Updating the Reds plan for save situations with Alexis Díaz on the injured list, Terry Francona would not name an interim closer in this column by Mark Sheldon for MLB.com. Though our original hierarchy did not include Taylor Rogers, he’s mentioned as an option, along with Scott Barlow and potentially Graham Ashcraft.
If it’s a match-up-based approach, save chances may depend on lineup pockets during the late innings, which makes things difficult for fantasy managers. Spring results will not be the only predictor for Francona, but here are some underlying numbers for the two veteran relievers in line for save chances per Sheldon:
- Scott Barlow (58 career saves): 8 games, 8 IP, 7:0 K:BB (21.9 K-BB%), 1.13 WHIP, 3.33 xFIP, 16.1 SwStr%, 62.5 Strike%, 67.9 percent contact rate allowed
- Taylor Rogers (83 career saves): 8 games, 7 IP, 10:4 K:BB (16.2 K-BB%), 2.14 WHIP, 4.05 xFIP, 8.1 SwStr%, 60.2 Strike%, 80.3 percent contact rate allowed
It’s tough evaluating how Ashcraft will do as a one-inning reliever. He only made one relief outing this spring, tossing three scoreless frames. Working in shortened appearances should boost his velocity, which would work well since he features a cutter and a slider. How this translates, and how he does in them, remains to be determined. Emilio Pagán and Tony Santillan could also factor in save situations, but our updated hierarchy only has three. If you are looking for saves in the short term, Barlow or Rogers. For those taking the longview approach, stash Ashcraft. This could be a moot point if Díaz returns and pitches effectively, but his command issues will not be cured when his hamstring is healed.
Updated Projected Hierarchy: *Scott Barlow | *Taylor Rogers | *Graham Ashcraft
*= closer-by-committee
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Here are the results of interest from Sunday’s spring slate.
American League
Baltimore Orioles
- Taking over with one out at the bottom of the eighth, Félix Bautista issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts. By my count, he threw 15 pitches (7 strikes – 46.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He has a 1.88 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus three walks (30.8 K-BB%) through 5.1 innings. Command will be the last thing he recovers after surgery, but he’s on the Opening Day roster. Just be patient if there are some turbulent save chances early on.
- In this post for the Baltimore Banner, Andy Kostka reports that Yennier Cano and Bautista have been working on a cutter this off-season to improve their results against left-handed hitters.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Félix Bautista | Yennier Cano | Keegan Akin
Los Angeles Angels
- Returning from time away for his Mom’s passing, Kenley Jansen displayed some run. He allowed two hits, two earned runs, and two walks at the bottom of the seventh. He threw 19 pitches (10 strikes – 52.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He has a 1.20 WHIP with two strikeouts over five innings this spring.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Ben Joyce | Brock Burke
Seattle Mariners
- Entering at the top of the seventh, Andrés Muñoz gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one. He threw 23 pitches (13 strikes – 56.5 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.29 WHIP with seven strikeouts against three walks (12.9 K-BB%) across seven innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Gregory Santos | Collin Snider
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks
(SS) vs. SD
- Justin Martinez worked a scoreless top of the fifth, giving up a hit and striking out two. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (9.5 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.13 WHIP with 12 strikeouts against three walks (28.1 K-BB%) across eight innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: *Justin Martinez | *A.J. Puk | *Kevin Ginkel
*= closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies
- Appearing on consecutive days, Orion Kerkering notched his fourth hold with a scoreless top of the sixth, allowing a hit. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) without a whiff. He has a 0.72 WHIP with ten strikeouts versus one walk (30.1 K-BB%) in 8.1 innings.
- José Alvarado recorded his fourth hold, giving up a hit and striking out three in the seventh, throwing 20 pitches (60 Strike%) with five whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.67 WHIP with 20 strikeouts against three walks (50 K-BB%) through nine innings.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | José Alvarado | Orion Kerkering
Washington Nationals
(SS) vs. HOU
- Rounding into form, Kyle Finnegan fired a clean top of the seventh and recorded one strikeout. Once again, he appeared without Statcast data or a televised feed, but after a rough start, he’s turned in consecutive clean appearances. Also, as Mark Zuckerman noted in this tweet, Finnegan has increased his velocity and mixed in more breaking balls with eyes on an improved season. Stay tuned.
Projected Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Jorge López | Jose A. Ferrer
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