2024 MLB Bullpen Report (4/26)
Arizona Diamondbacks
Kevin Ginkel only made one appearance over the past week (one run and two hits over one inning with one strikeout), leading to his fourth save in six tries. He has a 4.32 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, and eight strikeouts over 8.1 innings in April. Paul Sewald made his first rehab appearance on Tuesday (no runs, three baserunners, and two strikeouts over two-thirds of an inning). The Diamondbacks expect him back after a couple of more minor-league appearances.
Atlanta Braves
After picking up a save in seven consecutive games (2.84 ERA and five strikeouts over 6.1 innings with five strikeouts), Raisel Iglesias gave up the lead on 4/24 against the Marlins. He allowed a run, three hits, and one strikeout over one inning. A.J. Minter extended his scoreless streak to seven innings with one walk and seven strikeouts while earning three wins and three holds. Joe Jimenez hasn’t given up a run, three hits, no walks, and 10 strikeouts over his last 8.1 innings.
Baltimore Orioles
Craig Kimbrel has a win (3) or a save (7) in 10 of his 11 appearances while going 7-for-8 in save conversions. He improved his shutout run to 10.0 innings with six baserunners and 15 strikeouts. Yennier Cano has been up and down over his last eight appearances (4.50 ERA, 1.625 WHIP, and eight strikeouts over eight innings).
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox called upon Kenley Jansen only once over the past week, and he responded with an uptick game (a perfect inning with three strikeouts and a save). He has a 6.00 ERA, 1.667 WHIP, and five strikeouts over his last three innings. Jansen is 5-for-6 in his save opportunities. Chris Martin pitched better over his last three innings (no runs, two hits, and one strikeout). Justin Slaten pitched four shutout innings with four baserunners and three strikeouts over his previous two matchups.
Chicago Cubs
Over the past week, the Cubs handed Hector Neris the ball with the game on the line in the ninth inning. He secured a save in each game while allowing a run, four baserunners, and a home run over three innings with two strikeouts. Neris has a 4.00 ERA, 1.778 WHIP, and eight strikeouts over nine innings on the year. After losing his closing role, Adbert Alzolay tossed 1.2 no-hit shutout innings with one strikeout. He has four blown saves in seven chances. The Cubs should give Alzolay another opportunity to finish games after a few more productive outings. Mark Leiter hasn’t allowed a run over 12.1 innings with 13 strikeouts.
Chicago White Sox
Twenty-five games into 2024, the White Sox have only three wins while going 2-6 in one-run games. Michael Kopech has served up a pair of two-run home runs over the past week, leading to his first blown save in three tries. Kopech has a 5.59 ERA and 1.345 WHIP in April, with 15 strikeouts over 9.2 innings. Jordan Leasure struggles in two of his previous three games (two runs and four baserunners over three innings with no strikeouts).
Cincinnati Reds
Alexis Diaz is 5-for-6 in closing situations while extending his scoreless streak to 6.1 innings with six strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 3.48 after struggling in his first appearance (three runs, four baserunners, and one strikeout over one-third inning) in 2024. Fernando Cruz has been sensational over his last six innings (no runs, four baserunners, and 12 strikeouts).
Cleveland Guardians
Over 13 games, Emmanuel Clase has eight saves in 10 chances while posting a 0.69 ERA over 13.0 innings with 14 strikeouts. He hasn’t allowed a run over his last six innings, with three baserunners and eight strikeouts. Hunter Gaddis improved his scoreless run to 12.1 innings with 16 strikeouts. His success puts him second in line for saves for Cleveland.
Colorado Rockies
Justin Lawrence picked up back-to-back saves this week while also earning a win on 4/21. He hasn’t allowed a run over his previous five innings, with four baserunners and five strikeouts. However, his ERA (5.59) remains out of line due to two poor outings (six runs and eight baserunners over 1.1 innings). Victor Vodnik saw his 12.1 shutout string end on 4/20 when the Mariners beat him for three runs and five runners over one inning. He gave nine baserunners over his last four innings.
Detroit Tigers
Jason Foley's express train remains on track after a month of the season. He is perfect in his seven chances and has not allowed a run over 11.0 innings with 11 strikeouts. Shelby Miller lost momentum over his last 5.1 innings (three runs, eight baserunners, and six strikeouts), leading to two losses and a blown save. Alex Lange hasn’t allowed a run or walk over his last four innings with five strikeouts. If I’m invested in Foley, I would handcuff him with Lange this week.
