Milwaukee Brewers – Jeff Passan dropped a bombshell with Devin Williams having two stress fractures in his back, which will put him on the shelf for three months (shut down six weeks and rehab for six weeks). The team has not confirmed the diagnosis, but it sends this leverage ladder into a tailspin. Ultimately, Pat Murphy will determine the plan for the late-innings. Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe, and Joel Payamps will be in the mix. Returning from injury last year, Megill posted a 1.18 WHIP with a 28:5 K:BB his last 15 appearances over 17 innings. Payamps tied for second in holds (28) in the National League last season, and Uribe was scoreless in 27 of 32 outings as a rookie. It’s a tough situation for a franchise in flux. Curt Hogg, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, put Payamps and Uribe atop his short list for save chances, but intimated it could be a committee until one reliever emerges with the role.
In the second half, Payamps owned a 17.6 K-BB percentage, with a 1.16 WHIP, and 3.61 SIERA, which align more closely with his projections for 2024. He recorded 11 holds and two blown saves with a 4-4 record over 28.1 innings. On the season, he owned a 10.8 swinging strike percentage, a 74.8 percent contact rate allowed, and a 62.7 strike percentage. His ability of stranding inherited runners may work against him, like it did for Hector Neris in Houston when Ryan Pressly was injured and Rafael Montero emerged with the closer role. As Hogg suggests in his post, Payamps could be a preferred option for saves early on, but until Murphy goes on record, it’s speculating.
Uribe turned in a very good rookie season, and in the second half recorded a 14.3 K-BB percentage, a 1.19 WHIP, and a 4.17 SIERA. His stuff flashes when he’s on, but he can also struggle commanding his arsenal. Despite this, he registered a win, eight holds, and suffered one blown save after the All-Star break last year. For the season, he owned a 12.3 swinging strike percentage, a 69.5 percent contact rate allowed, and 59.2 strike percentage. He could emerge with the save share based on a strong finish this spring, or if Payamps struggles in high-leverage events early on. Uribe’s the “closer” of the future for this franchise.
Megill could be a waiver wire option or a sneaky stash play. His 34.7 K-BB percentage in the second half occurred in a limited sample (18 innings), but was slightly above his teammate Williams (33 percent). He averaged 99.1 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastball last year and also features a knuckle-curve which produced a 53.5 whiff rate per Statcast. He has the stuff, but not a proven track record. Hopefully clarity emerges later today from the team, and especially Murphy on his plans with Williams sidelined.
Updated hierarchy, a projected committee: *Joel Payamps | *Abner Uribe | *Trevor Megill
Pittsburgh Pirates – Although there’s no definitive timeline provided, Jason Mackey provided an update regarding David Bednar in his injury report from Pirates camp for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Bednar’s been throwing from 120 feet and he will throw off a mound in the “coming days”.
Chicago White Sox – Potentially shaking up the leverage ladder, Steven Wilson will be one of the four players acquired in the Dylan Cease trade, and will enter the bullpen hierarchy based on his experience. Last year, he recorded 22 holds with a 1.17 WHIP, and 13.7 K-BB percentage over 52 games, spanning 53 innings.
From Wednesday’s game action, Jordan Leasure logged two scoreless frames, walking two and striking out to. This marked his sixth straight scoreless appearance this spring. He owns a 0.86 WHIP with nine strikeouts against four walks over seven innings. He remains a reliever of interest in this barren bullpen.
(Post updated at 12:30 EST) Why remain static after a trade? General Manager Chris Getz said Michael Kopech will be in the bullpen on Opening Day per this tweet by James Fegan. This once again reshuffles the hierarchy since he has pitched as a reliever previously in 2021. He recorded 13 holds and suffered one blown save in 40 relief appearances with an 80:21 K:BB (25.2 K-BB percentage), and a 1.23 WHIP. Using his results from Baseball Reference, he recorded 15 high-leverage outings and recorded more than three outs 16 times. Now we await for his role. High-leverage or multi-inning bridge?
Updated Hierarchy: John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure | Michael Kopech
New York Mets – No reason for panic, Anthony DiComo reported Edwin Díaz will be away from the team for a couple of days, being present for the birth of his child. This will not affect his schedule or readiness for Opening Day.
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 13)
Houston Astros – Josh Hader fired a clean sixth, striking out one on 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike percentage) with two whiffs (14.3 swinging strike percentage). He’s made four appearances this spring, posting a 0.50 WHIP with three strikeouts over four innings.
Kansas City Royals – Collecting his first win this spring, Nick Anderson tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit. He’s appeared in five games and posted a 1.20 WHIP with three strikeouts versus one walk. James McArthur notched his first hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh. This marked his sixth outing and he owns a 0.68 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against one walk over 7.1 innings.
Los Angeles Angels – Carlos Estévez fired a clean ninth, striking out one. Through five contests, he’s posted a 1.00 WHIP with two strikeouts and no walks.
Minnesota Twins – Jhoan Durán fired a clean sixth, striking out one on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike percentage) with one whiff. Most encouraging, his velocity rose during this outing.
San Diego Padres – In the team’s last tuneup before leaving for South Korea, Yuki Matsui secured his first spring hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth inning. He’s made two appearances this spring, recording five of his six outs via strikeout.
Seattle Mariners – Despite allowing an earned run on two hits, Andrés Muñoz received credit for his second hold and recorded two strikeouts in the fourth inning. He’s made four appearances this spring, posting a 0.75 WHIP with five strikeouts and zero walks.
Closer Monkey’s filthy sequence of the day, Bryan Abreu.
Our first division preview was posted yesterday, featuring the American League East.
Until next time, stay safe and be well.
