Spring Vibes, March 20: Toronto RP Injuries, Another Jansen Outing Scratched, Game Recaps, and more

Toronto Blue Jays –In a less than ideal tweet regarding two separate injuries affecting the Blue Jays high-leverage ladder, Keegan Matheson shared Jordan Romano has right elbow inflammation and Erik Swanso n has right forearm tightness. Per Matheson, both relievers had clean MRIs. Hazel Mae reported Romano will not throw for three days then “ramp back up“. She also shared Swanson will rest for a day or two, then resume throwing. For now it’s not time for panic, but any setbacks would cloud their respective availability for Opening Day. If anything happens, the adjusted hierarchy would be Yimi García, then Chad Green, and Tim Mayza in a potentially match-up based approach. 

In a follow-up injuries update column by Matheson for MLB.com, he mentioned García and Green as candidates for save chances if Romano misses time at the onset of the season. It’s too soon for a hierarchy reset, though the news about Swanson appears more concerning. 

During game action on Tuesday, recent news makes the outings by these two relievers potentially more interesting. Yimi García fired a clean top of the fifth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Through his seven spring outings, he owns a 0.63 WHIP with seven strikeouts against two walks. Chad Green worked the sixth, allowing a solo home run. He’s had a rough March (7 ER in 4.2 IP) but would be a high-leverage option if his teammates miss time this season. 

Tentative Hierarchy Remains: Jordan Romano | Erik Swanson | Yimi García

Boston Red Sox – I’m starting to feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog’s Day with the Kenley Jansen daily updates. Once again, he was scheduled for an appearance but will be scratched with back tightness per Alex Speier, of the Boston Globe, on “X”. Time will be tight for readiness on Opening Day. Chris Martin remains on track for an appearance in a minor league game today, for now, reported by Ian Browne of MLB.com on “X”. If these two veterans are not ready for Opening Day, this leverage ladder becomes very inexperienced with Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock on track for spots in the rotation. This may result in high-leverage events for Josh Winckowski, Greg Weissert, and Isaiah Campbell, with Justin Slaten in the multi-inning role. 

During his outing on Tuesday, Martin hit 96-to-97 m.p.h., shared in this tweet by Speier. As for Jansen, Christopher Smith of MassLive noted a “tight back” kept him from his appearance and the team hopes he can pitch in a minor league game on Wednesday. If he does, they will reset his scheduled outings in preparation for Opening Day. (UPDATE – 8:00 a.m. EST) In a recent tweet by Speier, it appears the earliest Jansen will pitch could be Thursday. Plan accordingly.

Tentative Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Los Angeles Dodgers – Before their first game in South Korea against San Diego, the Dodgers placed two relievers, Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Blake Treinen (lung), on the 10-day injured list per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic on “X”. It will be interesting how Dave Roberts structures his leverage ladder during a save chance, which could happen soon while many have their morning coffee. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: Evan Phillips | Joe Kelly | Daniel Hudson

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 19)

Cincinnati Reds – Another sullied outing for Alexis Díaz. He worked 1.2 innings, allowing two hits, including a two-run home run by Aaron Hicks, and a walk while striking out one. After serving up the home run, he retired five of his next batters faced, but the damage had been done. Through five games this spring, he boasts a 1.59 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus three walks.

Cleveland Guardians – Suffering his first blown save this spring, Emmanuel Clase allowed two hits, including a two-run home run (Willy Adames), and a walk while striking out two. He’s appeared in seven spring games with a 12:2 K:BB and a 1.71 WHIP over seven innings.

Colorado Rockies – Still in competition for the “closer” role, Justin Lawrence completed a scoreless sixth, working around a hit and a walk. Following eight outings this spring, he owns a 2.05 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against three walks. In the other split-squad game, Tyler Kinley gave up three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out one during one-third of the seventh. This moved his WHIP to 1.26 and he owns an 8:4 K:BB through 6.1 innings. From a fantasy lens, maybe there is no winner. 

