Monkey Bytes, March 29: Foley records the first Tigers save, Suarez notches his second, Jax owns the ninth, Game Recaps, and more

Closer hijinks should be expected on Opening Day. However, things were a bit frenetic as the first window of games concluded. Recaps from these outcomes, along with the high-leverage notes of interest get covered in today’s Monkey Bytes.

Detroit Tigers – It did not take long for some chaos on Opening Day courtesy of A.J. Hinch. With one out and a 1-0 lead, Jason Foley took over against the White Sox’s second and third hitters, retiring both on strikeouts for his first save of the season. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Andrew Chafin notched his first hold, firing 1.1 clean frames and recording two strikeouts. Shelby Miller also secured his first hold with a clean seventh, striking out one. After the game, Hinch explained his thought process on the high-leverage usage pattern against the White Sox in the attached video. Those with Alex Lange on their roster will be frustrated, but if the team’s deploying a match-up-based approach, he and Foley will be accruing saves this year. Wait a week and see how this all plays out moving forward.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Alex Lange | *Jason Foley | Andrew Chafin

San Diego Padres – Racking up his league-leading second save, Robert Suarez served up a solo home run (Michael Conforto) and recorded a strikeout, preserving a two-run win over the Giants. He threw nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) with one whiff (11.1 SwStr%). Yuki Matsui collected his first major league win, retiring all four batters faced, but received credit for 1.2 innings courtesy of sacrifice double play. Jhony Brito suffered his second blown save, giving up three hits and two earned runs over one-third of the seventh. Tom Cosgrove fired a clean sixth, striking out two for his first hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Wandy Peralta

Minnesota Twins – Nailing down his first save, Griffin Jax worked around a lead-off walk (Bobby Witt Jr.) by retiring the next three batters and recording one strikeout. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) while generating three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Brock Stewart tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit for his first hold. If the Royals heart of the order arrived in the eighth inning, this may have been a different leverage plan. Plan on Jax being the primary save share, with highest-leveraged reliever tendencies (“fireman“).

Hierarchy Remains: *Griffin Jax | *Brock Stewart | Steven Okert

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 28)

American League

Boston Red Sox – Career save number 421 for Kenley Jansen, and his first of the season. He worked around a lead-off walk by retiring the next three batters, two via strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). Chris Martin secured his first hold, allowing a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth. Joely Rodríguez got credit for his first hold, letting an inherited runner score on a home run and striking out two in the seventh. Isaiah Campbell recorded his first hold, giving up a hit and an earned run while striking out one in a combined inning of relief.

Houston Astros – Making a strong team debut, Josh Hader fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out the side during a one-run loss. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) getting three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). Tayler Scott worked a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. Ryan Pressly suffered his first loss, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in the seventh. Rafael Montero gave up a hit and an earned run in the sixth resulting in his first blown save.

New York Yankees – Capping a comeback victory, Clay Holmes navigated around three hits for a scoreless ninth. He threw eight pitches (5 strikes – 62.5 Strike%) and benefited from a runner being thrown out at home on a single by Kyle Tucker by Juan Soto. Ian Hamilton recorded his first hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Jonathan Loáisiga collected his first win, logging two scoreless frames while scattering four hits and striking out one.

Texas Rangers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, David Robertson collected his first win. He worked a scoreless top of the 10th, navigating around two walks (one intentional) and striking out one. José Leclerc allowed an earned run in the ninth, giving up two walks and uncorking a wild pitch while striking out one. He threw 25 pitches (48 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (12 SwStr%). Kirby Yates fired a clean eighth, striking out one, taking on a left-handed heavy-hitting pocket. Josh Sborz worked around two hits for a scoreless seventh, recording two strikeouts.

National League

Chicago Cubs – Suffering his first loss, Drew Smyly allowed a hit, an unearned run, and two walks over two-thirds of the 10th inning. Adbert Alzolay suffered his first blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run (Travis Jankowski) and issuing a walk in the bottom of the ninth. He threw 20 pitches (55 Strike%) with no whiffs. Hector Neris tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one. Mark Leiter Jr. logged 1.2 clean frames, striking out three.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Taking the baton from Tyler Glasnow, an old-school save for Ryan Yarbrough logging three scoreless frames, allowing a hit, and striking out one, while closing out a six-run win over the Cardinals.

