With the MLB in full-swing, some bullpen hierarchies are becoming a lot more clear, while others have fallen apart. While 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.
First, notes from last night and thoughts on today’s games:
Notes
- The Cardinals and Tigers remain postponed until further notice, while the Yankees and Phillies will engage in a straight doubleheader after having yesterday off.
- Jeurys Familia of the Mets, Nate Jones of the Reds, and closer Alex Colome of the White Sox were the only relievers to pitch in two consecutive days and should be left on your bench today
- No update yet on a return date for Aroldis Chapman, though he is getting closer. For now, you’re better off keeping him on your bench.
- Zack Britton pitched on two consecutive days on Sunday and Monday, but had the day off after last night’s game was postponed. He should be available today, but the Yankees will probably not use him unless absolutely necessary.
- Nick Anderson of the Rays pitched just 0.2 IP yesterday and should be available; Oliver Drake will be thought of ahead of him, however.
- Thomas Eshelman and Taylor Widener were the only two relievers to toss three or more innings, rendering them useless for today.
- Caleb Thielbar of the Twins, Brent Suter of the Brewers, Anthony Kay of the Blue Jays, and Yacksel Rios of the Pirates all pitched two or more innings. They did have Monday off, however, and could see some time today. Proceed with caution.
- Brad Hand of the Indians earned a save last night and only needed 13 pitches to do it. He should be ready to go today.
- Trevor Rosenthal tossed 17 pitches over just 0.2 IP, allowing a HR before getting yanked. In turn, Kevin McCarthy had to come in to get the final out against the Cubs.
- Taylor Rogers of the Twins had the night off after coming in for 1 IP on Monday and earning a Win.
- Hansel Robles might have lost his job to Ty Buttrey, who managed to close the doors versus the Mariners last night. Don’t be surprised if Robles gets the nod tonight against an anemic Mariners offense, however. It might be the best medicine.
- Jonathan Hernandez of the Rangers was needed for 1.2 IP yesterday against the A’s. Though he looked good, striking out two and allowing just one hit, he’ll likely be saved unless necessary. If the Rangers have a lead in the ninth inning, Nick Goody will likely get the nod.
- For the Mets, Edwin Diaz was brought in in the ninth inning and struck out two batters in 1 IP of work. It was not a save opportunity. Seth Lugo will likely be in the closer role if the Mets should have the lead tonight.
- Rowan Wick of the Cubs did not pitch yesterday and should be available to close out the game today. Instead, Kyle Ryan was used to close the game against the Royals last night.
- With the Reds losing to the Indians 4-2 last night, Reds closer Rasiel Iglesias had the night off after pitching on Monday. He should be available today.
- Josh Hader is available and hasn’t pitched since July 29th and is available against the White Sox tonight.
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)