Detroit Tigers – In a scoreless tie, Shelby Miller fired a clean sixth, striking out one on 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He’s logged five spring outings producing a 0.80 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk. Alex Lange retired the side in order in the seventh, recording two strikeouts. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). Through his first five outings, he owns a 1.40 WHIP with a 9:2 K:BB over five innings.

Houston Astros – It will not appear in the boxscores, but Brian McTaggart reported Josh Hader appeared in a minor league game on Tuesday, working on consecutive days in this tweet on “X”. This may be a byproduct of building up his stamina for the season, or working on his pitches after serving up two home runs on Monday. Either way, it’s a positive development with Opening Day just over a week away.

Miami Marlins – During a split-squad game against the Astros, Tanner Scott tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit. He’s been scoreless in his last three outings. Anthony Bender worked a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit and striking out one. In their other contest against St. Louis, Andrew Nardi got credit for his third hold, navigating around two walks while striking out one. Through six outings, he owns a 1.41 WHIP with two strikeouts against seven walks. In this game, his four-seam fastball was 2.7 m.p.h. below last year’s average velocity.

Oakland A’s – In a tie, the relievers provided a mixed bag of results. Dany Jiménez got credit for his first hold, allowing an earned run and walking four while striking out one. This moved his WHIP to 1.35 through 6.2 innings. Lucas Erceg gave up a hit and an unearned run, resulting in his second blown save. Mason Miller tossed a scoreless fifth, walking one. He owns a 0.67 WHIP with nine strikeouts against one walk over six innings this spring. 

Seattle Mariners – During a lopsided win, Andrés Muñoz tossed a scoreless fifth, allowing a hit and striking out one. He’s made six appearances this spring, posting a 1.06 WHIP with six strikeouts and no walks.

Tampa Bay Rays – Pete Fairbanks worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two. He’s made four appearances this spring, posting a 1.25 WHIP with five strikeouts versus two walks over four innings.

Texas Rangers – Entering in the fifth, David Robertson retired the side in order, recording one strikeout. Kirby Yates allowed three hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out two. José Leclerc tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up an infield hit and striking out two. He’s rounding into form, working three straight scoreless outings with five strikeouts against one walk.

Stay safe and be well. Enjoy the Dodgers versus the Padres if you can watch it live.

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Spring Vibes, March 19: Durán’s oblique, Jansen’s back (but not on a mound), Kerkering may not be ready, Game Recaps, and more

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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American League Central 2024 Preview

Chicago White Sox: Way more questions than answers for the White Sox bullpen coming into 2024. If looking for the most likely reliever to land 10 or more saves, you may consider Michael Kopech. The once highly-touted starter turned emergency reliever is as good a bet as anyone to hit the double-digit mark. Other potential SV leaders include John Brebbia, although the veteran is ailing this spring. Young Jordan Leasure is a deep roster name to monitor too. This situation is best avoided as currently constructed.

Here are the three-year high-leverage results for Chicago:

Projected 2024 Hierarchy: Michael Kopech | John Brebbia | Steven Wilson | Jordan Leasure

Primary hold candidates: Brebbia, Wilson, Leasure, Tim Hill, Prelander Berroa

Cleveland Guardians: Lock Emmanuel Clase in as a top fantasy option once in 2024. He sits atop the Cleveland depth chart and was the top SV getter in baseball in 2023, with 44. The depth behind Clase, however, will be tested. Veteran Scott Barlow is in the fray, while Sam Hentges‘ finger must remain calm throughout the year. Carlos Carrasco may end up providing high-leverage outings for Cleveland, as well.

Here is how the Guardians high-leverage relievers have fared over the past three seasons:

Projected 2024 Hierarchy: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow | Nick Sandlin

Primary holds candidates: Barlow, Hentges, Sandlin, Eli Morgan

Detroit Tigers: Command, command, command are the three keys to Alex Lange remaining as the Detroit closer in 2024. Gone are the days when he was the only option in town, as Jason Foley, Beau Briske, and Shelby Miller all pose threats to Lange’s hold on the ninth.