Miami Marlins – Despite a heroic effort, Declan Cronin suffered his first loss, allowing a hit, an unearned run, and two walks (one intentional) while striking out three, covering all three extra stanzas. Tanner Scott worked a scoreless ninth, walking two and striking out two. He threw 26 pitches (11 strikes – 42.3 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Sixto Sánchez made his first major league appearance since the NLDS in 2020, allowing a game-tying home run (Oneil Cruz), resulting in his first blown save. Anthony Bender held on for his first hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one. Andrew Nardi got credit for a hold but gave up two hits and two earned runs while recording two strikeouts over two-thirds-combined innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Converting his first save of the season and his career, Jose Hernandez stranded the “place” runner while retiring the side in order in the bottom of the 12th. Luis L. Ortiz collected his first win, tossing two scoreless innings and handing out two intentional walks. Aroldis Chapman fired a clean ninth, striking out one, keeping the game tied. He threw eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) with one whiff. Ryan Borucki retired all four batters faced and recorded one strikeout. Hunter Stratton gave up a hit and struck out one over two-thirds of the seventh. After the game, it was reported David Bednar (lat) was not available in this contest by Jason Mackey on “X”.

Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Jason Foley, firing his “turbo sinker” at 100-plus m.p.h., courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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Monkey Bytes, March 25:

With Opening Day three sleeps away, we will be shifting from Spring Vibes into this new format for the regular season.

Chicago White Sox – A tough day for this leverage ladder. Deivi García allowed two hits, including a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. John Brebbia suffered his first loss, issuing two walks and serving up a three-run home run during the seventh. Jordan Leasure encountered adversity. He gave up four hits and two earned runs while striking out two in the sixth. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak. He owns a 1.18 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against four walks over 9.1 innings this spring.

There’s still no word on how Pedro Grifol will structure his bullpen, but those hoping Michael Kopech receives save chances appreciate his manager’s thoughts about the reliever’s performance after being deployed as a reliever rather than starting games.

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

Boston Red Sox – Encouraging outings by the high-leverage Red Sox relievers on Sunday featured Kenley Jansen firing a clean seventh, striking out one, throwing eight pitches (87.5 Strike%). Reports suggested his cutter sat at 93 m.p.h. and he had good shape with pitches. Chris Martin retired the side in order in the eighth, recording a strikeout. Both will face Texas in an exhibition game before Opening Day, and with no setbacks, each will be ready for the season.

Projected Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Cincinnati Reds – Appearing on consecutive days did not end well for Alexis Díaz. He allowed two hits, including a three-run home run, and a walk while striking out two, resulting in his first loss. Following this outing, he owns a 1.70 WHIP this spring with 11 strikeouts versus four walks. Lucas Sims worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two. Emilio Pagán fired a clean seventh, striking out one. One hopes Díaz will improve once the season begins with increased adrenaline, but fantasy players should monitor his results early on, especially his WHIP and K-BB percentage.

Projected Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims | Emilio Pagán

Detroit Tigers – Logging two shutout frames, Beau Brieske secured his first spring save, scattering two hits and striking out two. He’s recorded 13.1 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and a 0.38 WHIP through seven appearances. Will Vest collected his first win, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, and striking out one. Alex Lange fired a clean sixth, striking out one on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last five outings with seven strikeouts against one walk. Andrew Chafin retired his only batter faced, stranding a runner in the fifth.

Whether or not Lange maintains the gains he’s displayed in recent appearances, through seven innings this spring, he owns a 62.3 Strike percentage. It’s a small sample, but last year he finished with a 51 percent strike rate per Baseball Reference. His ability to throw strikes, and get ahead of hitters will determine if he keeps the primary save share in a deep, pliable leverage ladder.

Projected Hierarchy: Alex Lange | Jason Foley | Shelby Miller

Los Angeles Dodgers – During an exhibition game with the Angels, Evan Phillips fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). With a save under his belt, he’s ready for his stateside Opening Day on Thursday. Ryan Brasier had a rough outing, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds of the seventh. Alex Vesia retired his only batter faced in the sixth, stranding an inherited runner.

