Spring Vibes, March 12: Edwin’s triumphant return, Injury Updates, Rays RPs spring debuts

Monday provided a calmer day in “closer” news but also featured spring debuts by two relievers atop their respective bullpen hierarchies. Two updates on teams with lingering health issues, and game recaps.

New York Mets –  Assuaging any concerns about his knee or velocity, Edwin Díaz made his triumphant return on Monday, striking out the side on 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.2 Strike%) and producing seven whiffs (50 SwStr%), six with his slider. Covered by Bill Ladson of MLB.com, it’s only one outing, but a pivotal one for a Mets bullpen that missed his late-inning presence last year. 

Boston Red SoxTwo separate updates about leverage relievers for the Red Sox. First, Pete Abraham reported on “X” that Kenley Jansen will throw live batting practice on Tuesday (March 12). If all goes well, he can hit his target date of a spring debut on Friday. From the injuries and roster moves page at MLB.com, Chris Martincould” be ready for Opening Day according to his manager, Alex Cora. 

San Diego Padres –  In Kevin Acee’s Padres Notes for the San Diego Union-Tribune, he shared Robert Suarez took a comeback batted ball off his shin, but should be fine. He’s getting imaging as a precaution. Both he and Yuki Matsui, are slated to appear in Wednesday’s Cactus League contest. As for game action, Suarez tossed a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out two. He’s overcome a slow start with four straight scoreless outings in March with a 7:2 K:BB over his last four innings.

Tampa Bay Rays – Two high-leverage relievers made their spring debuts on Monday (March 11), including the team’s “closer“, Pete Fairbanks. He fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts. Colin Poche also made his first spring appearance, with a clean eighth, striking out two. Dawn Klemish covered their outings for MLB.com in her game recap, noting Fairbanks hit 98 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastball. 

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 11)

Arizona DiamondbacksPaul Sewald fired a clean seventh, striking out two He threw 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He’s logged four spring appearances and owns a 0.75 WHIP with three strikeouts.

Atlanta BravesRaisel Iglesias secured his first spring hold, tossing a scoreless sixth. He issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts.

Cleveland Guardians – Navigating around a hit, Emmanuel Clase tossed a scoreless fourth, recording two strikeouts. This marked his fourth appearance this spring and he owns a 1.00 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk.

Minnesota Twins – Another strong outing by Griffin Jax, striking out the side in the fifth. He’s made five appearances this spring and posted a minuscule 0.20 WHIP with a robust 10 strikeouts versus zero walks. He’s faced 17 batters and owns a 58.8 strikeout percentage this spring. 

New York Yankees – Taking over in the fourth inning, Clay Holmes notched his second hold with a scoreless outing, navigating around two hits and striking out one. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). He owns a 0.67 WHIP with three strikeouts over three appearances this spring. Ian Hamilton fired two clean frames, striking out four for his second hold on 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with four whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He’s logged four outings and posted a 0.29 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against two walks.

Oakland A’sTrevor Gott fired a clean sixth, striking out two. Mason Miller lit up the radar gun while posting the five fastest pitches recorded by Statcast on Monday during a clean seventh, recording one strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made four relief appearances and owns a 0.25 WHIP with seven strikeouts against zero walks, good for a 53.8 K-BB%.

St. Louis Cardinals – Entering in the fifth inning, Ryan Helsley retired the side in order. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff for his second hold. Through four outings this spring, he owns a 1.25 WHIP with four strikeouts against three walks.

Monday’s Closer Monkey filthy sequence of the day, Edwin Díaz, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Until next time, stay safe and be well.

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Spring Vibes, March 11: D-Will seeking second opinion, Graterol not traveling to South Korea, Injury Updates galore, Game Recaps, and more

Stealing a line from U2, it was a bloody Sunday for fantasy baseball players, especially in the closer realm. Not only could Devin Williams be sidelined with a back issue, Tanner Scott could not hit water if he fell out of a boat this spring. There was good news for three relievers, plenty of game action, and performances of interest.

Milwaukee Brewers – Not the sort of update we prefer providing, but Devin Williams will get a second opinion regarding his back, and the team will be cautious with him per Curt Hogg on “X”. It’s too early for speculating if he will miss any time, but it must be weighed when targeting him in upcoming drafts. Monitor this closely. This post by Jack Magruder for MLB.com provided more insight on the back issue affecting Williams this spring. It’s too early, but if he misses Opening Day, the hierarchy would shift:

Projected hierarchy if Williams lands on the injured list: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps

Los Angeles Dodgers – A bevy of notes about the Dodgers leverage ladder. First, Brusdar Graterol will not participate in the two games in South Korea with hip and shoulder tightness, reported by Juan Toribio of MLB.com on “X”. This paves the way for Daniel Hudson opening the season with the team. Blake Treinen was struck in the ribs on comebacker on Saturday, and did not suffer any breaks, but will receive a few days off during his recovery. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball, thankfully the reliever will be on his feet throwing soon.