Projected 2024 Hierarchy: Alex Lange | Jason Foley | Shelby Miller | Andrew Chafin

Primary holds candidates: Chafin, Foley, Miller, Briske

Kansas City Royals: It’s not sexy, but Will Smith again finds himself in a fantasy-friendly position within the Royals bullpen. Now, it may not last all season, as his fastball is god-awful and James McArthur lurks, but Smith is a near certainty to get the role and a leash pre-trade deadline for KC. There are a few other names of interest including John Schreiber, Nick Anderson, and Chris Stratton.

High leverage results for the past three seasons in Kansas City:

Projected 2024 Hierarchy: Will Smith | James McArthur(HLR) | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton

Primary holds candidates: Schreiber, Anderson, Stratton, McArthur, John McMillon

Minnesota Twins: A repeat performance in 2024 from Jhoan Durán would make the Twins’ closer a Top 5 relief pitching option. Any progression could have Durán landing as the overall best fantasy reliever this year. The Minnesota bullpen is a collection of powerful arms behind their closer too. Griffin Jax led the team in appearance over the past two seasons, posting a 68:19 K:BB ratio in 2023. While Brock Stewart was unscored upon in 27 of 28 relief appearances.

Below is a look at the Twins high-leverage results over the last three seasons:

Projected 2024 Hierachy: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Brock Stewart

Primary holds candidates: Jax, Stewart, Caleb Thielbar

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Spring Vibes, March 18: Leclerc trending toward closing in Texas, Stephenson update, Finnegan’s back, Game Recaps, and more

Texas Rangers – It’s déjà vu all over again, with Bruce Bochy indicating he will begin the season with José Leclerc as the “closer” in this tweet by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News on “X”. After struggling with an injury early on in 2023, Leclerc converted four of five save chances during the postseason with a 14:6 K:BB through 13.2 innings. With the Rangers adding David Robertson and Kirby Yates in free agency, the margin for error remains thin for maintaining the top spot in this bullpen’s leverage ladder. Last year, Leclerc’s rebound from August forward coincided with a rise in his velocity. Monitor this, and his command, early on this season, they will be harbingers of him remaining in the role.

Updated Hierarchy: José Leclerc | David Robertson | Josh Sborz

Los Angeles Angels –  In a column by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, Robert Stephenson will not be ready for Opening Day. He’s been throwing, but then the discomfort resurfaces. Although an MRI has only shown inflammation, the team will not rush him into game action so he’s available for the rest of the season. Plan accordingly in upcoming drafts. 

Updated Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | José Soriano

Washington Nationals –  It’s not considered serious, but manager Davey Martinez mentioned Kyle Finnegan has been dealing with a “stiff back” and will receive a bit more rest, then pitch on Wednesday (March 20) per Mark Zuckerman’s post on MASN. He last appeared on March 12, retiring both batters faced via strikeout. 

Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Tanner Rainey

Boston Red Sox – With the team narrowing down its pitchers vying for the rotation, Josh Winckowski will re-join the bullpen per Sean McAdam of MassLive. Last year, he went 4-4 as a reliever with three saves, 18 holds, a 13.9 K-BB percentage through 59 relief appearances. However, if he will work in multiple-inning outings, the third in line may be Isaiah Campbell or Greg Weissert, so this will be monitored closely over the next week. In a separate note, Kenley Jansen threw a light bullpen and will log his second spring outing on Monday (March 18) against the Twins, courtesy of Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. 

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 17)

Baltimore Orioles – Yennier Cano gave up three hits and an earned run in the seventh. This marked his fourth appearance and he’s posted a 1.00 WHIP with five strikeouts over four innings.

