Monkey Bytes, March 26: Paul Sewald suffers an oblique strain, Twins leverage plan, Toronto injury update, Game Recaps, and more

Arizona Diamondbacks – Not the news anyone wants to see, Paul Sewald suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain and will open the year on the injured list per Nick Piecoro in this tweet on “X”. In a follow-up note, manager Torey Lovullo did not want to name an interim closer, but Piecoro intimated Ginkel should receive the first save opportunity of the season, which we agree with. Last year, he went 9-1 while converting four of six save chances and recorded eight holds. Through 60 appearances, he logged 65.1 innings with a 70:23 K:BB (18.5 K-BB%), 0.98 WHIP, and a 12.9 swinging strike percentage. Over his last 27 outings, he won six of seven decisions with 36 strikeouts over 27.2 innings. Here’s hoping he carries over last year’s gains into the start of the season. 

Projected Hierarchy: Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson | Scott McGough

Minnesota Twins – In a column highlighting how Griffin Jax has improved his arsenal, Do-Hyoung Kim of MLB.com also shared Rocco Baldelli’s leverage plans with Jhoan Durán sidelined at the onset of the season. Jax will be a high-leverage option, but will share save chances with Brock Stewart, which forces an adjustment of our projected hierarchy. Plan on Jax being the HLR (highest-leveraged reliever), facing the toughest lineup pocket in the eighth or ninth inning, no exclusively deployed in the ninth. If this happens, Stewart would receive the save chance. Plan accordingly. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Griffin Jax | *Brock Stewart | Steven Okert

Toronto Blue Jays – Although there’s no confirmation in this tweet by Shi Davidi on “X”, manager John Scheider acknowledges “it’s reasonable to say Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson will begin the season on the IL”. Hopefully, more news emerges, but if they do not throw bullpens until next week, it’s time the hierarchy shifts ahead of Opening Day. 

Projected Hierarchy: *Yimi García | *Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera

Colorado Rockies – In Patrick Saunders’ bullpen preview for the Denver Post, he wrote Justin Lawrence is “penciled” in as the closer with Tyler Kinley projected as the primary set-up reliever in the eighth inning role. It’s been a camp competition for the ninth inning, but as it stands, plan on this adjustment in the leverage ladder unless Bud Black suggests otherwise. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: Justin Lawrence | Tyler Kinley | Jake Bird

Chicago White Sox – Remaining guarded in his comments about having a closer, Pedro Grifol says the team will enter the year without one being named in this tweet shared by Scott Merkin of MLB.com. In Grifol’s words, “We’re attacking leverage. Somebody takes it on, somebody takes it on.”. During the team’s scrimmage with its Triple-A affiliate, Michael Kopech pitched for Charlotte, retiring his teammates in order, including a strikeout of Gavin Sheets. Unofficially, he finishes the spring with four scoreless appearances as a reliever with a 0.25 WHIP and 4:1 K:BB. Hopefully he get a chance to take the closer role on soon. 

Projected Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 25)

Atlanta Braves -With the regular season drawing nearer, Raisel Iglesias fired a much-needed clean outing, striking out one in the sixth. He finishes spring with a 1.83 WHIP while racking up 13 strikeouts versus four walks over 7.2 innings. As a veteran, getting through the spring healthy represents a win.

Houston Astros – Playing it’s Triple-A affiliate in an exhibition, Ryan Pressly suffered a blown save, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one. Josh Hader fired a clean sixth, striking out the side. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). This does not count toward his spring totals, but he recorded a 1.24 WHIP with five strikeouts over 5.2 innings through six outings. Biggest thing from this outing, his slider usage, courtesy of Statcast:

Last year, Hader used his sinker over seventy percent of the time with San Diego last year, this could increase his strikeout percentage in 2024.

New York Yankees – Entering in the sixth inning on Monday, Clay Holmes secured his fourth hold with a scoreless outing, giving up a hit and striking out one. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). Through seven outings, he’s posted a 1.41 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk.

Oakland A’s – Dominating Giants hitters, Mason Miller fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out the side on 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) while producing six whiffs (46.2 SwStr%). Five of his pitches exceeded 100 m.p.h. and he finished spring with a 0.91 WHIP with 14 strikeouts over 7.2 innings. Lucas Erceg navigated around two hits and a walk while striking out one for a scoreless eighth. Dany Jiménez retired the side in order in the seventh, as did Zach Jackson in the sixth.

San Diego Padres – Turning in a labored tune-up, Robert Suarez allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the top of the ninth versus Seattle. He threw 24 pitches (50 Strike%) inducing three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). Yuki Matsui tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out three on 16 pitches (75 Strike%) with four whiffs (25 SwStr%). Jhony Brito fired a clean seventh, striking out two.

Seattle Mariners – In his final spring tuneup, Andrés Muñoz turned in a scoreless sixth, allowing a two-out single by Ha-Seong Kim. Muñoz threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made seven appearances and posted a 1.05 WHIP with six strikeouts versus zero walks through 6.2 innings. Ryan Divish also provided two injury updates. First, Matt Brash threw 20 pitches and will throw again in a few days during his build-up phase per this tweet. Gregory Santos will undergo an MRI on March, and if it’s clean, he will resume his throwing program

Tampa Bay Rays – Collecting his second win this spring, Pete Fairbanks fired a clean eighth, striking out one on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) with three whiffs (20 SwStr%). He’s made six appearances and posted a 0.88 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus two walks over 5.2 innings. Colin Poche only retired one batter and walked two in the seventh. Jason Adam worked a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out three.

Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Brent Honeywell‘s screwball, note his catcher’s reaction, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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Monkey Bytes, March 25:

With Opening Day three sleeps away, we will be shifting from Spring Vibes into this new format for the regular season.

Chicago White Sox – A tough day for this leverage ladder. Deivi García allowed two hits, including a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. John Brebbia suffered his first loss, issuing two walks and serving up a three-run home run during the seventh. Jordan Leasure encountered adversity. He gave up four hits and two earned runs while striking out two in the sixth. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak. He owns a 1.18 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against four walks over 9.1 innings this spring.

There’s still no word on how Pedro Grifol will structure his bullpen, but those hoping Michael Kopech receives save chances appreciate his manager’s thoughts about the reliever’s performance after being deployed as a reliever rather than starting games.

Projected Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure

Boston Red Sox Encouraging outings by the high-leverage Red Sox relievers on Sunday featured Kenley Jansen firing a clean seventh, striking out one, throwing eight pitches (87.5 Strike%). Reports suggested his cutter sat at 93 m.p.h. and he had good shape with pitches. Chris Martin retired the side in order in the eighth, recording a strikeout. Both will face Texas in an exhibition game before Opening Day, and with no setbacks, each will be ready for the season.

Projected Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Cincinnati Reds – Appearing on consecutive days did not end well for Alexis Díaz. He allowed two hits, including a three-run home run, and a walk while striking out two, resulting in his first loss. Following this outing, he owns a 1.70 WHIP this spring with 11 strikeouts versus four walks. Lucas Sims worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two. Emilio Pagán fired a clean seventh, striking out one. One hopes Díaz will improve once the season begins with increased adrenaline, but fantasy players should monitor his results early on, especially his WHIP and K-BB percentage.

Projected Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims | Emilio Pagán

Detroit Tigers – Logging two shutout frames, Beau Brieske secured his first spring save, scattering two hits and striking out two. He’s recorded 13.1 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and a 0.38 WHIP through seven appearances. Will Vest collected his first win, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, and striking out one. Alex Lange fired a clean sixth, striking out one on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last five outings with seven strikeouts against one walk. Andrew Chafin retired his only batter faced, stranding a runner in the fifth.

Whether or not Lange maintains the gains he’s displayed in recent appearances, through seven innings this spring, he owns a 62.3 Strike percentage. It’s a small sample, but last year he finished with a 51 percent strike rate per Baseball Reference. His ability to throw strikes, and get ahead of hitters will determine if he keeps the primary save share in a deep, pliable leverage ladder.

