Reliever Ranks – 7/3

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

• NYY, LAA, PHI, and PIT have an off day on Monday while the other 26 MLB teams will play in July 4 action.
• NYY, CLE, TB and TOR played in doubleheader action on Sunday and could be running with especially thin bullpens.

 

• Julian Merryweather (TOR) was transferred to the 60-day injured list (oblique). Reliever Anthony Banda was acquired from the Pirates in a subsequent move.
• Jordan Hicks (STL) was activated from the 15-day IL (forearm). Nick Wittgren (STL) was designated for assignment while Jake Woodford (STL) was optioned to the minors.
• Archie Bradley (LAA) was transferred to the 60-day IL (elbow) following his involvement in the Angels/Mariners brawl last week.
• Joel Payamps (KC) was activated from the COVID-19 IL and Daniel Mengden (KC) was transferred to the minors.
• Ashton Goudeau (COL) was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque, but his status could be as an emergency starter in the wake of Antonio Senzatela (COL) placed on the 15-day IL on Saturday.
• James Karinchak (CLE) was activated from the 60-day IL on Saturday and promptly optioned to the minors
• Coming soon: Liam Hendriks (CWS) will likely be activated from the 15-day IL on Monday.

 

Yesterday’s Performances

NYY 13 – CLE 4 (Game 1)

• It was not Aroldis Chapman’s day on Saturday in his return from the injured list (0 IP, 0 H, 2 R 3 BB), but the box score line of the remaining relievers was pretty close to spot on. Ron Marinaccio (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R), Lucas Luetge (1 IP, 2 H, 0 R) and Ryan Weber (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) shut down the final three innings, allowing the Yankees to keep their high-leverage relievers in line for Game 2.
• Cleveland trailed 8-2 during the sixth inning and there was little leverage to be had during late innings. Anthony Gose (2/3 IP, 2 H, 4 R) entered for the sixth inning and was unable to complete the frame, while Anthony Castro (2 1/3 IP, 4 H, 3 R; 1 ER) ate a good chunk of reliever-saving innings. Position player Ernie Clement preserved the bullpen during the ninth (1 IP, 2 H, 2 R), ensuring the Guardians could hold a Game 2 pitching reserve.

 

NYY 6 – CLE 1 (Game 2)

• The reserve for the Yankees dominated; three relievers combined for three scoreless innings. Michael King (2 IP, 2 H, 0 R) picked up for two innings after six by starter Nestor Cortes. Wandy Peralta (2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R) ran into some trouble in the ninth but was replaced with Clay Holmes (1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R) to record his 15th save of the year. Holmes now holds a 0.49 ERA in 37 innings and had not thrown since Wednesday.
• Damage was done against Cleveland early, with two runs credited to their first reliever. Enyel De Los Santos (1 IP, 2 H, 2 R) extended a 6-1 New York lead at the seventh-inning stretch and two low-leverage innings remained. Bryan Shaw (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) and Sam Hentges (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) did their job, and Cleveland will likely turn to a rested Emmanuel Clase and Eli Morgan on Sunday as needed.

 

TB 6 – TOR 2 (Game 1)

• Seven innings by starter Shane McClanahan handed a 6-1 lead to the Tampa Bay bullpen. Javy Guerra (1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB) made it interesting, but the Toronto momentum was short-lived with Phoenix Sanders (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) tossing a scoreless ninth. (Sanders now has a 1.38 ERA.) There were no saves or holds in this one, but the good work from McClanahan certainly helped out the bullpen on a doubleheader day.
• Toronto saw a shortened start from Kevin Gausman (2 IP, 4 H, 0 R) and turned to extreme long relief out of Casey Lawrence (5 2/3 IP, 7 H, 6 R). One additional reliever was needed in Game 1 – Max Castillo (1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R) – and even after a six-runs-allowed Game 1, the Toronto bullpen was not as taxed as the early departure from Gausman may have suggested.

