What’s poppin, Razzpimples? Bullpen update time!
Don’t forget, the Razzball Bullpen Chart is manned by yours truly and updated like every single second (not really, but I stay on top of thangs for the most part). And directly below, you’ll see a current look at the Top 15 RP (in both 5×5 standard leagues and 6×6 saves/holds leagues) via our Player Rater. Subscribers also get access to the incredibly handy Relievonator Game Log, which tracks every single relief appearance from the last 14 days, including what inning they were called upon and how many batters/pitches they faced/threw.
Alrighty, let’s do it to it. (Note: Monday’s games do not factor in)
Player Rater Top 15 (5×5 Standard)
| # | Name | Team | Pos | $ | $/G | PS | PA/IP | $W | $SV | $ERA | $WHIP | $K | R% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felix Bautista | BAL | RP | 28.4 | 10.7 | 8.2 | 37 | 1.6 | 14.9 | 3.3 | 1.6 | 6 | 100 |
| 2 | Alexis Diaz | CIN | RP | 20.1 | 6.5 | 5.8 | 33 | -0.8 | 14.9 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 100 |
| 3 | Camilo Doval | SF | RP | 18.7 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 36 | -0.8 | 15.8 | 1.6 | -0.2 | 1.4 | 100 |
| 4 | Jordan Romano | TOR | RP | 18.3 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 33 | 1.6 | 16.7 | -0.1 | -0.7 | -0.2 | 100 |
| 5 | Emmanuel Clase | CLE | RP | 13.9 | 0.8 | 4.1 | 37 | -3.2 | 16.7 | 0.8 | -0.3 | -1.1 | 100 |
| 6 | Devin Williams | MIL | RP | 13 | 8.2 | 3.8 | 26 | 4 | 7.7 | 1.1 | 0.3 | -1.1 | 100 |
| 7 | Craig Kimbrel | PHI | RP | 12.4 | 2.5 | 3.7 | 31 | 6.4 | 5.9 | -2.5 | 0 | 1.6 | 100 |
| 8 | David Bednar | PIT | RP | 12.1 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 30 | -0.8 | 9.5 | 2 | 1.7 | -1.3 | 100 |
| 9 | Josh Hader | SD | RP | 11.1 | 3.5 | 3.3 | 29 | -5.7 | 12.2 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 100 |
| 10 | Carlos Estevez | LAA | RP | 10.9 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 31 | -3.2 | 13.1 | 1.7 | -1.4 | -0.2 | 100 |
| 11 | Jhoan Duran | MIN | RP | 9.9 | 4.1 | 2.9 | 31 | -0.8 | 5.9 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 100 |
| 12 | David Robertson | NYM | RP | 8.8 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 33 | -0.8 | 5.9 | 2.1 | 0.8 | -0.2 | 99 |
| 13 | Paul Sewald | SEA | RP | 8.6 | 1.2 | 2.6 | 30 | -0.8 | 7.7 | 0 | 0.7 | 0 | 100 |
| 14 | Alex Lange | DET | RP | 8.6 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 32 | 4 | 6.8 | -1.9 | -1.5 | 0.2 | 93 |
| 15 | Ryan Pressly | HOU | RP | 8.5 | 0 | 2.5 | 33 | -0.8 | 8.6 | -0.5 | 1.3 | -1.1 | 100 |
Player Rater Top 15 (6×6 w/ Holds)
| # | Name | Team | Pos | $ | $/G | PS | PA/IP | $W | $SV | $ERA | $WHIP | $K | $HLD | R% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felix Bautista | BAL | RP | 26.5 | 18.4 | 7.1 | 37 | 2.7 | 17.1 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 6 | -5.5 | 100 |
| 2 | Alexis Diaz | CIN | RP | 20 | 15.1 | 5 | 33 | 0.5 | 17.1 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 3.2 | -4.8 | 100 |
| 3 | Jordan Romano | TOR | RP | 19.4 | 14.7 | 4.8 | 33 | 2.7 | 19.5 | 0.4 | -0.1 | 0.7 | -4.8 | 100 |
| 4 | Camilo Doval | SF | RP | 18.6 | 12.9 | 4.5 | 36 | 0.5 | 18.3 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 2.1 | -5.5 | 100 |
| 5 | Emmanuel Clase | CLE | RP | 14.9 | 9.5 | 3.3 | 37 | -1.6 | 19.5 | 1.2 | 0.3 | -0.1 | -5.5 | 100 |
| 6 | Carlos Estevez | LAA | RP | 11.8 | 11.1 | 2.3 | 31 | -1.6 | 14.6 | 1.9 | -0.7 | 0.7 | -4.2 | 100 |
| 7 | Josh Hader | SD | RP | 10.2 | 11.9 | 1.8 | 29 | -3.7 | 13.4 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 1 | -5.5 | 100 |
| 8 | Craig Kimbrel | PHI | RP | 10.1 | 9.1 | 1.7 | 31 | 6.9 | 4.7 | -1.7 | 0.5 | 2.3 | -3.5 | 100 |
| 9 | Devin Williams | MIL | RP | 9.7 | 15.2 | 1.6 | 26 | 4.8 | 7.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | -0.1 | -5.5 | 100 |
| 10 | David Bednar | PIT | RP | 9.7 | 11.6 | 1.6 | 30 | 0.5 | 9.6 | 2.2 | 2 | -0.2 | -5.5 | 100 |
| 11 | David Robertson | NYM | RP | 8.9 | 10.3 | 1.3 | 33 | 0.5 | 4.7 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.7 | -1.5 | 99 |
| 12 | Yennier Cano | BAL | RP | 8.9 | 5.6 | 1.3 | 38 | -1.6 | -4 | 4 | 3.2 | -0.2 | 6.4 | 43 |
