Bullpen Report: September 6, 2014
Some quick news and notes from Friday’s games:
On Thursday I noted that the Red Sox were considering shutting down Koji Uehara, but I was hesitant to make the change in the grid because I was waiting to hear the same from additional sources. At this point, it’s clear that Uehara has been stripped of his ninth-inning role, leaving Edward Mujica to take over. Mujica is 3-of-4 in save chances this season with a 12% K-BB% and a 4.05 ERA, which isn’t exactly pretty. But, he’s been named the closer for the time being and is available in 81% of Yahoo! leagues.
To put it lightly, Casey Janssen struggled again last night in the save opportunity for the Blue Jays. Janssen surrendered three runs on five hits, blew his fifth save and took his third loss of the season. That’s seven earned runs allowed for the right-hander in his last six outings. Brett Cecil or Aaron Sanchez could get ninth-inning looks going forward depending on matchups should Janssen be formally pulled from that role.
Fernando Rodney (42), Kenley Jansen (40), Jonathan Papelbon (34) and Jake McGee (16) each recorded saves last evening.
Quick Hitters: Tony Sipp notched his third save of the season for the Astros in a 4-3 victory over the Athletics. Sipp needed 29 pitches — 21 of which went for strikes — in a two-inning effort with four strikeouts to seal the deal. Huston Street surrendered two earned runs on two hits and two walks in the bottom of the ninth to the Twinkies to pick up his second blown save of the year. The Angels picked up a run in the top of the tenth allowing Kevin Jepsen to take the hill in the home half of the tenth with a save on the line. Jepsen dished a clean frame on 15 pitches to lock down his second save of the year. Street has now appeared in two consecutive games and could be a candidate to get some rest tonight after throwing 47 pitches in the last two days. Joe Smith and Kevin Jepsen have been to the bump in each of the past two as well, but Smith has thrown the fewest pitches, meaning I would give him a look if you’re streaming relievers. Wade Davis recorded his first save of the season last night. He’s been one of the most dominant relievers this year with an 8-2 record, a 0.72 ERA (1.33 FIP) and a 29.6% K-BB%.
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.
Not only should WAS not be green, but Soriano is out as closer… Clip, Storen and maybe Thornton will work the 9th for now.