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Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Roundup: 5/3

A Review of Key Bullpen and Reliever Usage from Yesterday's Games

Rick Graham

RP Roundup 2 Hours Ago

Welcome to the RP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every reliever performance from the previous day.

TOR 3 – MIN 4

Toronto Blue Jays
Braydon Fisher	0.2 IP	3 ER	2 H	1 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	28% CSW
Joe Mantiply	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	0% CSW
Tommy Nance	1.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	3 Whiffs	50% CSW
Jeff Hoffman	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	17% CSW

This was the first game Jeff Hoffman didn’t record at least one strikeout, but we’ll take no runs allowed at least.

Minnesota Twins
Andrew Morris – W (1)	3.2 IP	0 ER	2 H	1 BB	3 K	8 Whiffs	30% CSW
Taylor Rogers – HLD (4)	2.1 IP	1 ER	4 H	0 BB	3 K	3 Whiffs	38% CSW
Eric Orze – HLD (4)	1.1 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	2 K	5 Whiffs	38% CSW
Kody Funderburk – HLD (6)	0.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	33% CSW
Justin Topa – SV (2)	1.0 IP	2 ER	4 H	0 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	29% CSW

Twins bullpen usage still remains a mystery to me. It was cool to see Eric Orze throw 7 sliders and 6 curveballs here, as he’s been mostly splitter/fastball dependent all year.

HOU 3 – BOS 1

Houston Astros
AJ Blubaugh	3.2 IP	1 ER	2 H	2 BB	5 K	10 Whiffs	32% CSW
Steven Okert	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	25% CSW
Enyel De Los Santos	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	30% CSW
Bryan Abreu – W (1)	2.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	1 K	3 Whiffs	27% CSW

This is still not the Bryan Abreu we want to see yet. The velocity is still down 4 MPH, and the command remains horrible.

Boston Red Sox
Tyler Samaniego	0.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	23% CSW
Greg Weissert	1.1 IP	1 ER	3 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	27% CSW
Jovani Morán	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	1 K	0 Whiffs	9% CSW
Garrett Whitlock	1.1 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	26% CSW
Aroldis Chapman	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	29% CSW
Zack Kelly – L (2)	1.0 IP	2 ER	1 H	2 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	16% CSW

Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman may not be throwing as hard as last season, but Whitlock’s been willing to throw his slider more, and that’s been working for him.

CIN 0 – PIT 1

Cincinnati Reds
Tony Santillan – L (1)	1.0 IP	1 ER	2 H	2 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	24% CSW

Tony Santillan had no fastball command here and gave up a couple of hard-hit balls. He has nine holds, but I don’t love how things are trending for him right now.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Gregory Soto – W (3)	1.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	35% CSW

Gregory Soto entered in the 8th here, which is why he got a win and not a save, but it’s looking more and more likely that he is the primary closer here again.

BAL 3 – NYY 11

Baltimore Orioles
Grant Wolfram – L (1)	0.2 IP	1 ER	3 H	0 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	27% CSW
Yennier Cano	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	25% CSW
Rico Garcia	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	3 Whiffs	29% CSW
Andrew Kittredge	0.1 IP	7 ER	7 H	0 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	18% CSW
Dietrich Enns	0.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	31% CSW

After the past two days, it looks like we may be able to eliminate Andrew Kittredge and Anthony Nunez as potential interim closer candidates. Then again, Yennier Cano and Rico Garcia are pitching in the 6th and 7th innings of games. I think we are looking at Garcia or bust in this bullpen for the time being.

New York Yankees
Fernando Cruz – W (3)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	18% CSW
Brent Headrick – HLD (4)	1.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	25% CSW
David Bednar	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	2 K	6 Whiffs	50% CSW

David Bednar showed some increased velocity here, throwing a couple of fastballs over 97 MPH, which is great to see. Good to finally see some progress there.

MIL 2 – WSN 3

Milwaukee Brewers
Brian Fitzpatrick	1.1 IP	1 ER	4 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	12% CSW
Jake Woodford	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	1 K	0 Whiffs	25% CSW

Brian Fitzpatrick still doesn’t do a whole lot for me. He’s not terrible, just not a reliever worth targeting.

Washington Nationals
Zack Littell – W (1)	3.2 IP	1 ER	1 H	1 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	27% CSW
Mitchell Parker – HLD (2)	2.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	30% CSW
Gus Varland – HLD (4)	0.2 IP	1 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	22% CSW
Richard Lovelady – SV (1)	0.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	33% CSW

Gus Varland allowed a “hit” on a fly ball Wood lost in the sun, and was immediately removed in the ninth inning for Richard Lovelady, as the Nationals are clearly still playing matchups. Even when it means Lovedlady is getting the last two outs. Very, very frustrating from a fantasy aspect.