| 13 | Will Smith | TEX | RP | 7.4 | 9.7 | 0.8 | 30 | -1.6 | 8.4 | 0.3 | 2.5 | -0.4 | -2.8 | 100 |
| 14 | Clay Holmes | NYY | RP | 6.8 | 5.9 | 0.6 | 32 | 4.8 | 2.2 | 0.8 | -0.6 | 0.7 | -2.2 | 100 |
| 15 | Evan Phillips | LAD | RP | 6.7 | 6.7 | 0.6 | 32 | -1.6 | 3.5 | 1.6 | 3.5 | 0.3 | -1.5 | 93 |
Saves Savants
Steady As They Go:
- Scott McGough has cemented himself as the #1 option on a very good Diamondbacks team. So yeah, if by some miracle he’s still out there in your league, you know what to do. Scott “Crime Dog” McGough tossed four scoreless with 7 K and 3 SV this week. He had a very rough start to the season, looking nothing like the shutdown closer he was over in Japan in recent years. However, that is no longer the case. He’s been stellar over the past month+.
- Evan Phillips has pulled away as the primary saves option for the Dodgers. They need no introduction to how good they are. He had 3 SV this week to Graterol’s 1 SV, and Phillips is honestly miles ahead of Graterol in overall quality anyway. Phillips walked none and allowed no runs in 4 IP, striking out four. Sexy 23.4 SwStr% as well. The dude went over a month between saves but has gobbled ’em up in the past several days. I’ve heard tales of him being dropped, and I guess a month between saves could drive one to do that. His ROS outlook is purty tasty if’n ya ask me. He’s even squeaked into the Top 15 of the 6×6 Player Rater.
- Alexis Diaz had 3 SV, 6 K, and allowed just one run, but he also allowed four hits and five walks. Walks are both a problem and not really a problem for him, though. He likes to hand ’em out, but then he’s usually able to work out of it. He’s probably just making things interesting for himself cuz he’s that damn good.
- Camilo Doval scored a dub as well as 3 SV. Just been on an absolute tear this past month, racking up the saves and Ks. His walk rate is creeping up a little, but it’s all good in the hood. He’s the full-time closer, as well all know, and he has a very long leash at this point.
- Jhoan Duran had 2 SV but also collected 1 BS. Overall, it was a good week still: 4 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K. Walks weren’t an issue last year, but they are this year. Otherwise, his Statcast looks about like it did in 2022, which is a very good thing.
- Felix Bautista blew a save and still finished the week with a great line: 2 SV, 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K. Ungodly 25 SwStr% while regularly blasting 100+ MPH, and did I mention he didn’t walk anyone?
- Craig Kimbrel is performing superbly of late, and that’s because Rob Thomson finally wised up and made him the sole closer. Kimbrel has looked absolutely vintage over the last two weeks (0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, 11:1 K:BB) and he’s only seen the 9th inning. That’s exactly how he likes it and that’s exactly how it should always be. All he’s done is climb the Player Rater since Jose Alvarado got outta his way.
On The Rise:
- Alex Lange was damn near drop status only a week ago but has rebounded nicely. This week he had 2 SV and 4 K while allowing no hits/runs in 3.1 IP. Did walk three, but hey, Lange gonna Lange in that regard. Like with Diaz, usually it’s not too big of a problem. I’ll cover my ass by reminding you that even though I questioned his roster-worthiness last week, I also said he has the chops to git gud again. He’s back into the Top 15 of the 5×5 Player Rater.
- Justin Lawrence had 2 SV this week, striking out three in 2.2 IP. Looked good with a 36.6 CSW%.
- Jordan Hicks also had 2 SV, striking out three in 2 IP. Most importantly, he didn’t register a free pass. Swing and miss wasn’t there this week — just a 7.7 SwStr% — but the job is clearly his and the FB velocity is poppin. Healthy Jordan Hicks is fun.
- Hunter Harvey seems to have leapfrogged Kyle Finnegan as the primary option in the 9th for the Nationals. No saves for Finney this week, while Harvey went and got 2 SV. You may or may not remember the days when Harvey was a beastly SP prospect for the Orioles, but of course injuries have always derailed him his entire career thus far. Nice to see him put together a really good season to this point.