Projected Hierarchy: Alex Lange | Jason Foley | Shelby Miller

Los Angeles Dodgers – During an exhibition game with the Angels, Evan Phillips fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). With a save under his belt, he’s ready for his stateside Opening Day on Thursday. Ryan Brasier had a rough outing, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds of the seventh. Alex Vesia retired his only batter faced in the sixth, stranding an inherited runner.

Hierarchy Remains: Evan Phillips | Joe Kelly | Daniel Hudson

Miami Marlins – Collecting his first win, Andrew Nardi logged 1.2 innings, giving up three hits and an earned run while striking out four. Tanner Scott secured his first spring hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing a hit, and striking out three. He threw 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and produced seven whiffs (35 SwStr%). He owns a five-game scoreless streak with six strikeouts against two walks over his last 4.2 innings. Sixto Sánchez worked two scoreless innings, yielding two hits and striking out four. Anthony Bender retired the side in order in the ninth.

Projected Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Anthony Bender

New York Mets – With trumpets playing for his entrance, Edwin Díaz bounced back with a clean sixth, striking out one in his third spring appearance. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.55 WHIP with five strikeouts versus two walks over 3.2 innings. His velocity was down two m.p.h. in this contest. Jake Diekman allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh. Jorge López tossed a clean eighth, striking out one.

Projected Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Adam Ottavino | Brooks Raley

Pittsburgh Pirates – Rounding into form, David Bednar allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the fourth inning during his second appearance this spring. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) producing one whiff. Aroldis Chapman worked around two walks for a scoreless fifth on 20 pitches (40 Strike%) getting one whiff with reduced velocity. Through six games this spring, he owns a 1.17 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus three whiffs. 

The biggest concern for this leverage ladder will be depth. There’s a chance Colin Holderman (illness) and Carmen Mlodzinski (forearm) may open the year on the injured list per Jason Mackey.

Projected Hierarchy: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Ryan Borucki

Toronto Blue Jays – During a shutout loss, Yimi García tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) producing three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). Following eight outings this spring, he owns a 0.67 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus two walks. Génesis Cabrera navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in the eighth. Chad Green turned in his best spring outing, striking out the side in the seventh on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and inducing seven whiffs (50 SwStr%). He’s made eight appearances this spring, posting a 1.57 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and one walk over 7.2 innings.

Anticipated Hierarchy: Yimi García | Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera

Washington Nationals – Making his first game appearance since March 12, Kyle Finnegan suffered his first blown save, giving up three hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out one over two-thirds of the seventh. After six outings this spring, he owns a 0.94 WHIP with 10 strikeouts through 5.1 innings, but his back tightness must be monitored moving forward. The good news, he did use the slider (sweeper) discussed in a previous note:

Projected Hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Matt Barnes

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Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day, nasty sliders by Emmanuel Clase against the Reds on Sunday, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Until next time, stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com | Baseball-Reference.com | BaseballSavant.com

Spring Vibes, March 24: More Toronto Reliever News, Kopech hits 101 m.p.h., and Game Recaps

Toronto Blue Jays – Two different posts provided a bit more insight on the runways for a return by Opening Day for Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson. First, this post confirms Swanson threw on Thursday and Friday, but Romano will throw today (Sunday, March 24), not yesterday as previously reported. Later on Saturday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet wrote “there likely isn’t enough runway” for the two relievers being ready for Opening Day in his final roster calls column. While awaiting official word from the team, which may not make any moves before camp breaks, the anticipated hierarchy shift would be a committee approach: 

Projected Opening Day Hierarchy: *Yimi García | *Chad Green | *Tim Mayza

Chicago White Sox – Although Pedro Grifol remains vague about labeling his reliever roles, Michael Kopech fired a clean fifth, striking out two while hitting 101 m.p.h. on the radar. He’s made three appearances as a reliever, all scoreless, with three strikeouts against one walk and a 0.33 WHIP. Bryan Shaw allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless sixth. Steven Wilson turned in a clean seventh, striking out two. Following Kopech’s outing, here are the updated statistics for the anticipated hierarchy: 

