Bullpen Report: September 6, 2012
• Huston Street experienced a setback during his attempt to “ramp up” the recovery process during his recent trip to the disabled list for a strained left calf. The Padres’ closer, who recently signed a $14-million, two-year extension, initially hit the DL on August 11th with the calf strain. After a bullpen session on Tuesday, manager Bud Black indicated Street “felt great throwing and his delivery is fine.” The manager’s main concern was whether “Street could field his position” or not. As Colin also noted, there is no current timetable for the All-Star’s return. Street is 21-for-21 in save opportunities this season with a 0.75 ERA (2.30 xFIP) with a career high 35.7% K%. Street’s two trips to the disabled list have caused him to miss more than 50 games thus far in 2012.
In his absence, manager Bud Black asked Luke Gregerson, and to a lesser extent, Tom Layne to close out games depending on match-ups.
• Kenley Jansen threw a bullpen session tonight, although it apparently wasn’t with the club since he’s not allowed to workout with them while he’s on the blood thinners for the heart condition. The right-hander is expected to be on the blood thinners for the next ten days with the possibility of returning on September 18th.
• Craig Kimbrel earned his second save of September tonight — matching his August save total — to make him 34-of-37 on the season. The Braves fireballer yielded one hit, but induced a fly out and two strikeouts to seal the Braves 1-0 victory over the Rockies. Fun fact: Kimbrel has allowed just one earned run in each of the last three months and no more than two earned in any month this season. One more fun fact: Kimbrel will likely surpass the century mark for strikeouts for the second consecutive year. Continue the Craig Kimbrel for Cy Young conversation, thanks.
For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here is a matchup you may be able to exploit.
A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Grant Balfour (OAK) vs. SEA
The Oakland Athletics have their work cut out for them tomorrow versus Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners. Although the A’s have dropped three straight, a one-spot against the King could be good enough to get Grant Balfour onto the bump for a save chance.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
In addition to contributing to the RotoGraphs blog, you can find Alan at his own site, TheFantasyFix.com and follow his nonsense on Twitter @TheFantasyFix.