Trending Down:
- Kyle Finnegan is obvs trending down cuz of the guy above. Oof, another miss for my preseason ranks! Sowwy.
- Brusdar Graterol is trending down as a SV-only option. I’d lose him entirely. Keep him around for holds, though.
Holds Heroes
Steady As They Go:
- A.J. Minter just won’t stop. Bagged 3 HLD this week, striking out eight in just 4 IP. Had kind of a weird line where he didn’t allow a hit but did allow 2 ER and 2 BB. Dude is just simply one of the very best holds guys around. He chugged ’em last year and he’s chugging ’em again now this year since Raisel Iglesias is back as full-time closer. AJM is up to 17 SVHD on the year. ERA looks ugly, but I promise that’ll look much better very soon.
- Hector Neris had 2 HLD and 3 K in 2.2 scoreless. I thought Bryan Abreu would contend for #1 setup status by now, but you’ll see his name at the bottom, sadly. Neris is the best option for holds in HOU right now.
- Erik Swanson has the most holds of anyone over the last month (9) after collecting two more this week. Dominated enough to post yet another negative-FIP week (-0.16).
On The Rise:
- Danny Coulombe is the new sex machine setting up Bautista in the O’s pen, posting 3 HLD and 0 ER in 2.1 IP. Telling y’all, Yennier Cano sucks now. Danny Coulombe does not. Cano has the holds totals at the moment, but the overall quality is in Coulombe’s favor now. Cano has a 1.76 WHIP over the last month, with just 5 K (and 5 BB) and poo poo metrics across the board. Coulombe, however, has a 1.13 WHIP (not elite, but still hella better than Cano) and an 8:3 K:BB in 3.1 less IP than Cano over the same timeframe. Bryan Baker has also taken a nosedive, so Coulombe is the guy you want.
- Josh Sborz had 3 HLD as well, striking out six in 3.2 scoreless/walkless innings. Pretty clear that Sborz is the #1 HLR for the Rangers, so that’s definitely something you’re gonna want a piece of for fantasy purposes. I’d wager he’s been overlooked in your league. What’s his last month look like, you ask? Like this: 15.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 21 K, 2 W, and 6 HLD. Yes sirrrrrrr gimme all that. Is it backed up by metrics, you ask? Sure! If you like that K:BB, you’ll also like his 21.2 SwStr% and 40.4 CSW%. He’s 95th percentile or better in the following Statcast categories: xBA, xERA/xwOBA, xSLG, Barrel%, and Whiff%. In fact, he’s 99th in all of those except xBA. YES SIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
- Mason Thompson led the Nationals with 3 HLD this week. Guess that warrants “On The Rise” status, it’s just he’s probably not worth rostering outside of deep or NL-only leagues that have holds as their own category.
- Tommy Kahnle had 2 SVHD for the Yankees this week. Holmes is probably back to being the primary saves guy, so that makes Kahnle an “On The Rise” holds guy in my book. He had a very impressive 44.4 CSW% en route to striking out two in 2.2 scoreless innings.
- Lucas Sims was good this week, even if he only had 1 HLD to show for it: 7:0 K:BB, 25.5 SwStr% (!), and 38.3 CSW%. Okay, he did allow three solo HR, but whatevs. He’s the #1 setup option for America’s team, dadblabbit! Here’s his last month: 13.1 IP, 2.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 7 HLD, and 18:4 K:BB. That’s real good shiz, y’all. Metrics looking good as well. You’ll notice a terrible BB% percentile on Statcast, but look at those 4 BB in 13.1 IP this month! Yay!
Trending Down:
- Yennier Cano was mentioned above. He’s bad. Trade him before people wise up. Just drop him if you have to.
- Bryan Abreu has the goods to get right back on track and even overtake Neris/Pressly as the best SVHD RP for Houston. This week was both terrible and sorta okay. The terrible: 20.25 ERA, 3.75 WHIP, 8.3 SwStr%. The sorta okay: 1 HLD, 1 H, 33.3 CSW%. That awful WHIP was thanks to 4 BB in just 1.1 IP. Surprisingly, he was still able to pull off that nice CSW%. When this dude’s on, he’s arguably the nastiest guy in the biz. The numbers on the year still look great. I have faith. I also fully understand if you’re ready to say goodbye. Depends on what you can replace him with, I guess.
- Rafael Montero is unquestionably a drop if you happened to have been holding him in hopes of a return to 2022 form. Just say your farewells; he ain’t got it.
- Taylor Clarke probably isn’t on many rosters, but I have to call him out for maybe the ugliest line of all RP this week: 2.2 IP, 8 H, 8 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 3 K. He was in the holds mix for the Royals, but I bet he takes a back seat for a little bit after all that.
I specialize in bullpens and I used to do some fantasy hockey as well here at Razzball. Find me on Twitter: @jkj0787. DMs are always open for questions, comments, concerns, complaints, etc. Odds are good I’m drinking black coffee, dark beer, or some form of bourbon at any given time of day.