SFG 1 – TBR 2

San Francisco Giants
Matt Gage – HLD (4)	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	1 K	3 Whiffs	33% CSW
Keaton Winn – HLD (6)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	22% CSW
Ryan Walker – BS (3)	1.0 IP	1 ER	1 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	14% CSW
Caleb Kilian – L (1)	1.0 IP	0 ER	2 H	1 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	27% CSW

Caleb Kilian got closer usage in this one, working the ninth and tenth inning of a tie game. Just like with Washington, I doubt we see just one guy getting the bulk of the ninth inning here, but at least Kilian’s name is in the mix.

Tampa Bay Rays
Hunter Bigge	2.0 IP	0 ER	2 H	0 BB	3 K	5 Whiffs	35% CSW
Bryan Baker	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	45% CSW
Ian Seymour – W (1)	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	25% CSW

That’s back-to-back quality outings from Hunter Bigge, and while it’s obviously a small sample, it’s great to see better command from him lately.

PHI 7 – MIA 2

Philadelphia Phillies
Chase Shugart	1.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	27% CSW
Orion Kerkering	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	22% CSW

No whiffs from Orion Kerkering here, but the velo was up in the 97 MPH range at least.

Miami Marlins
John King	1.1 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	47% CSW
Tyler Phillips	3.0 IP	0 ER	4 H	0 BB	3 K	8 Whiffs	38% CSW
Josh Ekness	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	29% CSW
Calvin Faucher	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	43% CSW

Josh Ekness looks like Craig Kimbrel reincarnated (slightly worse breakers, better fastball?) and definitely has a future closer profile. The walk rate in the minors has been around 10% the past few seasons, so that’s something to keep an eye on. But even at 10% with his swing and miss stuff, that shouldn’t be a huge issue.

LAD 4 – STL 1

Los Angeles Dodgers
Will Klein – HLD (3)	1.2 IP	1 ER	1 H	1 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	16% CSW
Blake Treinen – HLD (5)	0.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	0% CSW
Tanner Scott – SV (2)	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	31% CSW

Tanner Scott is still the only Dodgers reliever to pick up a save since Edwin Díaz went on the IL, and should see at least 60-70% of the chances moving forward, I’d imagine.

St. Louis Cardinals
Justin Bruihl	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	25% CSW
Jared Shuster	2.0 IP	0 ER	3 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	13% CSW

Jared Shuster has bounced around the past couple of seasons, and while the fastball is very hittable, the slider at least remains a great pitch.

ARI 4 – CHC 8

Arizona Diamondbacks
Ryan Thompson	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	25% CSW
Brandon Pfaadt	2.1 IP	2 ER	4 H	3 BB	1 K	7 Whiffs	27% CSW
Paul Sewald	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	3 Whiffs	62% CSW

Paul Sewald was great in a non-save chance here, finally, so we can hopefully put that narrative to rest now.

Chicago Cubs
Phil Maton	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	36% CSW
Hoby Milner	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	27% CSW
Corbin Martin	1.0 IP	2 ER	1 H	1 BB	2 K	5 Whiffs	31% CSW

Phil Maton had a little extra juice on his cutter today, hopefully a sign he can get back to 90 MPH with it consistently. The command was (mostly) improved as well.

ATL 11 – COL 6

Atlanta Braves
Aaron Bummer – W (1)	1.0 IP	2 ER	3 H	0 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	31% CSW
Didier Fuentes – HLD (2)	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	25% CSW
Dylan Lee – HLD (5)	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	5 Whiffs	56% CSW
Reynaldo López – HLD (1)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	33% CSW
Tyler Kinley – HLD (6)	1.0 IP	1 ER	1 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	36% CSW
Robert Suarez	1.0 IP	0 ER	2 H	0 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	12% CSW

Didier Fuentes as a reliever could be fun, but he’s probably getting sent down when Raisel Iglesias comes off the IL. He certainly looks better than Reynaldo López.

Colorado Rockies
Antonio Senzatela	2.2 IP	2 ER	3 H	1 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	21% CSW
Victor Vodnik	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	29% CSW
Jimmy Herget	1.0 IP	3 ER	3 H	1 BB	0 K	4 Whiffs	32% CSW

Just a reminder that no Rockies reliever (pitcher) is safe.

