Bullpen Report: September 4, 2018
Hoping that everyone had a lovely Labor Day, here’s what went on with the bullpens on Monday…
• Bud Norris is currently struggling and although Jordan Hicks hasn’t been lights out, Norris may not be receiving consistent saves. I don’t want to overdo the alarm but Norris had a very poor Labor Day Weekend. On SAturday Norris received the L giving up 3 earned and 4 baserunners and yesterday he blew the save giving up 2 earned runs and allowing 4 baserunners while only getting two outs in the 9th. On the year, Norris’ 3.86 FIP and 3.02 SIERA look good enough but with the Cardinals in a playoff race, he might not be their current best option. Additionally, with Norris on a one-year contract in St. Louis they aren’t beholden to him for future years. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt didn’t give Norris a resounding vote of confidence, and I would bet that Jordan Hicks or a make-shift committee will see the next save opportunity in St. Louis. Without word from Shildt, we will keep Norris on top here, but note he is very red, with Hicks and Daniel Hudson currently behind him.
• Similarly to Bud Norris, Shane Greene had a forgettable long weekend for Detroit. On Sunday Greene allowed two earned in an inning of work and yesterday he allowed 3 runs without getting an out for the loss and blown save. Joe Jimenez is considered the future closer for the Tigers, but he’s been bad of late allowing 9 runs in his last 5 appearances. If Jimenez was on a heater I would suggest running to pick him up with a potential change looming, but amidst his struggles, Greene’s job is relatively safe. The Tigers have nothing to play for in September but don’t look like they will move off of Greene at this point in time. If you’re relying on Greene for saves for the stretch run, I wish you luck as he will likely hurt your ERA for a few save opportunities but as they say, saves are saves.
• Roberto Osuna was unavailable yesterday and the Astros turned to Hector Rondon for the save. Rondon was unfortunately hit by a comebacker and had to leave the game. It doesn’t sound serious so the 1-2 punch in Houston likely remains Rondon –> Osuna. Will Harris came in relief of Rondon and then Brad Peacock finished off the game for the save. The Astros have several options at the end but after Rondon it looks like a combination of Ryan Pressley, Collin McHugh, and Brad Peacock although the latter might be used for an “opener” or at least a multi-inning outing.
•Robert Gsellman allowed a run but otherwise recorded his 10th save. He may not receive the workload as other closers but he’s starting to remove the committee tag placed upon him. Seth Lugo might make me regret this but I’ll remove the committee tag fully with Gsellman ahead, and Lugo and Blevins behind him setting up.
• It’s always tough guessing who Mike Scioscia will go with in the 9th but Blake Parker seems to be firming up his grasp on the role. Parker pitched a scoreless 9th for his 14th save and has received the two chances for the Angels. As teams have finalized their rosters for the playoff push, Parker kind of fits right between the elite closers on good teams and the horrible committees on the bottom feeders. If Parker is on the wire, certainly take a stab at him. Mike Scioscia can be maddening but Parker is probably a better bet moving forward than Shane Greene.
• Quick Hits: Tim Hill relieved Wily Peralta to record the save for the Royals last night. Peralta has generally been pretty good this year and his job is safe, although expecting more than a handful of save sin September might be asking a bit much. Justin Miller pitched the 8th inning with Greg Holland pitching the 9th and 10th for the Nationals. We’re keeping this a red committee for now but it doesn’t take much for more defined roles to emerge. Drew Steckenrider pitched a perfect 9th with 2 strikeouts for his 3rd save for the Marlins. Like Kansas City there are not many save opportunities expected in Miami but he’s the man there. Wade Davis might have a 4.63 ERA but he’s also the sole closer on a competitive team and should receive solid save chances through the rest of the season. Blake Treinen lowered his ERA to .091 getting his 36th save. Another day, another side struck out and save for Edwin Diaz, his 52nd (!!) save of the year.
When he's not focusing on every team's bullpen situation, Ben can be found blogging at Ben's Baseball Bias and on Twitter @BensBias
I would say for the Dodgers that I normally would get rid of the yellow for Jansen. He was dominant this weekend. But the news that he might not pitch this weekend in Colorado might warrant leaving the yellow…
I would on the other hand put Maeda in red. Since being removed from the rotation he’s got a 6.14 ERA with 2 losses. His 9th inning ERA for the year now is 19.29. I don’t think there’s any chance that he gets a 9th inning chance going forward- I think it’s either Alexander or even Ryan Madson.
This is a fair point and will probably be changed moving forward although we have to see Jansen do better than just a weekend.
What’s going on in Tampa Bay?
This is a question that should be addressed. The Rays didn’t move Romo so I assume they enjoy his services still. I think this week will be telling for how to proceed moving forward. With no word from the team I don’t want to make a quick adjustment, especially with Alvarado as a lefty.
Romo is the guy but they are the ultimate practical team. Alvarado picked up the last 3 saves (or at least his last 3 saves) facing 6 lefties (Inciarte, Freeman Markakis, Alonso, Kipnis, Duda), 4 switch hitters (Camargo, Melky, Adalberto Mondesi, Rosell Herrera) and only 1 RH (Jorge Bonifacio). Of the 3, only the Royals game was less than a 3 run lead
I think we’re looking at Romo unless there is a stack of lefties coming up
What are your thoughts on TB / Sergio Romo? He mysteriously hasn’t pitched at all since August 25th, and Jose Alvarado has two saves since then. I would think that this points to at least a committee or yellow indicator here pending further information…
Ty Buttrey pitched the 8th on Aug 31st and Sep 3rd in front of Parker (Angels’ last 2 save situations), while Justin Anderson was relegated to 7th inning duties. Have Anderson’s control issues cost him his position as next up in the LAA bullpen pecking order? Would it be shocking to see Scioscia give Buttrey a look in the 9th inning before the end of the season?
You never know with Scioscia but I’d bet on the under there. If Parker is pitching well he might head into 2019 as their option as well!
So when Waino comes back, how will that throw the bullpen out of what if at all? Flaherty and / or Poncedeleon could be thrown into high leverage? Also looks like you linked Daniel instead of Dakota Hudson in your Norris paragraph.
Unless Waino comes back and kicks ass, I’d expect it to be more likely that he’s the one that ultimately goes to the bullpen, rather than Ponce or Gant. Flaherty’s spot is presumably safe. He’s had a big innings jump over last year, but it’s not like he’s been sagging.
They might try a temporary six-man rotation for a while too, especially since it’s September and rosters have expanded.
eerie….
” Mike Scioscia can be maddening but Parker is probably a better bet moving forward than Shane Greene.”
Literally came on here to ask if I should drop Green for Parker haha
Other options: Steckenrider, Peralta, Neshek, J Miller, Gsellman
Greene was a good source for saves totals this year but Detroit moving forward shouldn’t be considered to win many games AND he’s struggling. I might be overreaching but yeah, I’d go with Parker. I’d consider Steck a wash with Greene, probably prefer Steck. I like Greene over the others mentioned.
I agree id probably hold those 2 over anyone you mentioned. I have Gsellman and would take at least parker over him. Greens about a wash imo.