Bobby Parnell returns; Jonathan Papelbon trade rumors heat up

June 12, 2015

Tampa Bay Rays — It was a bad seventh inning for the Rays bullpen Thursday night. Up 2-1, manager Kevin Cash went with Kevin Jepsen, who allowed the tying run before getting yanked. Brad Boxberger came into the game with men on first and third with one out and the 1-2-3 hitters due up for the Angels — arguably the highest leverage spot in the game, which is how Kevin Cash has said he’d handle Boxberger’s use in the past. Boxberger allowed an RBI groundout and an RBI double, allowing two inherited runs to score before he was pulled. Jepsen and Boxberger each recorded only one out, and the Rays went on to lose 6-2. With Boxberger’s recent ineffectiveness (6.1 IP, 5 ER since May 26) and his use in non-save situations, we’re going to slap the closer-by-committee tag back on Tampa for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.

Chicago Cubs — Speaking of committees, manager Joe Maddon has employed one lately. Thursday night it was Hector Rondon’s turn again, as the righty picked up his 11th save. Pedro Strop pitched the eighth inning and Jason Motte was seen warming up and was ready to go if Rondon faltered in any way. Also of note, Maddon said newly signed reliever Rafael Soriano won’t get called up until after the All-Star break.

Hierarchy remains: *Rondon | Strop | Motte.

New York Mets — 14 months removed from Tommy John surgery, Bobby Parnell is finally back in the big leagues, albeit with diminished velocity. Parnell had been rehabbing for 30 days in the minors and, as a player with five years of major league experience, he had the right to veto an extended stay there. The Mets apparently didn’t ask him to stay on the farm, where he was torched for an 11.57 ERA in 14 innings between A and AA — an outcome he claims was the result of focusing on perfecting individual pitches during his outings. He’ll have to prove he can recapture his old form before he gets many high-leverage looks for the big club.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | C.Torres | Robles.

New York Yankees — Everything’s Not Lost in the Yankees bullpen after all with the Thursday return of righty Chris Martin. Martin had been sent to Triple-A late last month after his DL return so he could get “back on a roll,” according to manager Joe Girardi. Martin has one save and a 3.55 ERA in 12.2 innings for the Yankees this season.

Updated hierarchy: Betances | Shreve | Martin.

Philadelphia Phillies — You may notice a few dozen pickups of setup man Ken Giles on your preferred fantasy platform. That’s because the Phillies are ramping up trade discussions involving closer Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon is due to make $8 million more this season, with a $13 million option for 2016 that will vest if he finishes 26 more games this year. The Phillies are reportedly calling contenders to let them know the team will eat some of Papelbon’s salary for this season and next in order to get a better return. The Blue Jays and Cubs reportedly have talked to the Phillies this month, with the Mariners, Rays, and Marlins possibly interested as well.

Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Garcia.

Washington Nationals — Aaron Barrett had a tough outing and was saddled with the loss. Pitching in a tie game in the seventh inning, Barrett gave up a home run and threw a wild pitch before being pulled from the game during an at-bat with an apparent injury. After the game, manager Matt Williams said Barrett was “uncomfortable” on the mound and will need to be evaluated on Friday. We assume Barrett will be unavailable for at least the next game or two, so Blake Treinen moves into his role in the Nationals hierarchy. With Washington’s bullpen in disarray, the team also recently traded for Yankee washout David Carpenter.

Updated hierarchy: Storen | Janssen | Treinen.

Colorado Rockies — LaTroy Hawkins was activated from the disabled list and immediately pitched against the Marlins Thursday, allowing two hits and picking up a strikeout in a scoreless inning with the Rockies down six. Let’s see Hawkins get some work when the Rockies have the lead before we bring him back into the hierarchy.

Hierarchy remains: Axford | Oberg | Brown.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger has pitched in two straight games and has had a rough time of it the last few weeks. Look for McGee to get the next save opportunity if Boxberger (a) needs rest or (b) enters in a high-leverage spot earlier in the game.
2. Pedro Strop/Jason Motte, Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon got the save chance Thursday night, but Motte was warming in the 9th just in case. The closer situation is still kind of murky, so keep an eye on Motte and Strop.
3. Jonathan Broxton, Milwaukee Brewers — Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in four of the last six games for the Brewers, who are suddenly winning games. If K-Rod needs a break Friday, look for Jonathan Broxton to get the opportunity.

