Milwaukee Brewers – As anticipated, Brewers GM, Matt Arnold hinted at a committee for saves in this video interview on “X” shared by Curt Hogg, with results over the next two weeks of spring contests perhaps laying the groundwork for roles once the season begins. However, there was no definitive answer, which means this should be considered a committee until the team announces otherwise.
In Hogg’s column for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, he named Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill as candidates for save chances while Devin Williams will be sidelined. This included the quotes by manager Pat Murphy sounding like he prefers “remaining flexible” with his late-inning options. This does not help fantasy players seeking clarity, especially when mining saves off the waiver wire.
For a different perspective, Jack Magruder focused on Payamps and Uribe for MLB.com covering how Milwaukee will structure its bullpen without Williams. It also included quotes from Murphy not wanting to name a replacement for his team’s All-Star closer. With things trending toward a committee, weigh upcoming performances this spring, and how the new manager deploys his relievers during the first week of contests.
Hierarchy remains a committee: *Joel Payamps | *Abner Uribe | *Trevor Megill
Chicago White Sox – Although there was an update yesterday regarding Michael Kopech being placed into the bullpen, there have been some interesting notes since. Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the starter had been demoted and in his column mused about if being the “closer” may be in Kopech’s future.
Kopech said he would be interested in the role, but shared he understands he must improve on his consistency before worrying about his spot in the leverage ladder. In a separate tweet, Chuck Garfien shared quotes from pitching coach, Ethan Katz, saying an aggressive approach by the newly transformed reliever may improve his outcomes, and provide save chances for a team presently without a “closer“. Stay tuned, this seems like a developing situation, especially while fantasy await a spring appearance by John Brebbia.
Projected hierarchy: *John Brebbia | *Jordan Leasure | *Michael Kopech
St. Louis Cardinals – A misguided tweet by John Denton reported Ryan Helsley fired a clean outing on Thursday, recording two strikeouts, but “topped” out at 93.8 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastball. It was his minimum velocity with the pitch in this appearance, but he remains 4.4 m.p.h. below his average speed versus last year. Earlier this spring, Helsley said he was not throwing as hard early in camp hoping it will keep him healthier this season. With Opening Day less than two weeks away, he should start ramping up in preparations, so it will be monitored. Here’s his player breakdown from Statcast:
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 14)
Atlanta Braves – Taking over in the fifth inning, Raisel Iglesias retired the side in order while striking out one. This marked his fourth outing this spring and he owns a 1.50 WHIP with five strikeouts over four innings.
Baltimore Orioles – Collecting his first win this spring, Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless sixth, allowing a hit and striking out one. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He’s rounding into form, turning in consecutive scoreless appearances.
Cincinnati Reds – During an eventual loss, Alexis Díaz held on for a scoreless third, issuing two walks and striking out one. Through three spring appearances, he’s posted a 1.33 WHIP with five strikeouts and two walks.
Cleveland Guardians – Rough outing for Emmanuel Clase. He allowed four hits, including a home run, resulting in three earned runs. He also recorded two strikeouts against the Rockies. After starting strong this spring, this game moved his WHIP to an uncomfortable 1.60, but we focus on his nine strikeouts versus one walk through five innings.
Detroit Tigers – Securing his first spring hold, Andrew Chafin fired a clean fifth, striking out the side on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and producing five whiffs (35.7 SwStr%). Shelby Miller worked a scoreless sixth, walking one and striking out two. He threw 19 pitches (9 strikes – 47.4 Strike%) with one whiff. Alex Lange tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one while throwing 18 pitches (10 strikes – 55.6 Strike%) and getting one whiff. He’s made four appearances this spring, producing a 1.75 WHIP with seven strikeouts against two walks.
Milwaukee Brewers – With leverage roles at stake moving forward, Elvis Peguero suffered his first loss, giving up three hits and two earned runs in the fifth. Joel Payamps served up a solo home run (Luis Urías) in the sixth. Abner Uribe fired a clean seventh, striking out two.
Philadelphia Phillies – Entering in the fifth, José Alvarado turned in a scoreless outing, giving up a hit and striking out one. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). Through five appearances, he owns a 1.00 WHIP with four strikeouts against one walk. Jeff Hoffman navigated around three hits and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless sixth, throwing 22 pitches (90.9 Strike%) with five whiffs (22.7 SwStr%). He’s logged five outings this spring posting a 1.50 WHIP with four strikeouts versus two walks over 4.2 innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Recording his second hold, Aroldis Chapman retired the side in order in the sixth, throwing 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s made five appearances this spring, posting a 1.00 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk.
Closer Monkey’s filthy sequence of the day features an overlay of Adam Ottavino‘s arsenal by the Pitching Ninja.
Until next time, stay safe and be well.
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