Houston Astros
The last appearance by Josh Hader came on April 19th due to the Astros losing five consecutive games. They only have three wins since April 8th (12 losses). Hader has a 10.57 ERA over his previous 7.2 innings with two losses, two saves, and a blown save. Ryan Pressly struggled in two of his last four appearances (two runs, six baserunners, and six strikeouts over four innings). Bryan Abreu has been trending up over his past seven innings (one run, nine baserunners, and eight strikeouts) despite pitching poorly in his last outing (one run, two hits, and a home run over 1.2 innings). Houston has the worst bullpen ERA (5.13) in the majors, with a 2-9 record.
Kansas City Royals
Since April 5th, James McArthur tossed 9.2 shutout innings with 11 strikeouts, a win, and six saves. He has allowed more hits (14) than innings pitched (12.2) this year. His success in relief is driven by improved command (four walks and 37 strikeouts) since arriving in Kansas City. John Schreiber (one run and 10 baserunners over 12.0 innings with eight strikeouts) remains next in line to close for the Royals.
Los Angeles Angels
Carlos Estevez pitched only once (a perfect inning with two strikeouts and a save) since April 16th. He is 4-for-5 in save conversions with improved command (no walks over seven innings with seven strikeouts). Adam Cimber gave up four runs and five baserunners over his last 1.1 innings. Luis Garcia improved his scoreless run to 9.1 innings with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite allowing a hit and three walks on 4/23, Evan Phillips didn’t allow a run in a save situation. He remains perfect in his seven save tries, with an edge in ERA (0.84) and WHIP (1.125). His shutout string stands at six innings with seven strikeouts. Daniel Hudson gave a run in three of his last six appearances, leading to three runs, seven baserunners, and a home run. Michael Grove continues to have a losing ERA (6.00), but he has been sharp over his previous 7.1 innings (no runs, one hit, three walks, and 12 strikeouts). LA may stretch him out if they have another issue in their starting rotation.
Miami Marlins
Tanner Scott secured a save in three consecutive outings before taking a loss in a tie game in extra innings (one hit and no earned runs). His ERA (3.38) is back in a competitive area, but he still has more walks (12) than strikeouts (10). His walk-less streak stands at two innings. Andrew Nardi has an 8.44 ERA and 1.875 WHIP over 10.2 innings this year, masking his success over his last 7.1 innings (two runs, nine baserunners, and 12 strikeouts).
Milwaukee Brewers
Over the past 10 days, Joel Payamps tossed 5.1 scoreless innings with one hit, two walks, five strikeouts, three saves, and a blown save. His shutout string sits at 7.1 innings. Milwaukee gave Trevor Megill a save chance (converted) on 4/25, giving his supporters hope that he gets more chances going forward. He checks the fastball box (98.5 mph) but tends to give up too many baserunners. The Brewers hope to have Devin Williams back around the All-Star break.
Minnesota Twins
In his first rehab appearance, Jhoan Duran gave up two runs, four hits, and three strikeouts over one inning. The Twins hope to have him back in the next week or so. Griffin Jax has a save in three consecutive appearances, improving his shutout string to 3.2 innings with two hits and six strikeouts. Brock Stewart hasn’t allowed a run over 11.1 innings with 13 baserunners and 15 strikeouts.
New York Mets
A month into the season, Edwin Diaz has four saves in as many chances with success in ERA (1.04) and strikeouts (12 over 8.2 innings). Reed Garrett continues to an exceptional path (one run over 12.2 innings with 25 strikeouts and four walks). He has a career 4.39 ERA and 495 strikeouts over 563.1 innings in his minor league career. Adam Ottavino extended his no-hit scoreless run to 7.2 innings with one walk and 14 strikeouts.
New York Yankees
Clay Holmes is 9-for-10 save conversions while not allowing a run over 12.0 innings with 10 strikeouts. Ian Hamilton posted a 4.15 ERA, 1.846 WHIP, and four strikeouts over his last 4.1 innings. New York lost Nick Burdi to the injured list with a hip issue. The Yankees replaced him with Ron Marinaccio, who pitched four shutout innings with four strikeouts over his last three games.
Oakland A’s
If Mason Miller stays healthy, he will be on many winning fantasy teams. He is 6-for-6 save opportunities, with elite success over his first 10.1 innings in April (no runs, seven baserunners, and 22 strikeouts). Lucas Erceg pitched at a high level over his previous 7.2 innings (no run, one hit, and eight strikeouts). Austin Adams saw his 6.2-inning shutout run end on April 20th when he gave up a pair of runs and four hits over two-thirds of an inning.
