With the MLB season in full swing, some bullpen hierarchies are becoming a lot clearer, while others have fallen apart. Though some managers may keep fantasy owners guessing, it is important to at least have an idea of who has a chance at a save, and who is most likely not even going to appear in a game today. Don’t sleep on saves! In a shortened season, they all count that much more.
Notes
- Starting with closer news, Toronto’s Jordan Romano was placed on the IL after experiencing numbness in his middle finger. Anthony Bass will likely resume closer duties.
- Yankee closer Aroldis Chapman has pitched two games in a row, but with a double-header on the slate, I could see him still earning a save in the second game. Perhaps the Yankees turn to Chad Green for a save in Game 1.
- We have a trade! Trevor Rosenthal is heading to San Diego. This opens up the opportunity for Scott Barlow or Josh Staumont to claim the closing duties. Greg Holland also has an outside shot at saves (until he is also traded). Neither Barlow nor Staumont pitched last night, so this is anyone’s guess, but both are worth adding as they’re both having terrific seasons.
- As for the Padres, I am not convinced Rosenthal immediately steps into the closer’s role, especially now with Drew Pomeranz back from the IL. This is the number one situation to monitor around the league.
- Craig Kimbrel tried, again, last night to earn a save, and failed. He blew another one. Jeremy Jeffress earned a save in Game 1 of that double-header and at some point, it just has to be his job and his alone.
- Gregory Soto earned the save for the Tigers in the second tilt of yesterday’s double-header vs the Twins. This is particularly exciting considering how terrific Soto’s peripherals have been to this point.
- Ryan Pressly threw two innings and earned two saves during yesterday’s double-header with Oakland. Though it wasn’t many pitches (19), he may still be rested today in favor of Blake Taylor.
- Both Brandon Workman and Hector Neris have thrown two days in a row. However, Neris has thrown significantly less pitches (37 to 23) and could be in line for a save today.
- Josh Hader was absolutely terrible yesterday, walking five through 0.1 IP and 31 pitches thrown. He’s still the closer, obviously, but David Phelps could be in line for a save today.
- As for the search for wins, Jorge Lopez starts for Baltimore today and he hasn’t gone deeper than 4.0 IP in a single outing this season. Tom Eshelman seems like a solid candidate to follow Lopez. When Wade LeBlanc (who Lopez is replacing in the rotation) got injured on August 23, Eshelman entered the game in the second inning, pitched 4.1 dominant innings, and earned the win.
- The Yankees are starting two rookie SPs for their double-header today. Jonathan Loaisiga probably figures into the mix at some point today and could vulture you a win.
- Zack Godley starts for the Red Sox today and he has yet to go deeper than 4.0 IP in a single outing. Darwinzon Hernandez got some work last night, so Ryan Weber might get the bulk of the work out of the pen today.
- The Braves are starting Huascar Ynoa. The rookie hasn’t pitched very deep into games at all this season, but Tyler Matzek threw 35 pitches last night. Perhaps AJ Minter is turned to first whenever Ynoa departs.
- Sandy Alcantara makes his return to the Marlins today. Since he hasn’t pitched in over a month, he may be on an innings cap. Robert Dugger would be my guess to follow in such a situation.
- Taylor Clarke gets his second start of the season today and he has yet to pitch more than 4.0 IP in a single outing this season. Taylor Widener followed him last time and I would expect him to again today.
Bullpen Depth Charts
Green = closer is available/long reliever expected to pitch after starter
Yellow = closer pitched previous day/LR has chance to pitch after starter
Red = closer has pitched back to back days and likely has the day off
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)