CLE 1 – ATH 7

Cleveland Guardians
Peyton Pallette	1.0 IP	3 ER	2 H	3 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	17% CSW
Colin Holderman	2.0 IP	0 ER	3 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	26% CSW

Colin Holderman could wind up being an important piece to this bullpen if Gaddis misses more time, but for now, he’s not worth it.

Athletics
Justin Sterner	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	33% CSW
Mark Leiter Jr. Jr.	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	40% CSW
Joel Kuhnel	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	17% CSW

The Justin Sterner cycle is so frustrating. You get a few great outings followed by one or two terrible ones, then a few more great outings that make you want to buy back in, and then a huge meltdown. Maybe one day we can get a consistent stretch longer than a few weeks.

NYM 5 – LAA 1

New York Mets
Luke Weaver – HLD (4)	1.1 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	3 K	5 Whiffs	47% CSW
Brooks Raley	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	2 K	5 Whiffs	47% CSW

Luke Weaver has gotten off to a rocky start, but the stuff keeps looking better and better each time out (96.2 MPH fastball velo here with 19.8 iVB?). He should be great moving forward.

Los Angeles Angels
Tayler Saucedo	0.2 IP	1 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	45% CSW
Nick Sandlin	1.0 IP	2 ER	2 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	22% CSW
Drew Pomeranz	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	56% CSW

This is the Drew Pomeranz we were expecting to see this season. The stuff can still play; it just comes down to command/usage.

KCR 4 – SEA 1

Kansas City Royals
John Schreiber – HLD (1)	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	33% CSW
Daniel Lynch IV – SV (1)	1.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	3 K	5 Whiffs	53% CSW

I’m glad the Royals went with Daniel Lynch IV to close this game out instead of Mears or Schreiber, and surely they are as well. The stuff isn’t crazy or overpowering (the fastball velo was up almost 3 MPH here though), but the solid pitch mix when used properly can (and has) result in these types of outings. I wonder if he will be following the Bubic path back to the rotation.

Seattle Mariners
Alex Hoppe	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	22% CSW
Cole Wilcox	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	2 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	15% CSW
Nick Davila	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	31% CSW

Nick Davila bypassed AAA, and I get that the AA numbers were great, but this does not look like an MLB reliever. The slider is OK, but the fastballs are not good enough to last, unfortunately.

CHW 3 – SDP 4

Chicago White Sox
Jordan Leasure	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	10% CSW
Tyler Davis – L (1)	1.0 IP	1 ER	0 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	17% CSW
Bryan Hudson	1.0 IP	0 ER	2 H	0 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	35% CSW

Even with the loss, Tyler Davis may be a name to keep your eye on here. 96+ MPH four-seamer with 20″ iVB and some decent offspeed offerings in his slider and splitter. Command will be an issue though.

San Diego Padres
Adrian Morejon – BS (4)	2.0 IP	2 ER	2 H	0 BB	4 K	8 Whiffs	35% CSW
Jason Adam – W (1)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	3 Whiffs	29% CSW
Mason Miller – SV (11)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	3 K	4 Whiffs	60% CSW

Adrian Morejon gave up a weak groundball single, followed by a HR on a terrible 0-2 fastball he left middle-up to Hill, as this was the definition of “a bloop and a blast”. Other than that HR pitch, he was awesome, and I’m not overly concerned by the ERA or WHIP being inflated by bad luck.

TEX 1 – DET 7

Texas Rangers
Tyler Alexander	0.1 IP	2 ER	3 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	17% CSW
Gavin Collyer	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	29% CSW

Gavin Collyer isn’t as consistent as I’d like but nights like these where he flashed 3 plus pitches get me excited.

Detroit Tigers
Brenan Hanifee	1.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	29% CSW
Brant Hurter – W (4)	3.1 IP	0 ER	2 H	1 BB	2 K	6 Whiffs	32% CSW
Ricky Vanasco – HLD (1)	1.1 IP	1 ER	1 H	1 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	36% CSW
Kyle Finnegan	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	20% CSW
Burch Smith	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	22% CSW

Kyle Finnegan was warming in the 7th inning and entered in the 8th after the Tigers tacked on 3 more runs. That has me thinking Kenley Jansen may have been available for the 9th had they needed him. I still don’t hate the idea of speculatively adding Finnegan, but it may wind up being for naught.

If you’re looking for potential relievers to stream today, check out RP Streamers

Also, if you’re looking for the detailed list or ranking of Relievers, check out my weekly RP Ranks

Rick Graham

Rick resides in the Boston area and has experience as a player and coach at the collegiate level. He has been covering relievers for Pitcher List since 2017.

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