For a second time this month, Kenley Jansen is dealing with a groin issue:
He was not placed on the injured list the first time, but this one may be inevitable with the Tigers’ bullpen struggling. If this transpires, A.J. Hinch may revert to his matchups-based approach during the late innings, an answer fantasy managers do not love.
Entering tonight’s game:
Through 55 games, statistics of interest from the Tigers’ high-leverage triumvirate:
- Kenley Jansen: 14.1 IP, 7-for-11 in save chances, 5.02 ERA, 3.54 SIERA, 4.10 xERA, 19:8 K:BB (18.6 K-BB%), 1.19 WHIP
- Will Vest: 16 IP, five holds and three blown saves, 7.88 ERA, 3.40 SIERA, 3.14 xERA, 17:7 K:BB (13.9 K-BB%). 1.50 WHIP
- Kyle Finnegan: 24.2 IP, 1 save, six holds, three blown saves, 1.82 ERA, 6.02 SIERA, 4.45 xERA, 15:19 K:BB (-3.8 K-BB%), 1.62 WHIP
During this contest, Finnegan turned in a clean eighth inning on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).
Drew Anderson remains a wild card in this equation. He collected his second win, taking over at the top of the fifth and logging three clean frames while striking out three. He threw 35 pitches (26 strikes – 74.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last four appearances, posting a 0.585 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus four walks (22.9 K-BB%) across 13.2 innings.
If Casey Mize lands on the injured list, Ty Madden can replace him in the rotation, leaving Anderson in the bullpen for a larger leverage role if necessary.
Based on recent results, Finnegan could be the preferred save share, but nothing will be assured unless Hinch announces otherwise. Anderson is my favorite option, but his versatility may keep him in a multi-inning role.
Projected Hierarchy: *Kyle Finnegan | *Will Vest | *Drew Anderson
*= closer-by-committee
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
Statistical Credits: