Although many bullpens have settled into structured hierarchies, many situations remain in flux whether its performance by the team’s closer or the relievers setting him up. Here are the situations which require our focus this weekend.
American League
Baltimore Orioles
- How does the team use Craig Kimbrel? He’s recorded three consecutive scoreless appearances and a win while striking out four of 10 batters. However, he entered during the seventh inning in two of these contests. Will the team keep using a match-up-based approach or will the veteran reliever reassume his familiar role in the ninth inning?
Boston Red Sox
- Another veteran closer has struggled in recent outings, though Kenley Jansen did convert both save chances in May. He has also allowed multiple runs in two of his last five appearances while posting a 1.60 WHIP over five innings. Can Justin Slaten forge a larger leverage share?
Chicago White Sox
- The team may trade Michael Kopech and John Brebbia before the trade deadline, which opens the door for future Jordan Leasure saves. Those with space on their bench may want to stash him sooner rather than later.
Detroit Tigers
- Who receives the next save chance? How does A.J. Hinch structure his leverage ladder during it? Can fantasy managers trust this bullpen?
Kansas City Royals
- Will James McArthur solve his home run problem? He’s allowed four through his last five outings. The good news is he’s secured the save in his past three games.
Los Angeles Angels
- Through four games in May, Carlos Estévez has recorded two clean outings and a save. He’s also suffered a blown save and a loss, allowing two earned runs. Volume caps his upside and if the ratios do not improve, it will be tough earning a leverage share when he’s traded.
Minnesota Twins
- How will Rocco Baldelli use his best reliever against Cleveland? Does Jhoan Durán match up exclusively against José Ramírez’s lineup pocket or will he operate as the preferred save share?
Tampa Bay Rays
- Going through some heavy usage patterns recently will make discerning roles going forward tough. Pete Fairbanks was used in the eighth during a win on Wednesday against Boston’s 4-5-6 hitters, not in a save situation. This went against his established closer role from last year, will this continue?
Toronto Blue Jays
- Closer Jordan Romano has allowed at least a run in three of his five appearances in May resulting in a 2.00 WHIP over five innings. It’s a small sample size but fantasy players should track his results moving forward.
National League
Chicago Cubs
- Which young starting pitcher converted into the bullpen emerges as a potential high-leverage option: Ben Brown, Hayden Wesneski, or Porter Hodge?
Cincinnati Reds
- Can Alexis Díaz improve his command?
Colorado Rockies
- Jalen Beeks has emerged as the preferred save option, can he remain atop the hierarchy? Counterpoint, can Tyler Kinely become the second or first in line with continued strong outings?
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Who receives the next save chance for the Dodgers? Injury news regarding the pending return of Evan Phillips?
Miami Marlins
- Will Tanner Scott continue his recent success, and parlay it into trade value for his team? Does A.J. Puk receive another ancillary save chance soon? When the fire sale commences, will the team both southpaw relievers?
New York Mets
- Remember when Hader struggled but the metrics suggested bad luck, same goes for Edwin Díaz. Remain patient and understand he’s working with the new pitch clock fatigue for the first time, unlike his peers. For comparison’s sake, his pitch splits from 2022 and 2024:
Philadelphia Phillies
- Does Orion Kerkering earn a larger leverage role soon? He’s recorded three consecutive scoreless outings and struck out five of 10 batters.
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community, until next time, stay safe and be well.
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