  • Michael Kopech: 3 appearances as an RP: 3 innings, 3:1 K:BB, 0.33 WHIP, 66.7 Strike%
  • John Brebbia: 1 game, 1 inning, one strikeout, 1.00 WHIP, 25 K-BB%
  • Jordan Leasure: 9 games, 8.1 innings, 9:4 K:BB, 16.7 K-BB%, 0.84 WHIP

Projected Opening Day Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | *Jordan Leasure

Colorado Rockies – With the closer competition still active, Tyler Kinley fired a clean sixth, striking out one. By my count, he threw seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (42.9 SwStr%). He owns a 1.09 WHIP with nine strikeouts against four walks through 7.1 innings. Jake Bird retired the side in order in the seventh. Justin Lawrence worked a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. He threw 13 pitches (6 strikes – 46.1 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s posted a 1.92 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus four walks over 8.1 innings. Following their results in this contest, each relievers updated spring statistics appear as such: 

  • Justin Lawrence: 9 games, 8.1 innings, 11:4 K:BB, 17.5 K-BB%, 1.92 WHIP, 63.9 Strike%, 9 SwStr%
  • Tyler Kinley: 8 games, 7.1 innings, 9:4 K:BB, 16.7 K-BB%, 1.09 WHIP, 59 Strike%, 14.2 SwStr%

Until Bud Black announces his plans for the ninth inning, it remains a committee:

Projected Opening Day Hierarchy: *Tyler Kinley | *Jordan Lawrence | Jake Bird

Quick Hits (Game Recaps for March 23)

Arizona Diamondbacks – In a non-save appearance, Paul Sewald turned in a scoreless ninth, preserving a shutout but he did hit a batter in a split-squad tilt against Cleveland. He threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) with two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Through six games this spring, he’s recorded a 0.83 WHIP with five strikeouts against one walk. Miguel Castro tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit. Ryan Thompson faced one batter during his one-third of the sixth. Joe Mantiply gave up a hit during two-thirds of the sixth. Versus the Giants in the other split-game contest, Kevin Ginkel fired a clean sixth, striking out one.

Projected Opening Day Hierarchy: Paul Sewald | Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson

Atlanta Braves – During his seventh appearance this spring, Raisel Iglesias gave up two hits and an earned run while recording three strikeouts. He’s been racking up whiffs, but also allowing contact in recent outings. He owns a 2.10 WHIP with 12 strikeouts versus four walks through 6.2 innings. A.J. Minter worked a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit. Tyler Matzek had a sideways day, giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk in the seventh. Dylan Lee fired a clean eighth, striking out one.

Projected Opening Day Hierarchy: Raisel Iglesias | A.J. Minter | Pierce Johnson

Cincinnati Reds – Turning up for the regular season, Alexis Díaz took over in the ninth, tossing a scoreless frame while working around a lead-off double with two ground-outs and a strikeout. By my count, he threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Lucas Sims fired a clean eighth, striking out two. Justin Wilson retired the side in order in the seventh, recording one strikeout. Tony Santillan navigated around a hit and a walk with three strikeouts in the sixth.

Projected Opening Day Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims | Emilio Pagán

Texas Rangers – Rolling through three of its leverage relievers, the Rangers tied the Royals. Kirby Yates notched his second hold, striking out one in a clean fifth. Brock Burke worked around a walk for a scoreless sixth, getting his second hold. José Leclerc tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out one. He owns a 1.62 WHIP this spring but has not allowed a run over his last four outings, posting a 6:2 K:BB over four innings.

Projected Opening Day Hierarchy: José Leclerc | David Robertson | Josh Sborz

Closer Monkey’s filthy sequence of the day goes to Tyler Rogers, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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Spring Vibes, March 23: Toronto RP Update, Breaking Down Unsettled Bullpens, and Game Recaps

Toronto Blue Jays – It’s behind a paywall, so the quotes will be brief, however, Kaitlyn McGrath provided updates in her Five questions for the Blue Jays on two key relievers. Erik Swanson played catch on Thursday and Friday while Jordan Romano will throw today (March 23). Because of the timeline, both relievers status for Opening Day remain in question. She also mentioned five relievers who could receive save chances, but it’s purely speculation. Because of this, two hierarchies based on the strong spring results by Yimi García (0.63 WHIP; 16.7 K-BB%):

Projected Hierarchy with good news: Jordan Romano | Erik Swanson | Yimi García

Hierarchy with chaos: *Yimi García | *Chad Green | *Tim Mayza

Now for the unsettled bullpens across the fantasy landscape ahead of drafts this weekend.

