It was a relatively quiet day on the reliever front, with most beat writers focusing on their respective teams’ Spring Breakout Rosters. Still, news about a timetable for a veteran closer surfaced, another limited by injury completed a side session, and game recaps will receive a larger focus in today’s post.
Boston Red Sox – Citing MLB.com’s injuries and roster moves page, Kenley Jansen had a pain-free live batting practice session and is targeting March 15 as his spring debut so he’s ready for Opening Day. The veteran closer stated he feels he can appear in five games barring a setback. Monitor this closely.
Chicago White Sox – Although no reports surfaced following John Brebbia successfully completing his bullpen session on Thursday, this video surfaced, showing no signs of hesitation because of his calf issue.
During a loss on Thursday, Jordan Leasure turned in his fourth straight scoreless appearance this spring. He secured his third hold, firing a clean fourth and striking out one. After four outings, he owns a 0.75 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks. Bryan Shaw went nuclear, allowing five hits, six earned runs, and hit a batter during his two-thirds of the fifth. He was tagged with his second loss and first blown save.
Seattle Mariners – Intriguing tidbits of information surfaced in the Ryan Divish column about relievers emerging from “the bucket” for The Seattle Times. First, he provides notes about the team not rushing the returns of Matt Brash or Gregory Santos. Before Brash’s setback, there were two spots open on the roster for the season in the leverage ladder, but if Santos cannot be ready for Opening Day either, there’s three. It’s apparent Andrés Muñoz will be the “closer” early on, but the leverage relievers getting him opportunities may be pieced together from a group which includes Jackson Kowar, Ty Buttrey, and Carlos Vargas. (UPDATE 11:00 A.M. EST): Perhaps a reaction to this current bullpen structure, Mark Feinsand reports the Mariners have agreed on a deal with Ryne Stanek. If Brash and Santos are not ready for Opening Day, he will jump into the hierarchy in a set-up capacity.
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 7)
- Detroit Tigers – In a split-squad outing against Toronto, Alex Lange fired a clean sixth, striking out two on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made three appearances this spring, posting a 7:1 K:BB with a 2.00 WHIP. Command remains a key for his success, but the team may have him on a short leash as their preferred save option this season. This was a strong outing, but can he record them consistently?
- Houston Astros – Making his second spring appearance, Ryan Pressly allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out two. He threw 25 pitches (72 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (20 SwStr%). Josh Hader notched his second hold, working a scoreless fifth, walking one on 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s logged two spring outings and owns a 1.00 WHIP with one walk.
- New York Yankees – Ian Hamilton tossed two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out five. He threw 29 pitches (18 strikes – 62.1 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (24.1 SwStr%). Through three outings, he owns a 0.40 WHIP with a 7:2 K:BB over five innings. Clay Holmes will be the closer, but for those in leagues that value vulture wins and ancillary saves, Hamilton will fill the vacated multiple-inning relief role of Michael King.
- Texas Rangers – Entering in the fifth, Kirby Yates navigated around a hit and a walk, while striking out one for his first spring hold. In direct competition for his leverage role, he owns a 1.33 WHIP with six strikeouts versus one walk over three innings.
Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and be well.
