San Diego Padres – Despite letting two of three inherited runners score in the eighth on a Mookie Betts single, Robert Suarez settled in against the Dodgers, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames and striking out two for his first save of the season. He threw 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced five whiffs (20.8 SwStr%) versus the top of the lineup, including strikeouts against Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy:
Stephen Kolek got credit for his first major league hold, recording two outs while giving up two earned runs, a hit batter, and a walk in the eighth inning. Yuki Matsui gave up two hits, letting his only inherited runner score over two-thirds of the seventh. Michael King collected his first win logging 3.1 frames, allowing four hits, three earned runs, and three walks while striking out five as a “bulk reliever”.
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Wandy Peralta
Los Angeles Dodgers – Some rough outings in an eventual loss in Game 2 of the Seoul Series. Gus Varland retired his only batter faced in the bottom of the eighth, stranding an inherited runner. J.P. Feyereisen displayed some rust in his first major-league appearance since June 22, 2022. He gave up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in a combined inning of relief. Ryan Yarbrough logged 1.2 innings, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and two walks while striking out one. Alex Vesia allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the sixth. Kyle Hurt worked two innings, yielding three hits, an earned run, and a walk.
Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Joe Kelly | Daniel Hudson
Boston Red Sox – Making his second appearance this spring, Kenley Jansen fired a clean fifth, striking out two. By my count, he threw 13 pitches (9 Strikes – 69.2 Strike%) with three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). On the broadcast, he was between 93-to-95 m.p.h. with his cutter. Things did not go as smoothly for Chris Martin. He allowed two hits and an unearned run over one-third of the sixth, throwing 20 pitches before being removed. The good news, he hit 95 m.p.h. on the radar. After the game, Jansen told Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe he will be ready for Opening Day.
Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski
Pittsburgh Pirates – Making his spring debut, David Bednar allowed two hits and recorded one strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) with two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). With his velocity in line with last year, some worries about him may subside. However, his team will monitor his workload closely early on this season.
Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Colin Holderman
Toronto Blue Jays – Courtesy of this tweet by Arden Zwelling on “X”, Erik Swanson played catch on Thursday, reporting he felt good after. Jordan Romano will rest for one or two more days before throwing again. The biggest part of the report, Toronto will decide by Monday on each reliever’s status for Opening Day.
Hierarchy tentatively remains: Jordan Romano | Erik Swanson | Yimi García
Washington Nationals – Making his first game appearance since March 12, Kyle Finnegan suffered his first blown save, giving up three hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out one over two-thirds of the seventh. After six outings this spring, he owns a 0.94 WHIP with 10 strikeouts through 5.1 innings, but his back tightness must be monitored moving forward.
Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Tanner Rainey
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 21)
Chicago White Sox – Manager Pedro Grifol remains cryptic when asked about roles in his bullpen, but relievers firmly in the mix for Opening Day worked during a tie versus the Royals. Jordan Leasure navigated around a hit and a walk, while striking out two for a scoreless fifth. He owns a 0.84 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus four walks over 6.1 innings. John Brebbia worked around a double for a scoreless sixth, recording one strikeout during his spring debut. Tim Hill tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one. Deivi García logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out four.
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.
San Francisco Giants – Turning in a scoreless outing, Taylor Rogers issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts in the fourth inning. Camilo Doval fired a clean fifth, striking out one. He’s logged five appearances this spring, posting a 1.00 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks over five innings.
Tampa Bay Rays – Tuning up for Opening Day, Pete Fairbanks turned in a crisp outing, retiring both batters faced in the bottom of the eighth via strikeout, and collected his first spring win as a result. He threw seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). Through five spring appearances, he owns a 1.07 WHIP with seven strikeouts against two walks over 4.2 innings. Phil Maton worked a scoreless combined inning, scattering two hits and striking out two. Jason Adam suffered his first blown save, allowing five hits, four runs (one earned), and striking out one.
Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day, this 100 m.p.h. heater by Robert Suarez during his first save of 2024, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
Until next time, stay safe and be well.
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