Chicago White Sox – Breaking the candidates for save chances once the season begins remains difficult based on any comments provided by manager, Pedro Grifol. With this in mind, here are the limited spring results by two veterans vying for the top spot in the bullpen hierarchy along with the strong spring results by rookie, Jordan Leasure

  • Michael Kopech: 2 appearances as an RP: 2 innings, 1:1 K:BB, 0.50 WHIP
  • John Brebbia: 1 game, 1 inning, one strikeout, 1.00 WHIP, 25 K-BB%
  • Jordan Leasure: 9 games, 8.1 innings, 9:4 K:BB, 16.7 K-BB%, 0.84 WHIP

Projected Hierarchy (Committee): *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | *Jordan Leasure

Colorado Rockies -With both candidates slated to pitch on Saturday against the Reds, their results may sway how Bud Black structures his leverage ladder. Their respective results this spring so far: 

  • Justin Lawrence: 8 games, 7.1 innings, 10:3 K:BB, 19.4 K-BB%, 2.05 WHIP, 64.5 Strike%, 9.7 SwStr%
  • Tyler Kinley: 7 games, 6.1 innings, 8:4 K:BB, 14.8 K-BB%, 1.26 WHIP, 58.3 Strike%, 13.2 SwStr%

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post leaned toward Kinley, who secured five saves last September as the preferred save option while Thomas Harding of MLB.com placed Lawrence ahead in his roster projection for MLB.com.

Projected Hierarchy: *Tyler Kinley | *Justin Lawrence | Jake Bird

Milwaukee Brewers – During a split-squad game versus Kansas City, Trevor Megill recorded a scoreless outing, walking one and striking out two. Joel Payamps held on for his first hold, allowing a hit and striking out one during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. In the Brewers other split-squad contest, Abner Uribe tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two. With all three pitching on Friday, here are their updated spring statistics, in alphabetical order: 

  • Trevor Megill: 7 games, 7 innings, 7:2 K:BB, 17.2 K-BB%, 1.29 WHIP, 65.7 Strike%, 17.1 SwStr%
  • Joel Payamps: 7 games, 7 innings, 8:0 K:BB, 23.5 K-BB%, 1.57 WHIP, 68.7 Strike%, 9.1 SwStr%
  • Abner Uribe: 9 games, 8.1 innings, 9:2 K:BB, 15.8 K-BB%. 1.56 WHIP, 70.2 Strike%, 22.3 SwStr%

New manager, Pat Murphy, has maintained a match-up-based approach that will dictate who receives save chances in early contests while Devin Williams opens the season on the injured list. There’s a chance Payamps ends up being the HLR (highest leveraged reliever) which means he faces the toughest situations (inherited runners) or lineup pockets in the late innings. If this happens, it paves the way for Uribe or Megill for ancillary save chances.

Projected Hierarchy: *Joel Payamps | *Abner Uribe | *Trevor Megill

Philadelphia Phillies – Entering against two left-handed hitters in the top of the sixth, José Alvarado retired both batters faced, including a pinch hitter, for his second hold this spring. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) with no whiffs. Jeff Hoffman fired a clean seventh, striking out the side on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Seranthony Domínguez secured his third hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Gregory Soto suffered his first loss and blown save, giving up four hits, including two home runs, and four earned runs in the ninth. Since the first three relievers remain our projected hierarchy, here are their updated spring numbers: 