Yimi Garcia and A.J. Ramos excelling; complications for Bobby Parnell

April 25, 2015

Los Angeles Dodgers — With 16 strikeouts in nine appearances, rookie Yimi Garcia has been the best pitcher in the Dodgers’ bullpen this season. On Friday night, he finally got a shot at closing — and he mowed down the Padres with two strikeouts and a foul pop. Don Mattingly isn’t ready to abandon the committee system, but Garcia will surely be a huge part of it going forward, and a strong candidate for the setup role after Kenley Jansen returns.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Garcia | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins — Steve Cishek earned his first save of the year, lowering his ERA to 10.38 in the process. If you’re a Cishek owner, it’s worth noting that his absence would likely create a closer triumvirate of Mike Dunn, A.J. Ramos, and Bryan Morris. We think Dunn’s recent ineffectiveness would give Ramos the inside track at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Cishek | Ramos | Dunn.

New York Mets — The Mets’ success is overshadowing their terrible luck with injuries — on Friday came news that Bobby Parnell’s minor league rehab would be shut down for a week because of forearm soreness. Parnell has been out for a year now after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | C.Torres | A.Torres.

Detroit Tigers – Al Alburquerque had his second putrid outing in three days, giving up two home runs in mop-up duty and running his ERA into double digits. He has now given up more home runs in his last three innings than in his first 80 as a major leaguer. Although his velocity is down, he says he feels fine. Bruce Rondon threw on Tuesday and Thursday, and his return can’t come soon enough for this beleaguered pen.

Hierarchy remains: Soria | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.

San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush and his newly trimmed beard have been recalled from Triple-A, and he could move into the Padres’ hierarchy very quickly. On Friday night, he was used in the eighth and ninth with the Padres narrowly trailing.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Benoit | Thayer.

Tampa Bay Rays — Matt Andriese gave up his spot in the rotation to Drew Smyly today, but wound up earning a three-inning blowout save instead — and his first Closer Monkey reference. I’d take that deal. While we’re here, we should mention that Jake McGee will throw a bullpen session tomorrow and, if all goes well, will start rehab with the High-A Stone Cutters Crabs.

Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
* closer-by-committee

Houston Astros — After Luke Gregerson blew a save in the ninth and Pat Neshek gave up two-thirds of a three-run lead in the tenth, Chad Qualls grabbed a vulture save. Josh Fields was also activated from the disabled list; A.J. Hinch says that after a few low-leverage appearances, Fields could be used in “a number of roles.”

Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Qualls | Neshek.

Colorado Rockies — Adam Ottavino returned from his brief rest and earned an uneventful save on Friday night.

Hierarchy remains: Ottavino | Axford | Betancourt.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Matt Belisle, St. Louis Cardinals — Jordan Walden (45 pitches in four days) and Trevor Rosenthal (pitched in three straight) have gotten a lot of work lately. We think Belisle is next in line.
2. Ken Giles/Luis Garcia, Philadelphia Phillies — Giles got the win in Friday night’s game in a spot that normally would have featured Jonathan Papelbon. After the game, Ryne Sandberg explained that Papelbon was sick in bed all day. If he needs a little more rest, Sandberg could call on Giles again, or Luis Garcia.
3. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels — Huston Street needed 26 pitches to get Friday’s save; he threw 15 on Thursday.
4. Jumbo Diaz, Cincinnati Reds — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in three of four games. Jumbo Diaz is better-rested, and poor Tony Cingrani? He hasn’t pitched in 10 days, leading to some (more) criticism of Bryan Price.
5. Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates — Mark Melancon got another 1-2-3 save on Friday, but he’s now pitched on three of four days.

Jake McGee on the road to recovery

April 17, 2015

Tampa Bay Rays — Injured closer Jake McGee, working his way back after arthroscopic elbow surgery in December, tossed an inning in an extended spring training game on Thursday. The Rays will decide the next step in McGee’s recovery process on Friday; he may return to the big club within two weeks.

Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | Balfour.

New York Mets — In a rehab outing for Class A St. Lucie, Bobby Parnell allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in one inning of work. If this outing is any indication, Parnell may have a long way to go. Original estimates had Parnell returning to the Mets sometime in May; assuming he gets his act together, he could return to the late-inning mix. In the meantime, Jeurys Familia continues to get the job done for the Mets. He recorded his fourth save in as many chances Thursday, closing the door on the Marlins with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | C.Torres | Montero.

Arizona Diamondbacks — In a game neither side seemed to want to win, Addison Reed took the hill in the ninth with a 4-3 lead, but blew the save after allowing a two-out triple to San Francisco’s Joe Panik. Reed was yanked after giving up two hits and two walks. These were the first runs Reed has allowed all year, so it’s not time to panic yet; recall, though, that he wasn’t very good last year (4.25 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) and was injured for much of this spring.

Hierarchy remains: Reed | Marshall | Ziegler.