Hierarchy Remains: Evan Phillips | Joe Kelly | Daniel Hudson

Miami Marlins – Collecting his first win, Andrew Nardi logged 1.2 innings, giving up three hits and an earned run while striking out four. Tanner Scott secured his first spring hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing a hit, and striking out three. He threw 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and produced seven whiffs (35 SwStr%). He owns a five-game scoreless streak with six strikeouts against two walks over his last 4.2 innings. Sixto Sánchez worked two scoreless innings, yielding two hits and striking out four. Anthony Bender retired the side in order in the ninth.

Projected Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Anthony Bender

New York Mets – With trumpets playing for his entrance, Edwin Díaz bounced back with a clean sixth, striking out one in his third spring appearance. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.55 WHIP with five strikeouts versus two walks over 3.2 innings. His velocity was down two m.p.h. in this contest. Jake Diekman allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh. Jorge López tossed a clean eighth, striking out one.

Projected Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Adam Ottavino | Brooks Raley

Pittsburgh Pirates – Rounding into form, David Bednar allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the fourth inning during his second appearance this spring. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) producing one whiff. Aroldis Chapman worked around two walks for a scoreless fifth on 20 pitches (40 Strike%) getting one whiff with reduced velocity. Through six games this spring, he owns a 1.17 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus three whiffs. 

The biggest concern for this leverage ladder will be depth. There’s a chance Colin Holderman (illness) and Carmen Mlodzinski (forearm) may open the year on the injured list per Jason Mackey.

Projected Hierarchy: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Ryan Borucki

Toronto Blue Jays – During a shutout loss, Yimi García tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) producing three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). Following eight outings this spring, he owns a 0.67 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus two walks. Génesis Cabrera navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in the eighth. Chad Green turned in his best spring outing, striking out the side in the seventh on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and inducing seven whiffs (50 SwStr%). He’s made eight appearances this spring, posting a 1.57 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and one walk over 7.2 innings.

Anticipated Hierarchy: Yimi García | Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera

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. The good news, he did use the slider (sweeper) discussed in a previous note:

Projected Hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Matt Barnes

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Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day, nasty sliders by Emmanuel Clase against the Reds on Sunday, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Until next time, stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com | Baseball-Reference.com | BaseballSavant.com

Updated Tiered Rankings, March 23 (Jewett)

Photo by: Jennifer Buchanan / The Seattle Times)

Appreciating this remains a fluid process, especially given the recent injury news for many relievers, a second run of tiered rankings seems appropriate, especially for those who may be drafting or taking part in an auction this weekend. These rankings do not reflect average draft position (available at Fantasy Pros). Instead, they are based on blended rankings from Fangraphs (Steamer, THE BAT, and ZiPS), with my save projections fused in. I use a spreadsheet with Standings Gain Points as my guide, though there are a couple of liberties taken in the tiers below.

One does not have to take a reliever where they will be listed, but this will be a guide on relievers, not consensus group think. It’s not gospel, and if you feel differently about a reliever, target him accordingly.

Tier One

  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM)

This tier lost a member when Devin Williams was diagnosed with two stress fractures in his back. Others will be drafted ahead of this group, but using the data, they bubbled toward the top. No other reliever may provide the strikeout upside Díaz possesses, and Durán may take his game to a new level like Félix Bautista did last year. There’s risk with any reliever, but they present high ceilings. No one loves Clase, but he’s recorded 40-plus saves in consecutive seasons. He’s the floor play. (UPDATE: With Jhoan Durán on the injured list for Opening Day with an oblique injury, he leaves this tier for upcoming drafts)

Tier Two

  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
  • Josh Hader (HOU)
  • Camilo Doval (SFG)
  • Pete Fairbanks (TBR)
  • Evan Phillips (LAD)
  • David Bednar (PIT)

It’s the pick-your-poison tier, with Muñoz leading the way. He’s not for the risk-averse, but if he’s closer to his 2022 iteration than last year, he could be the reliever taken in the second tier this year who performs like a top-tier reliever. Iglesias and Hader will be “safer” picks, especially given their team’s propensity for contending each season. Doval could be hurt by his team’s win total. Fairbanks may not be sexy, but when healthy, produces solid numbers. Bednar made his spring debut on Thursday (March 21), showing no decline in velocity. His workload may be managed early on, but he’s back on track for Opening Day.