  • José Alvarado: 7 games, 6.1 innings, 6:2 K:BB, 15.4 K-BB%, 1.11 WHIP, 67 Strike%, 11.7 SwStr%
  • Jeff Hoffman: 8 games, 7.2 innings, 10:2 K:BB, 26.7 K-BB%, 0.91 WHIP, 68.7 Strike%, 16.5 SwStr%
  • Seranthony Domínguez: 7 games, 7 innings, 7:2 K:BB, 17.2 K-BB%, 1.00 WHIP, 66.7 Strike%, 11.4 SwStr%

Adjusted Hierarchy: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | *Seranthony Domínguez

Rob Thomson calls his leverage approach a “floating closer” which may provide Alvarado with the primary save share, but Hoffman’s strong second half and spring get him into the conversation. Domínguez has experience as a closer, which keeps him on the periphery of save opportunities, especially if Alvarado and Hoffman face tougher lineup pockets in the seventh and eighth innings.

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 22)

Los Angeles Angels – Staking his claim atop his bullpen’s hierarchy, Carlos Estévez fired a clean ninth, striking out one for his second save this spring. By my count, he threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and produced one whiff, the game-ending strikeout. Through seven outings, he owns a 0.71 WHIP with five strikeouts and no walks. Adam Cimber retired the side in order in the eighth, recording two strikeouts, securing his second hold. José Cisnero worked a clean seventh, striking out two for his second hold.

Oakland A’s – (SS vs. CWS): Making his seventh appearance this spring, Lucas Erceg retired the side in order in the fifth. He’s posted a 1.00 WHIP this spring with five strikeouts over eight innings. (SS vs. CIN): Securing his third hold, Zach Jackson worked a clean fourth, striking out one. Dany Jiménez notched his second hold, walking two and striking out one in a scoreless fifth. Mason Miller suffered his first blown save, giving up two hits, including a three-run home run, and a walk while striking out two in two-thirds of the sixth. Through seven outings this spring, he owns a 1.05 WHIP with an 11:2 K:BB over 6.2 innings.

If you are drafting today, best of luck. Here are two resources, depending on your format:

Until next time, stay safe and be well. Sorry for the delay this morning, Syracuse received six-plus inches of snow overnight.

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Updated Tiered Rankings, March 23 (Jewett)

Photo by: Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)

Appreciating this remains a fluid process, especially given the recent injury news for many relievers, a second run of tiered rankings seems appropriate, especially for those who may be drafting or taking part in an auction this weekend. These rankings do not reflect average draft position (available at Fantasy Pros). Instead, they are based on blended rankings from Fangraphs (Steamer, THE BAT, and ZiPS), with my save projections fused in. I use a spreadsheet with Standings Gain Points as my guide, though there are a couple of liberties taken in the tiers below.

One does not have to take a reliever where they will be listed, but this will be a guide on relievers, not consensus group think. It’s not gospel, and if you feel differently about a reliever, target him accordingly.

Tier One

  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM)

This tier lost a member when Devin Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back. Others will be drafted ahead of this group, but using the data, they bubbled toward the top. No other reliever may provide the strikeout upside Díaz possesses, and Durán may take his game to a new level like Félix Bautista did last year. There’s risk with any reliever, but they present high ceilings. No one loves Clase, but he’s recorded 40-plus saves in consecutive seasons. He’s the floor play. (UPDATE: With Jhoan Durán on the injured list for Opening Day with an oblique injury, he leaves this tier for upcoming drafts)

Tier Two

  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
  • Josh Hader (HOU)
  • Camilo Doval (SFG)
  • Pete Fairbanks (TBR)
  • Evan Phillips (LAD)
  • David Bednar (PIT)

It’s the pick-your-poison tier, with Muñoz leading the way. He’s not for the risk-averse, but if he’s closer to his 2022 iteration than last year, he could be the reliever taken in the second tier this year who performs like a top-tier reliever. Iglesias and Hader will be “safer” picks, especially given their team’s propensity for contending each season. Doval could be hurt by his team’s win total. Fairbanks may not be sexy, but when healthy, produces solid numbers. Bednar made his spring debut on Thursday (March 21), showing no decline in velocity. His workload may be managed early on, but he’s back on track for Opening Day.