 

TB 11 – TOR 5 (Game 2)

• Damage was done against Tampa Bay’s Dusten Knight (2 1/3 IP, 4 R, 3 H) but the extended relief appearance helped out his team with an early 10-2 lead. Ralph Garza Jr. (2 IP, 2 H, 0 R) ate a good chunk of relief innings as well, and a total of six pitchers tossed a combined 18 innings for Tampa Bay on Saturday.
• Toronto opted for a stark contrast to Tampa Bay in Game 2, rolling out four arms for roughly one inning a piece. Starter Thomas Hatch was one out away from reaching five innings, allowing 10 earned runs in the process. Matt Gage (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 R) recorded the extra out and collected three strikeouts, and his ERA now sits at a 1.54 through 11 2/3 innings this year. Sergio Romo (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R), Tim Mayza (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) and Adam Cimber (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) took over from there; it wasn’t an ideal situation for a few of Toronto’s strongest relievers, but closer Jordan Romano should be rested for Sunday having not thrown since Wednesday.

 

MIN 4 – BAL 3

• Minnesota rode three dominant relief innings by Jharel Cotton (1 H, 0 R) following five by starter Sonny Gray. All that was left after Cotton’s dominant performance was a two-strikeout showing by Emilio Pagán (1 IP, 0 R, 0 H), setting the table for some bottom-of-the-ninth offense.
• We have come to the point of this article where we can (finally) address some saves and holds!  The save came of the blown variety, however; Jorge López lasted just 1/3 of an inning (4 H, 2 R) and allowed a Twins victory in walk-off fashion. Dillon Tate (2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R) and Félix Bautista (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) both collected holds, and each has 11 and 10 holds this year respectively.

 

STL 7 – PHI 6

• More blown saves were in the mix for this one; St. Louis did recover enough for the win, and it was a single inherited run scored off Junior Fernández (1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R) to push the Cardinals across the finish line. The Cardinals used six total pitchers and allowed only one run (Packy Naughton; 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 R). Jordan Hicks had a great showing in his return from the injured list (1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R) while Ryan Helsley (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R) took a win instead of a save. Helsley’s ERA is now at 0.83.
• Philadelphia also tossed six pitchers on Saturday and none of their first four relievers allowed a run. Corey Knebel (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R), Andrew Bellatti (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R), and José Alvarado (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) carved through the fifth, sixth and seventh, while Brad Hand (1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R) set the table with four outs remaining. Seranthony Domínguez (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 R) allowed a solo home run that was enough to push the Cardinals back on top, and one swing put a stain on an otherwise outstanding showing by the Phillies bullpen.

 

MIA 5 – WAS 3

• Yesterday saw a ton of holds racked up across the league, with Miami contributing significantly. Three of them were courtesy of Zach Pop (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R), Anthony Bass (1 IP, 2 H, 0 R) and Steven Okert (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R). Tanner Scott (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) posted his ninth save of the year and the Marlins are now running on bullpen fumes, with many of their top arms having also thrown on Friday.
• Washington needed five innings from their bullpen on Saturday and two of them were carved out by Andrés Machado (1 H, 0 R). Reed Garrett (1 IP, 2 H, 1 R) lifted his ERA marginally to 2.57, while Steve Cishek (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R) extended himself out a little more than usual. Closer Tanner Rainey has not pitched since Tuesday and the Nationals have some options if they need somewhere to turn today.

 

PIT 7 – MIL 4

• One save and a hold in this one: David Bednar (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) collected his 12th save of the year while Wil Crowe (1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R) tallied one of the shortest holds you will see. Chase De Jong (1 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R) picked up the remaining relief work and forced the save/hold situations.
• Milwaukee turned to their bullpen with two outs in the fourth inning and some immediate damage would ensue; Trevor Gott (1 IP, 0 H, 2 R) walked two batters and pushed across two runs without allowing a hit, while Hoby Milner (1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R) had a less-desirable outing than his season ERA would have suggested (2.32). Newly-acquired Brewer Chi Chi González (3 IP, 2 H, 0 R) had a tremendous showing that saved a lot of Milwaukee relievers for Sunday.