Now for some good news about relievers on the mend.

Pittsburgh Pirates –  Positive news about David Bednar. According to Alex Stumpfl of MLB.com, the “closer” has played catch the last two days. Hopefully, news about a bullpen session or facing live hitters will surface later this week so a timeline for his return can be discerned. 

New York Mets – Following up on a previous note, Edwin Díaz will make his Grapefruit League debut on Monday, covered by Bill Ladson of MLB.com. He last appeared in a major league game during the postseason in 2022. Sound the trumpets Mets fans.

San Diego PadresPer the Padres’ injuries and roster moves page on MLB.com, Yuki Matsui faced five hitters, retiring four of them on Sunday during live batting practice and could appear in a Cactus League game this week, which would put him back on track for being available on Opening Day in South Korea. He last appeared in a game on February 22. 

Seattle Mariners – Good news on two relievers working their way into game shape. Matt Brash will play catch out to 90 feet and Gregory Santos will throw a bullpen session on Monday, reported on “X” by Ryan Divish. 

Relievers Worthy of Your Attention

Colorado Rockies – Another impressive outing this spring by Jaden Hill, identified by Closer Monkey as the “closer” of the future, turned in another scoreless outing on Sunday. He’s also featured by Thomas Harding of MLB.com as a “lights out reliever” in the making. He’s racked up six strikeouts this spring over four appearances allowing one hit (a solo home run) and two walks (0.75 WHIP).

Kansas City Royals – On Sunday, James McArthur retired all four batters faced, two via strikeout. He owns a 0.63 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus one walk over 6.1 innings. He’s featured by Manny Randhawa of MLB.com as part of the “culture change” in the Royals leverage ladder. After his arrival from Philadelphia, the team asked him to use his slider again, and his tweaked arsenal produced a 16.1 inning scoreless streak through the end of last season. He may not garner save chances early on, but he will be a factor in them as the year progresses. 

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 10)

Chicago White Sox -Recording his fourth hold this spring, Jordan Leasure turned in a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one. Through five outings, he owns a 0.80 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks.

Houston Astros – Entering in the second inning, Ryan Pressly served up a solo home run (Trey Mancini) and suffered his first loss of spring. Josh Hader fired a clean fourth, striking out two. This marked his third appearance this spring and he owns a 0.67 WHIP with two strikeouts versus one walk.

Miami Marlins – Remaining wild this spring, Tanner Scott escaped with a scoreless outing even though he allowed a hit and two walks while striking out two in two-thirds of the sixth inning. He threw 26 pitches (11 strikes – 42.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%). He’s made four appearances this spring and sports an inflated 8.40 WHIP with three strikeouts against seven walks over 1.2 innings, less than optimal.

Minnesota Twins –  Another outing with traffic for Jhoan Durán. He allowed four hits and two earned runs in the sixth against the Nationals. He threw 22 pitches (12 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. He’s registered a 3.00 WHIP through his first four outings, spanning 3.2 innings, with three strikeouts against one walk. Plus, his velocity was down in this contest.

Toronto Blue Jays – Erik Swanson fired a clean seventh, striking out one on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) with two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Jordan Romano walked two while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth. He threw 21 pitches (11 strikes – 52.3 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made five appearances this spring, posting a 0.92 WHIP with six strikeouts versus two walks.

Sunday’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Greg Weissert (BOS), featured by the Pitching Ninja.

Until next time, stay safe and be well.

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Spring Vibes, March 10: A new Red Sox reliever with an injury, Chapman thriving in Pittsburgh, Game Recaps, and more

Thanks for stopping by Closer Monkey, although there have not been major changes in any team’s hierarchy, things may change this week, especially once injury return timelines become clearer. Our bullpen depth chart was updated this morning (March 10).

Boston Red SoxAfter not traveling with the team to the Dominican Republic, Chris Martin stayed behind but was shut down during a bullpen session two pitches in with a groin issue per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. This puts his status for Opening Day in question with less than three weeks of preparations left. Monitor his timeline closely. His manager Alex Cora suggested his session was shortened as a “precautionary move” reported on “X” by Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.

Pittsburgh Pirates –  While fantasy players await updates on David Bednar, his teammate, Aroldis Chapman hit triple-digits on the radar during his outing on Saturday. He took over in the fifth and retired the side in order while recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He’s also assimilating well with the Pirates, covered by Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. No hierarchy change yet, but if Bednar does not begin a throwing progression this week, he’s trending the wrong direction for Opening Day. Manager Derek Shelton intimated an update on the “closer” would be provided later today.