San Francisco Giants — Closer Santiago Casilla entered a tie game in the tenth with two outs and immediately surrendered the go-ahead home run. When Arizona squandered the lead again, Casilla got a chance to redeem himself — but he loaded the bases before getting the hook. Casilla has now allowed six baserunners and two runs over his last two appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Buddy Carlyle/Jerry Blevins, New York Mets — Jeurys Familia and Carlos Torres have pitched on four days out of five, and Rafael Montero threw 29 pitches on Thursday. The Mets could wind up going to one of their backup relievers if the need arises on Friday.
2. Chris Hatcher, Los Angeles Dodgers — Joel Peralta was dealing with a stiff neck earlier in the week, so Hatcher could be in line for some work in a save opportunity on Friday, especially given the committee situation.
3. Roberto Osuna/Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays — Miguel Castro hasn’t officially been named the closer in Toronto, so until that happens, pay attention to Osuna and maybe even the demoted Cecil.

Weekly Hot Seat Update: April 16, 2015

April 16, 2015

Since last week, LaTroy Hawkins has lost his job, and Chris Hatcher and Dellin Betances are no longer the head of their committees.  Who else is in danger of losing their job and what’s going on with all those committees?

Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners
It’s probably not a good sign for a closer when your local newspaper is running a poll asking whether or not they are concerned about you.  Rodney has given up 7 hits and 6 runs in his last 2 outings.  Manager Lloyd McClendon has already said that Rodney is still the guy.  However, the Mariners have other options with Yoervis Medina, who already has a save this season, and Danny Farquhar, who had 16 saves just two seasons ago.

Miguel Castro, Toronto Blue Jays
Miguel Castro has converted both of his save opportunities since Brett Cecil was removed as closer.  He also has given up zero earned runs on the young season (though he did give up an unearned run and took the loss on Tuesday).  So why is he on this list?  One reason is Cecil has pitched well since his opening night struggles, throwing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.  The other reason is Castro entered in the 7th inning the other night, which is not typical for a traditional closer.  Castro has pitched well enough so far to keep the job, but the Blue Jays might want to give Roberto Osuna and Cecil some save chances as well.

Andrew Miller, New York Yankees
After David Robertson left in the off-season, most people figured Dellin Betances would slide right in and dominate hitters in the 9th inning, like he did in the 7th and 8th inning last year.  Unfortunately for Betances’ fantasy owners, that has not happened.  Betances has struggled to throw strikes, as he has 6 walks against 5 strikeouts in only 4.1 innings.  Andrew Miller, on the other hand, has picked up right where he left off last season.  Miller has made three scoreless appearances, earning two saves, and has yet to give up a hit.  Betances had an encouraging outing last night as he threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, and more importantly, no walks.  Miller is the better bet to get saves in the short-term, but Betances could still factor in long term, especially if he can get his walks under control.

Jeurys Familia, New York Mets
The Mets have already changed closers once this season, after Jenrry Mejia got hurt (and then suspended).  Jeurys Familia has stepped up and recorded three saves, while only giving up a couple runs in five outings.  The Mets could have a new closer returning from injury soon.  Bobby Parnell, who saved 22 games for the Mets two years ago, has started a rehab assignment.  Manager Terry Collins said before the season that the closer’s role would be Bobby Parnell’s to lose once he returns from injury so if he sticks to that, Familia’s days as closer could be numbered.

 

Jim Johnson records save for Braves, Jenrry Mejia Suspended

April 12, 2015

Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson recorded his first save of the season last night, as regular closer Jason Grilli was given the night off.  Johnson has gotten off to a great start and should continue to see save chances whenever Grilli is unavailable.

Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Johnson | Avilan.

New York Mets —  Jenrry Mejia has been suspended 80 games for testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug Stanozolol.  Manager Terry Collins said he was disappointed for the other guys on the team and David Wright expressed his frustration.  Familia should continue to close for now, but this could create a bigger opportunity for Bobby Parnell when he returns.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | C.Torres | Montero.

Washington Nationals – The Nationals went to Blake Treinen in the 8th inning yesterday to protect a lead.  Treinen was successful in that same spot on Wednesday but couldn’t get the job done yesterday.  This is a new role for Treinen, but it sounds like manager Matt Williams would like to give Treinen a shot at locking down the 8th inning ahead of closer Drew Storen.  Casey Janssen felt good after throwing on Friday and should factor into the late inning bullpen plans for the Nationals when he is able to return.

Updated hierarchy: Storen | Treinen | Barrett.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Jepsen, Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger has pitched on four of the last five days.
2. Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers — Joakim Soria has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
3. Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
4. Shawn Tolleson/Roman Mendez, Texas Rangers — Neftali Feliz has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing a total of 40 pitches.  Tolleson has also pitched in two straight, but only thrown 17 pitches so he could be fresher than Feliz.
5. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees — Miller has out-pitched Betances so far this season and could get the call on any night.