Cleveland Guardians – Back on track after a rough outing, Emmanuel Clase recorded his third spring hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, and striking out one. He’s made six appearances this spring, posting a 1.50 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against one walk over six innings.

Kansas City Royals – Appearing in the sixth inning, Will Smith allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk. This marked his sixth spring outing and he owns a 1.33 WHIP with three strikeouts and three walks through six innings.

Miami Marlins – Securing his second hold, Sixto Sánchez fired two clean frames while striking out one. He threw 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. Through four spring appearances, he’s posted a 0.50 WHIP with four strikeouts over six innings.

Oakland A’s – Dany Jiménez retired both batters faced, recording a strikeout. He owns a 0.79 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus two walks over 6.1 innings. Mason Miller navigated around two hits while striking out two for a scoreless eighth. He’s posted a 0.60 WHIP with nine strikeouts against zero walks through five innings.

Milwaukee Brewers – Taking over in the fifth, Joel Payamps stranded both inherited runners, and worked 1.2 scoreless frames, striking out two while collecting his first win this spring. Elvis Peguero turned in two clean frames, striking out four for his first hold. Abner Uribe notched his first save of the spring, tossing a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit, and striking out two. One should not overreact, however, Payamps entered a messy situation and handled it, with Uribe closing out the contest. This may happen in the regular season as well with Pat Murphy’s match-up based approach.

New York Mets – Edwin Díaz made his second outing, firing a clean sixth. He threw 10 pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff. Through two clean appearances, he’s recorded three strikeouts.

Philadelphia Phillies – Entering in the fifth, Jeff Hoffman retired the side in order, recording one strikeout. He threw 11 pitches (6 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Seranthony Domínguez secured his second hold despite giving up two hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out one on 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) with one whiff. Gregory Soto notched his first spring hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, and striking out two.

San Diego Padres – During an exhibition game versus Team Korea, Robert Suarez recorded a save, working around a hit and a walk with a pop-up, then a game-ending double play groundout. He threw 14 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Tampa Bay Rays – Making his third appearance this spring, Pete Fairbanks gave up a hit during a scoreless fourth. He’s posted a 1.33 WHIP with three strikeouts over three innings.

Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day was awarded to Sixto Sánchez, video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Stay safe and be well.

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Spring Vibes, March 17: White Sox Leverage Updates, Colorado closer choice emerging, Kimbrel improving, and Game Recaps

Chicago White Sox – Making his first spring relief appearance, Michael Kopech retired the side in order, and in the recap by Scott Merkin of MLB.com, the reliever hit 100 m.p.h. on the stadium radar. Although he’s not focused on being the “closer“, he would welcome it but remains focused on doing the “best job he can”. Stay tuned.

In a separate post for the Chicago Sun-Times, Daryl Van Schouwen featured quotes about Jordan Leasure being a potential ninth-inning option by Pedro Grifol as well. Until the lights go on, it appears the manager will keep his high-leverage plans close to the vest. Also in the mix is John Brebbia, though he’s not appeared in a Cactus League game yet.

Projected Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Jordan Leasure | *John Brebbia

Colorado Rockies – Perhaps a pivotal day in the “closer” competition. During Saturday’s contest, Tyler Kinley retired the side in order in the sixth inning. He owns a 0.50 WHIP with seven strikeouts against two walks over six innings. Justin Lawrence went nuclear in one-third of the eighth. He allowed five hits, six runs (five earned), and a walk while striking out one. This spiked his WHIP to 2.05 with 10 strikeouts versus two walks through 6.1 innings this spring. Patrick Saunders, of the Denver Post, penned in his game recap, Kinley “continues to show why he’s likely to begin the season as the closer“.  Once Bud Black echoes this sentiment, the committee designation will be removed. Our bullpen depth chart leaned Kinley from the jump, hopefully he fares well in the role this season, or until Daniel Bard returns.