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 9)

  • Chicago CubsAdbert Alzolay worked a scoreless fifth, walking one and striking out one. He owns a 0.50 WHIP with three strikeouts and one walk over four innings. Hector Neris gave up a hit and struck out one in the sixth.
  • Chicago White Sox – Logging 2.1 scoreless frames as the “bulk follower”, Garrett Crochet scattered three hits and recorded four strikeouts. He owns a 0.83 WHIP with nine strikeouts and no walks through six innings of work. Prelander Berroa allowed a hit and struck out one in two-thirds scoreless in the sixth.
  • Colorado Rockies – With the closer competition heating up, Tyler Kinley fired a clean seventh, striking out two. He’s made four appearances this spring, recording a 0.75 WHIP with six strikeouts versus two walks. Justin Lawrence tossed a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. He’s logged five outings so far, posting a 1.40 WHIP with eight strikeouts against one walk.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates – Suffering his first loss this spring, Colin Holderman allowed three hits, including a three-run home run (Keston Hiura), and recorded three strikeouts in the fourth inning. Aroldis Chapman fired a clean fifth, striking out two. He threw 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). This marked his fourth spring outing and he owns a 1.25 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk through four innings.
  • San Diego Padres Working from the back to the front, with Opening Day fast approaching, Robert Suarez fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out two. A slow starter each spring, he may be turning the corner. Wandy Peralta tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit. Steven Wilson walked one and struck out two during a scoreless seventh.
  • San Francisco Giants -Making his third spring appearance, Camilo Doval turned in a scoreless fourth, walking one and striking out two. In three games, he owns a 1.00 WHIP with a 5:2 K:BB over three innings.
  • Seattle MarinersAndrés Muñoz fired a clean sixth, striking out one. He threw five pitches, all strikes. After three spring outings, he owns a minuscule 0.33 WHIP with three strikeouts.
  • Washington NationalsKyle Finnegan fired a clean seventh, striking out two. He owns a 0.50 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk this spring. Hunter Harvey gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out two in the eighth. He’s made four appearances, posting a 1.50 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk.

The Closer Monkey filthy sequence of the day goes to Nate Lavender of the Mets. He fired a clean sixth, striking out the side on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) while generating five whiffs (38.5 SwStr%). He’s tossed three clean innings this spring with seven strikeouts (77.8 K%).

Dynasty or Keeper league players alert, Mandy Bell of MLB.com featured three relievers who may be factors in the Guardians bullpen this year, including Franco Aleman.

Until next time, stay safe and be well.

Spring Vibes, March 9: Díaz Spring Debut Imminent, Sánchez in Miami’s Bullpen, D-Rob’s First Outing, Game Recaps, and more

New York Mets – Remaining on track, Edwin Díaz appeared in minor league game action on Friday, retiring three in a row, then faced one more batter. If he feels good this weekend, he could appear in Grapefruit League action on Monday or Tuesday per Bill Ladson of MLB.com. Plus, as this tweet shows, his team will enhance his entrances in the regular season with LED lighting while blasting “Narco“. Looking forward to the trumpets sounding soon.

Miami Marlins – After throwing 17 pitches during his inning of work on Friday night, Sixto Sánchez did not return for a second. This could be a sneak preview of his usage pattern this season according to Christian De Nicola of MLB.com in her game recap. Skip Schumaker speaks about Sánchez responding well after his last relief outing, and he could be stretched out for multiple-inning outings, but may fit the roster best as a leverage ladder option. If his velocity continues rising, this role may suit the oft-injured pitcher well. Stay tuned. 

Texas Rangers – The last of the relievers vying for the “closer” role this season made his debut on Friday, featured in 3 Texas Rangers observations by Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. David Robertson worked a clean seventh inning, striking out one. Over the next two weeks, Bruce Bochy will decide who earns the preferred save share at the start of the season between Robertson, José Leclerc, Josh Sborz, and Kirby Yates

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 8)

