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
- All 30 teams were in action on Tuesday with one game offering extra innings (BAL v. MIL).
- There were seven converted save opportunities.
- The Tampa Bay Rays called up 26-year-old reliever Cooper Criswell while placing Josh Fleming on that 15-Day IL. Always good practice to take note of any Rays reliever but his minor league stats don’t jump off the page.
- Andrés Muñoz was activated from the IL for the Mariners. If he’s available in your league, as I detail below, you should consider an add.
- The Marlins activated A.J. Puk from the IL. Puk should regain his closer role while Dylan Floro shifts back to set-up duties.
Yesterday’s Performances
DET 0 – PHL 1
SV: Craig Kimbrel (9)
HD: Seranthony Domínguez (8)
- Vintage Craig Kimbrel was on display at Citizen’s Bank Park last night. In support of what was easily Taiwan Walker’s best start of the season, Kimbrel shut down the Detroit bats with three strikeouts. Boasting a 38.7 K% and a 34.2 CSW%, Kimbrel is pitching much better than his 5.09 ER might otherwise suggest. Kimbrel might be an interesting trade target for owners who have felt burned by the earned runs thus far.
CWS 3 – NYY 2
SV: Liam Hendriks (1)
HD: Joe Kelly (7); Kendall Graveman (8)
- Welcome back, Liam Hendriks! After defeating non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Liam Hendriks is back to shutting the door in the South Side of Chicago. It will likely take more time for Hendriks to round into form, but Rick Graham is already ranking Hendricks in the top half of the closers pool, coming in at #14. Hard not to root for Hendriks on his come-by-tour, here’s hoping he can stay healthy and secure the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
BOS 5 – MIA 4
SV: Kenley Jansen (13)
HD: Chris Martin (11)
- Kenley Jansen earned his 13th save of the season as he continued to silence his pre-season doubters. However, despite the success, Jansen has logged career-worst marks with a 27 CSW% and a 5.49 BB/9—so there are some signs that we should tamper the enthusiasm a bit. Meanwhile, 37-year-old Chris Martin is also fighting off Father Time as he continued to be an effective bridge in the 8th inning. Martin’s key to success has been his ability to limit walks while posting a career-best CSW%.
CHC 4 – LAA 7
SV: Carlos Estévez (15)
HD: José Soriano (1); Jacob Webb (1); Chris Devenski (6)
- Chris Devenski is in full renaissance mode. The 32-year-old reliever logged his 8th multi-inning appearance last night while striking out two and securing his 6th hold. While many rushed to the wire to pick up rookie flamethrower Ben Joyce recently, it looks like it is Devenski who is settling into the trusted 8th inning+ bridge role for the Angels. When you see his more-than-serviceable 31.3% strikeout rate coupled with the fact he is yet to issue a walk during his 20 IP, Devenski looks like a very strong add in holds formats if he is still available.
- Carlos Estévez remained perfect in save opportunities on the season sealing the deal in 15/15 chances now. While his 27.8 CSW% is far from elite, Estevez continues to get the job done and should remain the go-to option for saves.
SEA 4 – SDP 1
SV: Paul Sewald (12)
HD: Andrés Muñoz (2)
- It’s great to see Andrés Muñoz back and a part of the Seattle bullpen again. Following a dominant 7 IP from Logan Gilbert, Munoz was called to start the bullpen bridge and responded with a clean 8th inning and two Ks. Pauls Sewald closed the door in the 9th with two strikeouts of his own—but with a couple of baserunners as well.
- It will interesting to see if the Mariners turn this back into a closer-by-committee situation. Sewald has more than held his own so far this year and will likely hold on to the role unless things go south. If you have the room, a speculative add of Munoz makes a lot of sense if he was dropped in your league—and you can enjoy the strikeouts in the meantime.
The Best of the Rest…
- Perhaps not exactly “the best” of the rest, but Caleb Furguson was tasked with holding a two-run lead for the Dodgers in the bottom of the 9th inning. After giving up a single, three walks, and a HBP, Furguson faced rookie Matt Mcclain who delivered the game-winning single for the Reds. It might be worth noting that Daniel Hudson has begun a minor-league rehab assignment.
- For the Braves, Raisel Iglesias secured his 8th save of the season with a clean 9th inning and one strikeout. Jesse Chavez pitched the 7th for his 11th hold as he continued his surprisingly effective campaign.
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