Hierarchy remains: *Tyler Kinley | *Justin Lawrence | Jake Bird

Baltimore Orioles –  Appearing in the sixth inning, Craig Kimbrel issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts during a scoreless outing. Following his rough start this spring, he’s scoreless in his last three contests with three strikeouts. He’s on schedule for Opening Day, and his manager agrees in this column by Jake Rill for MLB.com. As for his last hurdle, working on consecutive days will be the last test for the veteran reliever. He enters this season eighth in MLB history with 417 saves. 

Hierarchy: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Dillon Tate

Boston Red Sox –  Veteran reliever Chris Martin successfully completed his live batting practice throwing session and will move forward in his preparations for the season. His next step will be another live batting practice or his Grapefruit League debut per the injuries and roster moves page on MLB.com. He’s a key component in the leverage ladder recording four wins, three saves, and 23 holds last year with a 1.03 WHIP and 19.1 K-BB percentage. 

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Seattle Mariners – Multiple updates about the Mariners bullpen were posted on “X”. First, Ryan Divish shared Ryne Stanek will appear in a Cactus League game in the coming days. He also reported Matt Brash will long toss at max effort then progress to a mound in the next few days if there’s no lingering soreness. Last, but not least, Gregory Santos is rehabbing and resting, but not throwing. No timetable for his return until he commences a throwing program. 

Hierarchy for Opening Day remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 16)

Atlanta Braves – A traffic-laden outing by Raisel Iglesias did not result in any runs despite allowing a hit and two walks during his two-thirds of the sixth. He did record one strikeout in this outing but owns a 1.93 WHIP with six strikeouts against four walks through 4.2 innings this spring.

Chicago Cubs – Hector Neris notched his first spring hold, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out one. Adbert Alzolay fired a clean eighth, striking out two for his first hold. He owns a 0.50 WHIP with six strikeouts against one walk over six innings. Julian Merryweather recorded his first spring save with a clean ninth, striking out the side.

Cincinnati Reds – Suffering his first blown save this spring, Alexis Díaz allowed two hits, including a two-run home run, and recorded two strikeouts. This marked his fourth outing and he owns a 1.50 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks.

Houston Astros – In an eventual loss, Ryan Pressly fired a clean fifth, striking out one. He’s posted a 1.00 WHIP with three strikeouts over four innings. Bryan Abreu gave up two hits, four earned runs, and two walks during two-thirds of the sixth. He’s struggled this spring and owns a 2.73 WHIP with five strikeouts against six walks through 3.2 innings.

Miami Marlins –  In an eventual tie, George Soriano worked a scoreless fifth, giving up a hit. Tanner Scott completed an inning, this is not a test. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless sixth. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). Hopefully, this will be an outing he can build on moving forward:

Milwaukee Brewers –  Collecting his first win, Hoby Milner fired 1.1 clean innings. Trevor Megill took the baton in the seventh, facing two hitters, and retired both for his second hold. Suddenly on fantasy players’ radars, he owns a 1.33 WHIIP with five strikeouts against one walk over six innings.

Oakland A’s – In a split-squad game against Milwaukee,  a rough outing alert by Trevor Gott. He was tagged with his first loss, giving up four hits, five earned runs, and two walks without recording an out in the fifth inning. Lucas Erceg also struggled, allowing two hits, three earned runs, and two walks in the sixth.

Seattle Mariners – For a second straight outing, Andrés Muñoz struggled, giving up two hits and an earned run in two-thirds of the sixth. He’s made five appearances this spring, posting a 1.07 WHIP with five strikeouts and zero walks over 4.2 innings.

Texas Rangers – During a split-squad game against Arizona, Kirby Yates fired a clean sixth, striking out one. Through five appearances this spring, he owns a 0.80 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus one walk. 

Closer Monkey’s filthy sequence of the day winner goes to Luis Gil, featuring his change-up and slider.

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Until next time, stay safe and be well, especially on this celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

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