Tier Three

  • Craig Kimbrel (BAL)
  • Tanner Scott (MIA)
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN)
  • Ryan Helsley (STL)
  • Jordan Romano (TOR)
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN)
  • Clay Holmes (NYY)
  • Adbert Alzolay (CHC)
  • Mason Miller (OAK)

Many fantasy players may draw a line in this tier, meaning they will have one, if not two relievers, because this represents the cliff for many. There will be the never-pay-for-saves crowd in every room, which can work, especially since one can make the case for and against each of these relievers. Díaz tailed off at the end of last year, was it fatigue or the decaying K-BB percentage? Scott has displayed poor command this spring, can he dial it back in while working on his mechanics in the backfields? Miller may emerge as a terrific high-leverage reliever, will the A’s let him? (UPDATE: With Durán’s injury, giving him 50 projected innings, which lands him between Sewald and Holmes in SGPs. Add Paul Sewald into this mix with a Grade 2 oblique strain of his own)

Tier Four

  • Robert Suarez (SDP)
  • Kenley Jansen (BOS)
  • José Leclerc (TEX)
  • Alex Lange (DET)
  • Carlos Estévez (LAA)
  • José Alvarado (PHI)
  • Hunter Harvey (WSH)

Mining for a second reliever here can make sense, and at his present price point, Suarez will enhance many team builds. Jansen did not make a splashy debut this spring, but he did record 29 saves last year in 33 chances. He does present a risk in WHIP moving forward, father time always wins. No one loves Estévez, but he has the ninth inning and his main competition has not resumed throwing with shoulder discomfort. Alvarado’s another high-risk, high-reward reliever, but his floor will not be as safe as others.

Tier Five

  • Kevin Ginkel (ARI)
  • Griffin Jax (MIN)
  • Michael Kopech (CWS)
  • Paul Sewald (ARI)
  • Robert Stephenson (LAA)
  • Devin Williams (MIL)
  • Jason Adam (TBR)
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT)
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU)
  • A.J. Minter (ATL)
  • Yuki Matsui (SDP)
  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
  • Brock Stewart (MIN)

It feels like risk may be the prevailing theme of this exercise. Stephenson and Williams still receive decent SGPs based on past pedigree, but health will determine their fantasy impacts. Can Kopech thrive as a closer, or will his team even use him as one? No idea. However, his results as a reliever in 2021, especially the 25.2 K-BB percentage over 55.1 innings with 80 strikeouts cannot be overlooked. If he does well, the team can move him ahead of the trade deadline. Adam, Matsui, Chapman, Pressly, and Minter represent handcuffs with ancillary save upside. If you believe in Lange, move him up. It’s all about the walk rate in my apprehension with him. He has great secondary offerings, but his fastball remains flat and hittable. Hoffman may be a surprise, yet, he could be a late round flier who gets double digits in saves within the Phillies’ “floating closer” concept. (UPDATE: With the Twins’ news, Jax enters this tier with a projected 10 saves by our team).

Tier Six

  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
  • Will Smith (KCR)
  • Justin Lawrence (COL)
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU)
  • Joel Payamps (MIL)
  • Giovanny Gallegos (STL)
  • Yimi García (TOR)
  • Josh Sborz (TEX)
  • Justin Lawrence (COL)

Can Finnegan prove me wrong for a third straight year, it’s entirely possible. Beat writers keep saying it’s Payamps getting the first chance, but if he gets stuck as the HLR (highest leveraged reliever), a different Brewers reliever may provide late-round value, segue alert.

Late-Round Fliers

  • Trevor Megill/Abner Uribe (MIL)
  • Jordan Leasure (CWS) – stash play
  • Chris Martin (BOS) – Jansen’s workload will also be managed closely
  • James McArthur (KCR) – this year’s Alzolay

Hybrids (Relievers who may work multiple innings with ancillary save upside)

  • Ian Hamilton (NYY) – though he may emerge as the primary high-leverage set-up reliever
  • Chad Green (TOR)
  • Sixto Sánchez (MIA)

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, stay safe and be well.

