roberts on if Craig Kimbrel’s removal from the closer role will apply to the postseason as well: “I don't know. I think that's where we're at right now. Nothing is cemented but we think that’s the best way to go about it right now.”

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 23, 2022

As for who factors in to the ninth inning mix, the Dodgers have gotten excellent performances from Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia, and Brusdar Graterol’s potential is tantalizing, plus he’s pitched well when healthy. Caleb Ferguson serves as a second lefty option to Vesia.