All in all, this was a relatively calm week on the bullpen front. At least by 2020 standards. That’s always a good time to go find the next man up and consider being a week early on a buy. Even better if they can provide an extra service like strikeouts or ratios in the mean time.
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- The Mets are right on schedule with the disaster that their rotation typically becomes. That’s required Seth Lugo to be transitioned from the bullpen to a starting role. On top of that they’re game Thursday was canceled due to COVID concerns. If they get back on the field soon expect Edwin Diaz to split closing duties with Dellin Betances. Jeurys Familia is a dark horse to mix in.
- Hector Neris is lucky the Phillies have no one behind him to threaten his role. He blew another save Thursday. David Robertson has clawed his way back from injury and is close to pitching in the MLB again. You’d expect it to take a while to return to form for him. The threat is out there to Neris, though.
- Color me unimpressed by Craig Kimbrel’s save this week. Rowan Wick had pitched back to back days. Kimbrel’s fastball is still not getting by anyone. The bottom of the Cardinals order was fouling off every two-strike fastball he fired. Better hitters are taking it yard.
- Zack Britton is hitting the IL just as Aroldis Chapman makes his return. That’s one closer role that should sort itself out naturally barring Chapman being unable to shake off the rust quick enough.
- Even as a skeptic of Nick Anderson’s role I’m starting to feel frustrated with the Rays. They’re costing themselves games at this point. Stop trying to be so smart and just save your best reliever for the ninth. It’s not like there aren’t other good pitchers in their pen.
- Jairo Diaz has fumbled the Rockies closer gig into a committee. Carlos Estevez notched their last save. I have very little faith Estevez is the guy. Maybe if Daniel Bard continues to deal he’ll get the job.
Closers In Waiting
The next men up for the ninth. More saves than ever are going to be spread among trusted arms.
- James Karinchak
- Ryan Helsley (COVID-IL, set to return)
- Trevor May
- Matt Barnes
- Tommy Hunter
K It Up
Get a category enhancer from these high K/9 strikeout artists.
- Adam Ottavino
- Dellin Betances
- Tyler Duffey
- Devin Williams
- Tanner Rainey
Ratio Darlings
These guys may not earn saves, but they can help smooth your ratios.
- Evan Marshall
- Daniel Bard
- Will Harris
- Tony Watson
- Will Smith
Long Men
Hard up for starters? An effective long man can bridge a gap until you find someone. They’re also ripe to snag a win in relief with starters going fewer innings.