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Top 60 Relievers for SOLDS, March 22 (Jewett)

Leagues that use SOLDS (saves plus holds) allow fantasy players a little more leeway while building a roster. One can target the best relievers on teams with high win totals, not necessarily targeting “closers“, which creates unique values, especially for relievers with strong K-BB percentages and strong ratios. Fusing blended projections from Fangraphs with my own SOLDS projections, here’s a top 60 for the upcoming draft weekend. For those interested, the projections can be viewed on this SPREADSHEET.

SOLDS Top 60 Relievers

  1. Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians
  2. Camilo Doval, San Francisco Giants
  3. Edwin Díaz, New York Mets
  4. Andrés Muñoz, Seattle Mariners
  5. Raisel Iglesias, Atlanta Braves
  6. Josh Hader, Houston Astros
  7. Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays
  8. Evan Phillips, Los Angeles Dodgers
  9. David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates
  10. Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals
  11. Craig Kimbrel, Baltimore Orioles
  12. Paul Sewald, Arizona Diamondbacks
  13. Jordan Romano, Toronto Blue Jays
  14. Alexis Díaz, Cincinnati Reds
  15. Clay Holmes, New York Yankees
  16. Tanner Scott, Miami Marlins
  17. Jhoan Durán, Minnesota Twins
  18. Adbert Alzolay, Chicago Cubs
  19. Robert Suarez, San Diego Padres
  20. Kenley Jansen, Boston Red Sox
  21. Carlos Estévez, Los Angeles Angels
  22. Hunter Harvey, Washington Nationals
  23. Devin Williams, Milwaukee Brewers
  24. Mason Miller, Oakland Athletics
  25. José Alvarado, Philadelphia Phillies
  26. José Leclerc, Texas Rangers
  27. Alex Lange, Detroit Tigers
  28. Aroldis Chapman, Pittsburgh Pirates
  29. Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals
  30. Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox
  31. A.J. Minter, Atlanta Braves
  32. Ryan Pressly, Houston Astros
  33. Jason Adam, Tampa Bay Rays
  34. Robert Stephenson, Los Angeles Angels
  35. Will Smith, Kansas City Royals
  36. Yuki Matsui, San Diego Padres
  37. Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins
  38. Bryan Abreu, Houston Astros
  39. Yennier Cano, Baltimore Orioles
  40. Joel Payamps, Milwaukee Brewers
  41. Seranthony Domínguez, Philadelphia Phillies
  42. Josh Sborz, Texas Rangers
  43. Chris Martin, Boston Red Sox
  44. Kevin Ginkel, Arizona Diamondbacks
  45. Scott Barlow, Cleveland Guardians
  46. Tyler Kinley, Colorado Rockies
  47. Giovanny Gallegos, St. Louis Cardinals
  48. Julian Merryweather, Chicago Cubs
  49. Yimi García, Toronto Blue Jays
  50. Abner Uribe, Milwaukee Brewers
  51. James McArthur, Kansas City Royals
  52. Pierce Johnson, Atlanta Braves
  53. Ian Hamilton, New York Yankees
  54. Shelby Miller, Detroit Tigers
  55. Jason Foley, Detroit Tigers
  56. Jeff Hoffman, Philadelphia Phillies
  57. Justin Lawrence, Colorado Rockies
  58. Hector Neris, Chicago Cubs
  59. Taylor Rogers, San Francisco Giants
  60. Trevor Megill, Milwaukee Brewers

Looking back, here are the SOLDS leaders in 2023

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lpxoS/27/

For a look at team results by league, here are the high-leverage results in the American League

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DkjKo/22/

And, the team results for the National League in 2023

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mMTVE/19/

Best of luck in your upcoming drafts, it’s the best time of the year.

Stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits

  • Fangraphs.com
  • Baseball-Reference.com

Spring Vibes, March 15: More Milwaukee Leverage Plans without Devin Williams, Kopech in the White Sox bullpen, Helsley’s velocity, and Game Recaps

Milwaukee Brewers –  As anticipated, Brewers GM, Matt Arnold hinted at a committee for saves in this video interview on “X” shared by Curt Hogg, with results over the next two weeks of spring contests perhaps laying the groundwork for roles once the season begins. However, there was no definitive answer, which means this should be considered a committee until the team announces otherwise. 

