Some fantasy owners will avoid closers on teams projected for low win totals (Chicago White Sox; Colorado), but for those who prefer not paying for saves in their leagues, bargains or steam options could emerge on them. This bucket also includes the defending World Champion Texas Rangers, with Bruce Bochy using spring results as a baseline for deciding who becomes the primary save share when the season begins. With this in mind, here’s today’s updates.
Chicago White Sox – He will be eased into high-leverage events in the regular season, but Jordan Leasure could earn save chances as the season progresses. In this post by Daryl Van Schouwen, he provides some intriguing quotes about Leasure’s future with the White Sox. Those in keeper leagues should track his results the rest of spring closely. Right now, he owns a 1.00 WHIP with a 5:2 K:BB (27.3 K-BB%) through three scoreless innings.
More news for the leverage ladder surfaced on MLB.com by Scott Merkin. John Brebbia will throw a side session without his walking boot on Thursday (March 7). It did not provide a timeline for his availability, but Opening Day could be possible, but time will tell how this plays out.
Colorado Rockies – Updating the camp battle for “closer“, Patrick Saunders posted about their spring results so far in his game recap for The Denver Post. As of Wednesday’s game, here are their results:
- Tyler Kinley: 3 games, 3 IP, 4:2 K:BB, 0.67 WHIP
- Justin Lawrence: 4 games, 4 IP, 7:0 K:BB, 1.50 WHIP
Texas Rangers – Two weeks into camp and still no clarity regarding who will be the primary save share when the regular season begins. Tim Cowlishaw, of The Dallas Morning News, provided updates on the four contenders in his bullpen comparison article about competing with their main rival, Houston. Notes included about José Leclerc, Josh Sborz, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates. For this situation, spring results will matter.
Boston Red Sox – Kenley Jansen will throw his first live batting practice on Wednesday per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic on “X”. As of this writing, there were not updates on how it went. Hopefully, he will appear in a game soon.
Los Angeles Angels – Robert Stephenson completed his bullpen session “pain-free”, and will throw again this weekend, then could appear in game action next week. His status for Opening Day remains in flux, but he’s trended in the right direction.
San Diego Padres – In AJ Cassavell’s Padres questions remain post for MLB.com, he questions if Yuki Matsui will be ready for Opening Day. If not, he will resume his set-up role during the first full week of the regular season, though back issues can linger.
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 6)
- Chicago Cubs – Entering in the fourth, Hector Neris allowed two hits, including a solo home run (Jo Adell), and recorded a strikeout. Adbert Alzolay retired the side in order in the fifth.
- Chicago White Sox – Not only did Prelander Berroa strand both inherited runners in the eighth, but he also fired 1.1 clean frames, striking out three. By my count, he threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). He did face minor-league hitters for the Dodgers, but an impressive outing nonetheless.
- Los Angeles Angels – Prospect Kelvin Caceres retired all three batters he faced and stranded an inherited runner in the fourth. Carlos Estévez allowed two hits and two runs (one earned) in the fifth.
- Miami Marlins – Another sideways outing by Tanner Scott. He allowed three hits and three runs (one earned) before being removed from his outing. The good news is he threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). Max Meyer logged two innings, giving up two hits and an unearned run while striking out one.
- Pittsburgh Pirates – Getting tagged with his first blown save this spring, Aroldis Chapman allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out one in the bottom of the fifth.
Just a reminder, these will be posted and emailed daily. Links remain necessary for keeping the site running. Those with premium subscriptions receive this information with screenshots, charts, and no links. Thanks for the early groundswell of support, and be well.