Tier Three

  • Craig Kimbrel (BAL)
  • Tanner Scott (MIA)
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN)
  • Ryan Helsley (STL)
  • Jordan Romano (TOR)
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN)
  • Clay Holmes (NYY)
  • Adbert Alzolay (CHC)
  • Mason Miller (OAK)

Many fantasy players may draw a line in this tier, meaning they will have one, if not two relievers, because this represents the cliff for many. There will be the never-pay-for-saves crowd in every room, which can work, especially since one can make the case for and against each of these relievers. Díaz tailed off at the end of last year, was it fatigue or the decaying K-BB percentage? Scott has displayed poor command this spring, can he dial it back in while working on his mechanics in the backfields? Miller may emerge as a terrific high-leverage reliever, will the A’s let him? (UPDATE: With Durán’s injury, giving him 50 projected innings, which lands him between Sewald and Holmes in SGPs. Add Paul Sewald into this mix with a Grade 2 oblique strain of his own)

Tier Four

  • Robert Suarez (SDP)
  • Kenley Jansen (BOS)
  • José Leclerc (TEX)
  • Alex Lange (DET)
  • Carlos Estévez (LAA)
  • José Alvarado (PHI)
  • Hunter Harvey (WSH)

Mining for a second reliever here can make sense, and at his present price point, Suarez will enhance many team builds. Jansen did not make a splashy debut this spring, but he did record 29 saves last year in 33 chances. He does present a risk in WHIP moving forward, father time always wins. No one loves Estévez, but he has the ninth inning and his main competition has not resumed throwing with shoulder discomfort. Alvarado’s another high-risk, high-reward reliever, but his floor will not be as safe as others.

Tier Five

  • Kevin Ginkel (ARI)
  • Griffin Jax (MIN)
  • Michael Kopech (CWS)
  • Paul Sewald (ARI)
  • Robert Stephenson (LAA)
  • Devin Williams (MIL)
  • Jason Adam (TBR)
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT)
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU)
  • A.J. Minter (ATL)
  • Yuki Matsui (SDP)
  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
  • Brock Stewart (MIN)

It feels like risk may be the prevailing theme of this exercise. Stephenson and Williams still receive decent SGPs based on past pedigree, but health will determine their fantasy impacts. Can Kopech thrive as a closer, or will his team even use him as one? No idea. However, his results as a reliever in 2021, especially the 25.2 K-BB percentage over 55.1 innings with 80 strikeouts cannot be overlooked. If he does well, the team can move him ahead of the trade deadline. Adam, Matsui, Chapman, Pressly, and Minter represent handcuffs with ancillary save upside. If you believe in Lange, move him up. It’s all about the walk rate in my apprehension with him. He has great secondary offerings, but his fastball remains flat and hittable. Hoffman may be a surprise, yet, he could be a late round flier who gets double digits in saves within the Phillies’ “floating closer” concept. (UPDATE: With the Twins’ news, Jax enters this tier with a projected 10 saves by our team).

Tier Six

  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
  • Will Smith (KCR)
  • Justin Lawrence (COL)
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU)
  • Joel Payamps (MIL)
  • Giovanny Gallegos (STL)
  • Yimi García (TOR)
  • Josh Sborz (TEX)
  • Justin Lawrence (COL)

Can Finnegan prove me wrong for a third straight year, it’s entirely possible. Beat writers keep saying it’s Payamps getting the first chance, but if he gets stuck as the HLR (highest leveraged reliever), a different Brewers reliever may provide late-round value, segue alert.

Late-Round Fliers

  • Trevor Megill/Abner Uribe (MIL)
  • Jordan Leasure (CWS) – stash play
  • Chris Martin (BOS) – Jansen’s workload will also be managed closely
  • James McArthur (KCR) – this year’s Alzolay

Hybrids (Relievers who may work multiple innings with ancillary save upside)

  • Ian Hamilton (NYY) – though he may emerge as the primary high-leverage set-up reliever
  • Chad Green (TOR)
  • Sixto Sánchez (MIA)

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, stay safe and be well.

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