In Hogg’s column for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, he named Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill as candidates for save chances while Devin Williams will be sidelined. This included the quotes by manager Pat Murphy sounding like he prefers “remaining flexible” with his late-inning options. This does not help fantasy players seeking clarity, especially when mining saves off the waiver wire.

For a different perspective, Jack Magruder focused on Payamps and Uribe for MLB.com covering how Milwaukee will structure its bullpen without Williams. It also included quotes from Murphy not wanting to name a replacement for his team’s All-Star closer. With things trending toward a committee, weigh upcoming performances this spring, and how the new manager deploys his relievers during the first week of contests.

Hierarchy remains a committee: *Joel Payamps | *Abner Uribe | *Trevor Megill

Chicago White Sox – Although there was an update yesterday regarding Michael Kopech being placed into the bullpen, there have been some interesting notes since. Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the starter had been demoted and in his column mused about if being the “closer” may be in Kopech’s future.

Kopech said he would be interested in the role, but shared he understands he must improve on his consistency before worrying about his spot in the leverage ladder. In a separate tweet, Chuck Garfien shared quotes from pitching coach, Ethan Katz, saying an aggressive approach by the newly transformed reliever may improve his outcomes, and provide save chances for a team presently without a “closer“. Stay tuned, this seems like a developing situation, especially while fantasy await a spring appearance by John Brebbia.

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

St. Louis Cardinals – A misguided tweet by John Denton reported Ryan Helsley fired a clean outing on Thursday, recording two strikeouts, but “topped” out at 93.8 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastball. It was his minimum velocity with the pitch in this appearance, but he remains 4.4 m.p.h. below his average speed versus last year. Earlier this spring, Helsley said he was not throwing as hard early in camp hoping it will keep him healthier this season. With Opening Day less than two weeks away, he should start ramping up in preparations, so it will be monitored. Here’s his player breakdown from Statcast:

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 14)

Atlanta Braves – Taking over in the fifth inning, Raisel Iglesias retired the side in order while striking out one. This marked his fourth outing this spring and he owns a 1.50 WHIP with five strikeouts over four innings.

Baltimore Orioles – Collecting his first win this spring, Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless sixth, allowing a hit and striking out one. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He’s rounding into form, turning in consecutive scoreless appearances.

Cincinnati Reds – During an eventual loss, Alexis Díaz held on for a scoreless third, issuing two walks and striking out one. Through three spring appearances, he’s posted a 1.33 WHIP with five strikeouts and two walks.

Cleveland Guardians – Rough outing for Emmanuel Clase. He allowed four hits, including a home run, resulting in three earned runs. He also recorded two strikeouts against the Rockies. After starting strong this spring, this game moved his WHIP to an uncomfortable 1.60, but we focus on his nine strikeouts versus one walk through five innings.

Detroit Tigers – Securing his first spring hold, Andrew Chafin fired a clean fifth, striking out the side on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and producing five whiffs (35.7 SwStr%). Shelby Miller worked a scoreless sixth, walking one and striking out two. He threw 19 pitches (9 strikes – 47.4 Strike%) with one whiff. Alex Lange tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one while throwing 18 pitches (10 strikes – 55.6 Strike%) and getting one whiff. He’s made four appearances this spring, producing a 1.75 WHIP with seven strikeouts against two walks.

Milwaukee Brewers – With leverage roles at stake moving forward, Elvis Peguero suffered his first loss, giving up three hits and two earned runs in the fifth. Joel Payamps served up a solo home run (Luis Urías) in the sixth. Abner Uribe fired a clean seventh, striking out two.

Philadelphia Phillies – Entering in the fifth, José Alvarado turned in a scoreless outing, giving up a hit and striking out one. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). Through five appearances, he owns a 1.00 WHIP with four strikeouts against one walk. Jeff Hoffman navigated around three hits and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless sixth, throwing 22 pitches (90.9 Strike%) with five whiffs (22.7 SwStr%). He’s logged five outings this spring posting a 1.50 WHIP with four strikeouts versus two walks over 4.2 innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates –  Recording his second hold, Aroldis Chapman retired the side in order in the sixth, throwing 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s made five appearances this spring, posting a 1.00 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk.

Closer Monkey’s filthy sequence of the day features an overlay of Adam Ottavino‘s arsenal by the Pitching Ninja.

Until next time, stay safe and be well.

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