Philadelphia Phillies
Jose Alvarado gave up a run and two hits over his previous nine innings, with five walks, nine strikeouts, and four saves. His ERA (5.59) remains out of line compared to his WHIP (1.241). Orion Kerkering has yet to allow a run over 4.2 innings with four strikeouts. Jeff Hoffman extended his shutout string to six innings with seven strikeouts, a win, and one save.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Heading into this week, David Bednar is 4-for-7 in save tries with a disappointing ERA (9.00). His WHIP (1.222) shows he has been unfortunate with his runners on base scoring (9). He hasn’t allowed a run over his past three innings with no walks, three strikeouts, and two saves. Aroldis Chapman crushed fantasy teams over his last five appearances (six runs and 11 baserunners over three innings), leading to two losses and two blown saves.
San Diego Padres
Robert Suarez has yet to allow a run over 9.1 innings in April, with seven strikeouts and seven saves. He is 9-for-9 with save ties with a winning ERA (0.77) and WHIP (0.943). Yuki Matsui gave three runs and four baserunners over his last three innings with one strikeout. His strikeout-to-walk ratio (7:6) is out of line.
San Francisco Giants
Over his last seven innings, Camilo Doval allowed a run, six baserunners, and 12 strikeouts with four saves. His ERA (3.52) and WHIP (1.044) moved back to a winning area after struggling in his first appearance of the year (two runs, two baserunners, and one home run over two-thirds of an inning). Taylor Rogers improved his shutout streak to four innings with two strikeouts.
Seattle Mariners
Matt Brash still hasn’t pitched in a minor league game. He looks to be one bullpen outing away from a rehab assignment. After not getting a save since April 6th, Andres Munoz picked up his third save in four chances on 4/25. He has a 3.38 ERA, 1.393 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts in April. Over this span, Munoz issued six walks. Ryan Stanek pitched 3.2 shutout innings over the past 10 days with five baserunners and three strikeouts. His last save came on April 12th.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals haven’t created a save opportunity since April 16th due to only two wins over seven matchups. Ryan Helsley is 7-for-8 in closing situations with no runs or walks allowed over his last seven innings, leading to nine strikeouts and four saves. Giovanny Gallegos pitched poorly over his last five appearances (four runs, seven baserunners, and two home runs over 3.1 innings). Andrew Kittredge improved his shutout streak to 6.1 innings with six baserunners and eight strikeouts. He appears to be the handcuff to Helsley at this point of the season.
Tampa Bay Rays
The loss of Pete Fairbanks (nerve issue) suggested Jason Adam would be the big winner for saves for the Rays. Tampa decided to go with lefty Garrett Cleavinger in their past two save situations despite questionable command (nine walks over 10.2 innings) and a sketchy WHIP (1.594). Over his last 6.2 innings, he hasn’t allowed a run with five walks and 11 strikeouts. Adam has been their best reliever on the year (1.50 ERA and 0.500 WHIP over 12.0 innings) while not giving up a run over his previous 8.2 innings with no saves, a win, and six holds. He should be picked up in all formats. I don’t expect Fairbanks to help for the remainder of the season. I sense that he will miss six to nine weeks if surgery isn’t required.
Texas Rangers
After a great opening week as the Rangers closer (five shutout innings with six strikeouts, a win, and three saves), Tyler Yates hasn’t appeared in a game since 4/21 due to game score. The bridge back to the ninth inning for Jose LeClerc sits at five scoreless innings with two hits, four walks, and six strikeouts. David Robertson remains a competitive bullpen arm for Texas, highlighted by his 1.26 ERA and 0.907 WHIP over 14.1 innings with 15 strikeouts. He has two blown saves, but none coming with the game on the line in the ninth inning.
Toronto Blue Jays
Since coming off the injured list, Jordan Romano is 3-for-3 in save chances with a 4.50 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and three strikeouts over four innings. Last week, the Blue Jays placed Chad Green on the IL with a teres major strain in his right shoulder, removing him for save consideration. Yimi Garcia hasn’t allowed a run over his last 7.2 innings with one hit, no walks, 11 strikeouts, and two saves. He is the top handcuff to Romano as the calendar approaches May.
Washington Nationals
Kyle Finnegan hasn’t given up a run over 8.2 innings in April, with seven baserunners, eight strikeouts, a win, and six saves. He is 7-for-8 in save conversions. Over his last five appearances, Finnegan pitched five perfect innings with four strikeouts. Hunter Harvey struggled over his previous 4.2 innings (three runs, eight baserunners, and five strikeouts). Dylan Floro improved his scoreless string to seven innings with four strikeouts.