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
- Of the ten games scheduled on Monday, only nine took place with CIN and LAA postponed due a certain hurricane. Another ten teams enjoyed a scheduled day off to refresh their bullpens: BAL, TBR, TOR, NYY, MIN, CLE, WSN, MIL, LAD and COL.
- There was only one save recorded from yesterday’s games so many high leverage arms will be good to go for today’s games.
- In a move that could impact the ninth inning for the Philadelphia Phillies, flamer-thrower José Alvarado was activated from injured list after an extensive rehab program. He should slot in as the primary setup man behind Craig Kimbrel for now.
- Seth Martinez was recalled by the Astros to be the primary bulk reliever with José Urquidy rejoining the rotation. Martinez could be a nice option for a win in relief as the first man out of the bullpen in hook situations.
Yesterday’s Performances
CHC 7 – DET 6
HD: Hayden Wesneski (1), Jose Cuas (6)
SV: Mark Leiter Jr. (4)
- After closer Adbert Alzolay pitched each of the last two days, the Cubs gave Mark Leiter Jr. the save opportunity and despite allowing a run on two hits, the setup man notched his fourth save of the season. He had to work for it though and threw 16-of-25 pitches for strikes, striking out Kerry Carpenter along the way. Alzolay should be available for today’s contest.
- After Michael Fulmer coughed up three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to draw the Tigers level, former starter Beau Brieske was tasked with the ninth but gave up only his second run in the month of August after back-to-back doubles from Yan Gomes and Nick Madrigal. It was enough to hand the youngster his first loss of the season.
KCR 4 – OAK 6
HD: Kirby Snead (3)
SV: None
- Dylan Coleman had a rough day out in Seattle last week and backed it up with another howler as he hit the first batter he faced, Ryan Noda, before giving up a walk-off home run to Brent Rooker to give the A’s the win. The Royals are obviously trying a few things as they play out the season but using Coleman in high-leverage situations is going about as well as trying to make “fetch” happen in Mean Girls.
- Closer Trevor May was the beneficiary of the walk-off win for the Athletics after pitching a clean ninth frame. Lucas Erceg was charged with the blown save in the eighth, however, after allowing two hits and a walk to go along with a wild pitch. He only escaped the frame thanks to a terrific Shea Langeliers throw to catch Michael Massey trying to steal second base.
TEX 3 – ARI 4 (11)
HD: None
SV: None
- Both Aroldis Chapman and Will Smith were charged with blown saves as the Diamondbacks twice came back to steal the game away from the Texans. After Jordan Montgomery spun eight stellar innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just four hits, Chapman spoilt the day giving up a solo home run to Ketel Marte in the bottom of the ninth. When Marte came to the plate again in the 11th inning, the Rangers chose to intentionally walk him despite the tying run already at third base. Geraldo Perdomo came through with the tying run as Smith allowed back-to-back two-out doubles to allow three runs to cross the plate and take the loss. Not a pretty situation for the Rangers as they push toward the postseason. All eyes are on the closer situation going forward.
- The Diamondbacks used seven different pitchers with Scott McGough once again deployed as a co-opener. Paul Sewald pitched a clean 10th inning before Kevin Ginkel picked up his seventh win of the season.
BOS 4 – HOU 9
HD: Hector Neris (25), Bryan Abreu (21)
SV: None
- Chris Murphy hurled four innings in relief of the struggling James Paxton. Murphy allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out four over four innings, taking his earned run tally to 11 across his last four outings. He was optioned back to Triple-A at the end of the game.
- The Astros were taking no chances with this one as Hector Neris, Bryan Abreu, and Ryan Pressly all pitched despite a non-save situation. Pressly and Abreu also pitched the day before so seeing them was a little bit of a surprise. Kendall Graveman could be in line for a save opportunity if one arises today.
The Best of the Rest…
- Sean Manaea and Sean Hjelle both threw 60 pitches for the Giants as they dropped a 10-4 game to the Phillies. Hjelle was hit hard to the tune of six runs on 10 hits including two homers. Yikes!
- The Pirates went to town on the Cardinals and ran out 11-2 winners. Bailey Falter picked up his first win of the season with six strong frames in relief of Thomas Hatch.
- Adam Ottavino and Drew Smith pitched in the eighth and ninth innings respectively despite a six-run lead. Ottavino had not pitched since last Wednesday so he needed the work.
- Cal Raleigh drove in six runs as the Mariners demolished the White Sox 14-2. Brent Honeywell Jr. gave up two long bombs as his miserable time in Chicago continues.
- Ha-Seong Kim’s grand slam off former Padres swingman Ryan Weathers knocked him out of the game early so Bryan Hoeing had to see out the rest of the game. Hoeing spun four and two-thirds innings, giving up a solo homer to Manny Machado.
Bullpen Depth Charts
The Hold Up: Ranking the Top 100 Relievers for Holds Every Thursday
Closing Time: Ranking the Top 30 Closers
Top 100 Relievers for Save+Hold Leagues
(Photos by Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Doug Carlin (@Bdougals on Twitter)