 

HOU 9 – LAA 1

• Houston led this one 5-1 after five innings and the Astros bullpen remained strong for the three innings after starter José Urquidy. One inning each was thrown by Phil Maton (0 H, 0 R), Seth Martinez (0 R, 0 H), and Enoli Paredes (1 H, 0 R), shutting the door handily despite an eight-run lead in the end. Martinez now has a 0.96 ERA through 18 2/3 innings this year.
• The Angels called upon Andrew Wantz (1 IP, 2 H, 2 R) and Aaron Loup (1 IP, 2 H, 2 R) for the sixth and seventh and each now have ERAs in the fours. Closer Raisel Iglesias (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) was called upon for a low-leverage ninth to get his work in; after 16 pitches thrown, he could come back today. Iglesias hadn’t pitched since Wednesday entering Saturday’s action.

 

SEA 2 – OAK 1

• The biggest pitcher’s duel of the day featured a Mariners bullpen tasked with just two innings. The Mariners won in walk-off fashion, and no saves or holds were credited to any Seattle reliever. Ryan Borucki (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) locked down the eighth with two strikeouts, picking up for a relatively taxed bullpen and collecting two strikeouts. (With a 6.43 ERA on the year, the Mariners found some high-leverage value out of Borucki on Saturday.) Diego Castillo (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) earned himself a win and allowed one runner by way of a walk.
• Oakland needed eight clean outs by relievers to seal a 1-0 win; it went the other way in the final six, however. The first two were clean by Domingo Acevedo (2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R) but a blown save by A.J. Puk (1 IP, 1 H, 1 R — but 3 K) pushed the tying run across home plate. Lou Trivino (0 IP, 2 H, 1 R) took the loss in walk-off fashion, facing four batters and lifting his ERA to 7.25. Oakland is running particularly thin on relievers after this contest and the subsequent performance from their usual A-listers, so look with intrigued eyes on Sunday at how long A’s starter Frankie Montas goes.

 

TEX 7 – NYM 3

• Texas needed just two relievers to seal this one; Dennis Santana (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R) earned himself his 13th hold of the year and lowered his ERA to 1.47. Scott Barlow (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) capped off a non-save-situation ninth, and with just 12 pitches thrown, he could very well find himself with a Sunday save opportunity.
• The Mets had to opt for a different strategy, calling upon a combined four relievers for 5 1/3 innings of work. Adonis Medina (2 IP, 1 H, 0 R) and Tommy Hunter (2 IP, 4 H, 1 R) had the longest outings; the one run allowed by Hunter was his first on the season (1.50 ERA in 6 IP). After emptying the A-list reliever tank on Friday, the Mets found some rest courtesy of the two-inning relief appearances. Edwin Díaz, Seth Lugo, and Adam Ottavino combined to throw 27 pitches on Friday and they should all be in line for save or hold opportunities today.

 

ATL 4 – CIN 1

• Atlanta tossed three relievers for a clean one fram a piece; all of them ended the day with either a save or a hold. A.J. Minter (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) and Jesse Chavez (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) collected holds number 17 and 5, respectively, while Will Smith (1 IP, 0 R, 0 H) tallied his fourth save of the year. It took an effort of top relievers but the three-run lead was strongly preserved.
• Cincinnai was tasked with four relief innings and they didn’t throw an arm with an ERA below 4.50. The team of four relievers combined to allow two runs in four innings; both runs came off the first reliever Art Warren (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 2 R), while 2 2/3 innings of scoreless work would follow by Reiver Sanmartin (2/3 IP, 1 H), Dauri Moreta (1 IP, 0 H) and Ross Detwiler (1 IP, 0 H). Closer Hunter Strickland will imaginably pitch no matter what on Sunday; he hasn’t thrown since Tuesday.

 

CWS 5 – SF 3

• The White Sox took a 5-1 lead into the eighth inning and a series of hits off Kendall Graveman (1 IP, 3 H, 1 R) would subside into his fifth save of the year. Tanner Banks (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R) served as an excellent bridge from starter to setup, while Joe Kelly (1 IP, 1 H, 1 R) had two walks in a rocky table set for Graveman. (It also permitted Graveman’s save, however.) Chicago will anticipate the return of Liam Hendriks in the coming days and with Graveman settling into a 2.34 ERA, it could be ideal for late inning heart rates.
• Three combined innings by Yunior Marte (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R), Jarlín Garcia (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) and Jake McGee (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) were not enough for the San Francisco bats, but it certainly made a statement with a 4.32, 2.28 and 6.64 ERA held by those arms respectively. Closer Camilo Doval tossed 22 pitches on Friday and he could see an ‘if needed’ call today.

