There have not been many dull moments over the last seven days, with the “closer” news cycles churning out content with ripple effects felt throughout the fantasy community. Relievers exist in a delicate ecosystem, and just when it seems safe, one must adapt on the fly. Monday removed a second reliever from the top tier in our projections, now we take a step back, a breath, and plan for upcoming drafts.
Minnesota Twins – In a very unfortunate update, Jhoan Durán will open the season on the injured list with an oblique strain, reported on “X” by Betsy Helfand. It’s being described as a moderate strain, but these soft-tissue injuries can be slippery. This puts Griffin Jax into the spotlight as the obvious candidate to replace him atop the bullpen hierarchy. He owns a minuscule 0.33 WHIP through six appearances with 10 strikeouts versus zero walks this spring.
In a column by Molly Burkhardt for MLB.com, the president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey, mentioned Jax and Brock Stewart as “late-inning options“.
Updated Hierarchy: Griffin Jax | Brock Stewart | Justin Topa
Boston Red Sox – In the never-ending saga of Kenley Jansen injury updates, he did not pitch on Monday with back discomfort. His window for Opening Day gets tighter as a result of this, and per Alex Speier on “X”, Alex Cora admits “we’re running out of time“. Jansen’s slated to pitch on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday, and one more time in Texas. Stay tuned. If he opens the year on the injured list, the first save chance may be a dart throw.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski
Philadelphia Phillies – In a column by Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Orion Kerkering has not thrown since March 1 and may not be ready for Opening Day. Projected as one of six locks for the leverage ladder, the team will not rush him into game action, especially since he’s fatigued from an illness.
Hierarchy remains a committee: *José Alvarado | *Seranthony Domínguez | *Jeff Hoffman
Chicago White Sox – Although it was in a minor league game, John Brebbia made his spring debut on a mound. In this tweet by Daryl Van Schouwen, the veteran reliever pitched an inning and faced two more batters before being removed. He also backed up a base and fielded a ball during his outing, reporting no ill effects. His next appearance may be in a Cactus League contest.
Hierarchy remains a committee: *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | *Jordan Leasure
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 18)
Arizona Diamondbacks – Escaping with a scoreless outing, Paul Sewald recorded his fourth hold this spring, giving up two hits and striking out two in the fifth. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%). This marked his fifth appearance and he owns a 1.00 WHIP with five strikeouts against one walk over five innings.
Chicago White Sox – Jordan Leasure retired the side in order in the sixth. He owns a 0.68 WHIP with seven strikeouts against three walks through 7.1 innings.
Houston Astros – Considered a spring hiccup, Josh Hader only retired two batters while giving up four hits, including two home runs, and recording a strikeout in the sixth. But, he got credit for his third hold. He threw 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.6 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (26.3 SwStr%). Both home runs came against his sinker, which averaged 94.3 m.p.h. in this outing:
Los Angeles Angels – Carlos Estévez fired a clean sixth, striking out two. He’s thrown three straight scoreless outings with three strikeouts and zero walks.
Philadelphia Phillies – Taking over in the sixth, José Alvarado gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two during two-thirds scoreless in a split-squad game against the Pirates. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) with three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.24 WHIP with six strikeouts versus two walks over 5.2 innings. Versus the Yankees, these relievers all appeared on consecutive days. Jeff Hoffman fired a clean second, striking out two on 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.2 SwStr%). Seranthony Domínguez collected his first loss, serving up a solo home run in the third. Gregory Soto allowed three hits and an earned run in the fourth.
Washington Nationals – Hunter Harvey fired a clean eighth, striking out the side. This marked his seventh appearance and he’s racked up 13 strikeouts versus one walk through 7.1 innings. Following up on yesterday’s note about Kyle Finnegan, he threw on Monday and will return to game action on Wednesday.
Although he may open the year as San Diego’s fifth starter, Matt Waldon receives Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day award, with this mesmerizing knuckleball during an exhibition game in South Korea, provided by the Pitching Ninja.
Stay safe and be well.
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