Welcome back to the latest edition of our Reliever Ranks series! This will bring you up-to-date bullpen depth charts every morning for the day’s games and makes for an excellent tool for those looking to stream saves or wins. This series runs seven days a week, so check in every morning to get your daily bullpen fix!
Notes
Transaction and Schedule Notes
- There were 11 games across Major League Baseball on Monday with eight teams enjoying a scheduled day off – TOR, BOS, MIN, ATL, NYM, PHI, CIN, and SDP.
- There was a flurry of minor transactions but the only one of note was that the Rays placed lefty reliever Garrett Cleavinger on the 15-day injured list with a knee sprain. Trevor Kelley has been recalled from Triple-A Durham Bulls as his replacement.
Yesterday’s Performances
HOU 4 – LAA 6
SV: Carlos Estévez (8)
- With his fifth straight no-hit outing, Carlos Estévez topped off his tenth straight scoreless appearance for the Angels by notching his eighth save of the year. Estevez is on fire right now and living up to the contract in Anaheim. Matt Moore was excellent across one and two-thirds innings in a setup role, and he also picked up the win, his second of the year.
- The game was tied 4-4 going into the bottom of the eight before Rafael Montero had his second meltdown in the space of a couple of days. Montero was responsible for the loss against the Mariners at the weekend before another disastrous outing again yesterday – a Brandon Drury triple fell agonizingly short of a two-run homer.
STL 3 – CHC 1
SV: Ryan Helsley (4)
- Despite failing to record a strikeout, Ryan Helsley recorded his fourth save of the season by retiring all four batters he faced to secure a much-needed win for the struggling Cardinals. Génesis Cabrera picked up the win after Mile Mikolas failed to get out of the fifth inning with the scores tied. Jordan Hicks threw two scoreless innings in a setup role and won’t be available today.
- In a close contest, the Cubs deployed their top arms in the late innings as they tried to stay in the game – Brad Boxberger, Michael Fulmer, and Julian Merryweather all threw innings. Fulmer is trying to reclaim the closer role but after pitching five straight scoreless innings, he gave a lead-off walk and allowed a run.
TEX 2 – SEA 1
SV: Will Smith (5)
- Veteran Will Smith recorded his third save in the last 10 days to put a firm hold on the closer role for the Rangers. That run also included a blown save against the Angels but he was perfect in this one, striking out the side in the ninth inning. Jonathan Hernández and Brock Burke both came away with holds.
- The Mariners couldn’t build on the back of an excellent start from Logan Gilbert, who struck out 10 across six and two third innings before running into trouble in the bottom of the seventh. Gilbert gave up two runs before Trevor Gott was called upon to get the final out. It wasn’t enough to prevent Gilbert from being tagged with the loss.
TBR 3 – BAL 0
SV: Jason Adam (4)
- Picking up his fourth save in the last seven days, Jason Adam has become the man for the Rays in the ninth inning. He struck out three and allowed just one hit. Adam now has 12 Ks in his last six outings, converting all 4 save opportunities in the absence of Pete Fairbanks, who is not guaranteed to regain his closer role on return from injury.
- Keegan Akin pitched two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three and allowing a solo home run to Luke Raley in the ninth inning. It is unlikely Akin will be available for tonight’s game.
Best of the rest
- Tigers closer Alex Lange was called upon to get the final out in Detroit’s 6-2 win over the Guardians. He only threw eight pitches and should be fresh for a save opportunity if it arises.
- Mitch Keller threw a four-hit complete game shutout of the Rockies to give his bullpen the night off as the Pirates won another game thanks to their rotation. What a guy!
- Ron Marinaccio walked in a run after coming into the game in relief of Nestor Cortes in the sixth inning. He was charged with the blown save but picked up the win as the Yankees hit two homers in the bottom of the sixth to make him the pitcher of record.
- The Dodgers bullpen self-destructed once again in the seventh inning with Phil Bickford coughing up four runs while recording just one out. Ouch!
Bullpen Depth Charts
Also, if you’re looking for a detailed list or ranking of RPs, check out Rick Graham’s weekly pieces:
The Hold Up: Ranking the Top 100 Relievers for Holds Every Thursday