After two rough outings in mid-May, Steve Cishek has bounced back in his last two save opportunities pitching two clean innings, and earning his 12th save today. The heart of the Seattle bullpen pitched well tonight, as Joaquin Benoit bounced back after giving up a run in his first appearance coming off the DL by pitching a clean inning today. Nick Vincent was also perfect today, as he has not allowed a run in five straight games, and could be inching his way up to the second in line designation. Vincent has appeared in twenty games this season and has only allowed an earned run in 3 of those appearances. He has 24 K’s in 19.1 innings with only 2 walks. For leagues that count holds, he can be a valuable asset right now as he earned his 9th hold of the year, and will help in the rest of your categories outside of saves (at least, so far).
Steve Geltz has been optioned to Triple-A by Tampa Bay today after surrendering a two-run homer to Victor Martinez. Geltz had never been a dominant reliever, but has really had a tough season so far. Geltz has given up 7 home runs in 16.1 innings with an ERA of 6.06 (8.45 FIP). The Rays have not announced a corresponding move as of yet, but Brad Boxberger is a possibility, who had mixed results this weekend. On Saturday, Boxberger gave up two runs off of two hits and homer, but also struck out two in 0.2 innings. Boxberger pitched in back-to-back games for the first time in his rehab stint today, and bounced back strongly striking out 2 in his inning of action. Not sure if the Rays take Alex Colome out of the closers role just yet if Boxberger returns, but I wouldn’t feel as comfortable with him getting consistent save opportunities.
Closer Grid:
[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]
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What’s your read on Justin Wilson? 22/3 K/BB over 17 IP but getting hit around a bit. Dropped him for Diekman in a 12-team SV+H league despite worries re: Diekman’s control and home park.
No Matt Bush?
Why is Oakland yellow and Doolittle in the second chair?
Haven’t the Rays publicly declared that they’re going to immediately slot Boxberger back in the closer’s role?