 

DET 4 – KC 3

• No hits, no runs and five strikeouts; Detroit relievers posted a great three innings to seal this one, headlined by a three-strikeout eighth by Andrew Chafin (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R). Alex Lange (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) had two punchouts of his own, lowering his ERA to a 2.15. Joe Jiménez (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) earned the win after his clean ninth inning.
• Another blown save here: Joel Payamps (1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 2 R) allowed two home runs, one such a walk-off. It was otherwise a great day by Royals relievers; three arms combined for 2 1/3 frames of scoreless, no-hit work. Wyatt Mills (1 IP) and Amir Garrett (2/3 IP) each earned holds, while Jose Cuas (2/3 IP) posted a clean two outs.

 

CHC 3 – BOS 1

• The Cubs opted for the one-out opener on Saturday, handing 5 1/3 innings to ’starter’ Mark Leiter Jr. before handing 10 outs to their bullpen. Mychal Givens (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R) was an anchor, setting the tone for a David Robertson save (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R). Robertson now has a 1.72 ERA on the year and Givens has chipped away at his now 3.45 ERA. Robertson also threw eight pitches on Friday, so it is presumable that he won’t throw today.
• This one was tied up at 2-1 through eight innings; Boston relievers combined for two innings of work, first with Ryan Brasier (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K) and second with Tanner Houck (1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 K). It was a strikeout-heavy showing despite some minor offense allowed against Houck. Boston has a fresh John Schreiber and Matt Strahm for today, as neither have thrown since Wednesday.

 

LAD 7 – SD 2

• No saves or holds in this one, but a great chance for the Dodgers to further work their reliever depth in a five-run victory. Brusdar Graterol (2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R) capped off the seventh inning, while the only reliever damage against the Dodgers came in the eighth against Reyes Moronta (1 IP, 2 H, 1 R). Alex Vesia (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) finished it off and the Dodgers will likely have Yency Almonte and Phil Bickford ready to roll for today. Neither have thrown since Tuesday, while closer Craig Kimbrel and setup Evan Phillips threw back-to-back on Thursday and Friday.
• Damage was done early against San Diego starter Yu Darvish, turning over a 5-1 deficit for two relief innings. Three arms would toss those final six outs; Ray Kerr (1/3 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 3 BB) was unable to complete the seventh, but Craig Stammen (2/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R) capped it off for him with two quick outs. Tim Hill (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R) worked a scoreless ninth and the Padres now enter Sunday with a fresh Taylor Rogers and Luís Garcia. Neither have pitched since Tuesday.

 

COL 11 – ARI 7

• Coors gonna Coors; 17 earned runs scored on Saturday night in Denver and it wasn’t easy for pitchers through the end. Jake Bird (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 R) earned his first-career MLB save and lowered his ERA to a 2.16, while Alex Colomé (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) provided the most calming relief appearance out of any Rockies arm. Jhoulys Chacín (1 IP, 1 H, 2 R) took over the ninth and saw some damage by home run, but the six-run cushion he entered with was more than enough to seal this one. Closer Daniel Bard hasn’t pitched since Tuesday, while Colomé just threw for the first time in four days.
• Newly-acquired Diamondback Dallas Keuchel tossed five innings in a start and allowed six runs; the deficit was quickly extended by J.B. Wendelken (2/3 IP, 2 H, 3 R) and extended further by Kyle Nelson (1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R). Low-leverage work would ensue for Luke Weaver (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) chipping away at a double-digit ERA, while Caleb Smith (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) dropped his ERA below five.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 6/30: Ranking the Top 100 Relievers for Holds Every Thursday

Closing Time 6/28: Ranking the Top 40 Closers

Top 100 Relievers for Save+Hold Leagues: 7/1