  • Arizona Diamondbacks – Recording his third spring hold, Paul Sewald worked a scoreless third, walking one. After three outings this spring, he owns a 1.00 WHIP with one strikeout and one walk. Kevin Ginkel served up a solo home run (Mike Tauchman) but got credit for his first hold.
  • Baltimore Orioles – Securing his first spring hold, Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless fifth, walking one. This marked his third spring outing and he owns a 2.67 WHIP with two strikeouts against one walk. Yennier Cano fired a clean sixth, striking out two for his first hold. He’s appeared in two spring contests, posting a 0.50 WHIP with three strikeouts over two innings.
  • Kansas City RoyalsWill Smith allowed a solo home run (Wyatt Langford) and recorded a strikeout. He’s made three appearances this spring and owns a 1.00 WHIP with three strikeouts versus one walk.
  • New York Yankees – Entering in the fifth inning, Clay Holmes retired the side in order, striking out one for his first spring hold. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with one whiff. This marked his second appearance and he’s recorded two strikeouts without allowing a baserunner.
  • Oakland A’s – Suffering his first spring loss, Dany Jiménez allowed two hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk while recording all three outs via strikeout in the fifth. Lucas Erceg fired a clean sixth, striking out two. Mason Miller tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one. This marked his third spring outing and he’s racked up six strikeouts versus zero walks with a 0.33 WHIP through three innings. 
  • Philadelphia Phillies – A dominant outing by Gregory Soto. He took over in the fourth and struck out the side on 16 pitches (75 Strike%) with five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). Seranthony Domínguez allowed a solo home run and a walk while striking out two. He threw 23 pitches (15 strikes – 65.2 Strike%) while inducing four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%). José Alvarado fired a clean seventh, striking out one, needing only seven pitches (71.4 Strike%) without a whiff.
  • St. Louis Cardinals – Deploying its leverage ladder in a spring victory over the Nationals, Ryan Helsey entered first, working around a hit and two walks, while striking out one in a scoreless fourth. He received credit for his first hold and owns a 1.67 WHIP with four strikeouts versus three walks over three innings this spring. Giovanny Gallegos allowed a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one for his first hold. JoJo Romero tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out two.
  • Toronto Blue JaysJordan Romano fired a clean eighth, striking out two for his second hold. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s made four appearances this spring and posted a 0.55 WHIP with five strikeouts against zero whiffs.

Closer Monkey’s Filthy Pitch of the Day award goes to Griffin Jax, courtesy of this tweet by the Pitching Ninja.

Thanks for stopping by before we spring ahead tomorrow. Stay safe and be well.

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Spring Vibes, March 8: Injury Updates, Mariners Reliever “Bucket”, and Game Recaps

It was a relatively quiet day on the reliever front, with most beat writers focusing on their respective teams’ Spring Breakout Rosters. Still, news about a timetable for a veteran closer surfaced, another limited by injury completed a side session, and game recaps will receive a larger focus in today’s post.

Boston Red SoxCiting MLB.com’s injuries and roster moves page, Kenley Jansen had a pain-free live batting practice session and is targeting March 15 as his spring debut so he’s ready for Opening Day. The veteran closer stated he feels he can appear in five games barring a setback. Monitor this closely.

Chicago White Sox – Although no reports surfaced following John Brebbia successfully completing his bullpen session on Thursday, this video surfaced, showing no signs of hesitation because of his calf issue.

During a loss on Thursday, Jordan Leasure turned in his fourth straight scoreless appearance this spring. He secured his third hold, firing a clean fourth and striking out one. After four outings, he owns a 0.75 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks. Bryan Shaw went nuclear, allowing five hits, six earned runs, and hit a batter during his two-thirds of the fifth. He was tagged with his second loss and first blown save. 

Seattle Mariners – Intriguing tidbits of information surfaced in the Ryan Divish column about relievers emerging from “the bucket” for The Seattle Times. First, he provides notes about the team not rushing the returns of Matt Brash or Gregory Santos. Before Brash’s setback, there were two spots open on the roster for the season in the leverage ladder, but if Santos cannot be ready for Opening Day either, there’s three. It’s apparent Andrés Muñoz will be the “closer” early on, but the leverage relievers getting him opportunities may be pieced together from a group which includes Jackson Kowar, Ty Buttrey, and Carlos Vargas. (UPDATE 11:00 A.M. EST): Perhaps a reaction to this current bullpen structure, Mark Feinsand reports the Mariners have agreed on a deal with Ryne Stanek. If Brash and Santos are not ready for Opening Day, he will jump into the hierarchy in a set-up capacity. 

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 7)

  • Detroit Tigers – In a split-squad outing against Toronto, Alex Lange fired a clean sixth, striking out two on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made three appearances this spring, posting a 7:1 K:BB with a 2.00 WHIP. Command remains a key for his success, but the team may have him on a short leash as their preferred save option this season. This was a strong outing, but can he record them consistently?
  • Houston Astros – Making his second spring appearance, Ryan Pressly allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out two. He threw 25 pitches (72 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (20 SwStr%). Josh Hader notched his second hold, working a scoreless fifth, walking one on 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s logged two spring outings and owns a 1.00 WHIP with one walk.
  • New York YankeesIan Hamilton tossed two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out five. He threw 29 pitches (18 strikes – 62.1 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (24.1 SwStr%). Through three outings, he owns a 0.40 WHIP with a 7:2 K:BB over five innings. Clay Holmes will be the closer, but for those in leagues that value vulture wins and ancillary saves, Hamilton will fill the vacated multiple-inning relief role of Michael King.
  • Texas Rangers – Entering in the fifth, Kirby Yates navigated around a hit and a walk, while striking out one for his first spring hold. In direct competition for his leverage role, he owns a 1.33 WHIP with six strikeouts versus one walk over three innings.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and be well.