Although this column focuses on the results from the previous day, it must be noted that two closers have not appeared in a spring contest in over a week. Robert Suarez last pitched in a spring training tilt on March 12. Trevor Megill has not pitched in a spring game since March 15. Let’s take a closer look before reviewing Saturday’s outcomes.
Suarez displayed signs of fatigue after the All-Star break last year:
He also relied heavily on his four-seam fastball, throwing more than 70 percent in 2024. Using ERA as a barometer in spring games proves frivolous. However, he’s posted a 5.80 xFIP, a 3.82 WHIP, and four strikeouts against four walks across 3.2 innings through five games. His 63.9 strike percentage and 45.8 first-strike percentage also provide signs of caution. He will be scrutinized closely early this season, coming off a career-high in innings and working with reduced velocity this spring.
Megill also recorded a career-high in innings during last season with 46.1 plus work in the postseason. He also struggled after the All-Star break, though his team feels it was tied to a tweaked back, prompting a second stint on the injured list after Devin Williams returned. Megill has a 1.59 WHIP, 5.75 xFIP, and five strikeouts this spring versus three walks (7.7 K-BB%). He’s also throwing fewer strikes (61.4 percent) and first-strikes (38.5 percent). This may be an overreaction, but this tweet resonates with me:
Monitor each closer closely at the onset of the regular season.
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Here are the results of interest from Saturday’s spring slate.
American League
Baltimore Orioles
- During a combined shutout, Yennier Cano retired the side on an efficient eight pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff, lowering his spring WHIP to 083 through six innings.
- Félix Bautista insists he will appear in Sunday’s game, how he fares may determine his availability for Opening Day.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Félix Bautista | Yennier Cano | Keegan Akin
Kansas City Royals
- Collecting his first win, Carlos Estevez tossed a scoreless bottom of the seventh, issuing one walk. He threw 14 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). His velocity remained down in this outing, and he has posted a 1.50 WHIP with two strikeouts in four innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg
Minnesota Twins
- Navigating around a hit and a walk, Jhoan Durán posted a scoreless eighth while recording two strikeouts. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (20 SwStr%). He has a 1.23 WHIP with six strikeouts against four walks (6.5 K-BB%) across 7.1 innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Cole Sands
National League
Chicago Cubs
- Appearing in a loss, Ryan Pressly scattered two hits while striking out one in a scoreless top of the fifth. He has a 1.07 WHIP with five strikeouts versus two walks (15.8 K-BB%) through 4.2 innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Ryan Pressly | Porter Hodge | Ryan Brasier
Philadelphia Phillies
- Taking over at the bottom of the fifth, Orion Kerkering retired the side and recorded one strikeout on nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff. He has a 0.68 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus one walk (33.4 K-BB%) through 7.1 innings.
- Jordan Romano allowed a walk during a scoreless sixth. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.69 WHIP with eight strikeouts against one walk (20.6 K-BB%) across 8.2 innings.
San Francisco Giants
- Without Statcast data or a televised feed, Ryan Walker worked a scoreless top of the sixth, issuing a walk and striking out three against Arizona. He has posted a 1.43 WHIP with 14 strikeouts against two walks (37.5 K-BB%) over 7.2 innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers
St. Louis Cardinals
- Ryan Helsley retired the side and recorded one strikeout in the sixth. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He has a 0.88 WHIP with six strikeouts (19.4 K-BB%) over eight innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | JoJo Romero | Phil Maton
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Statistical Credits: