Relievers to Stream for Wins and Saves – 7/29

With the MLB in full-swing, most bullpen hierarchies are becoming a lot more clear. While some managers may keep fantasy owners guessing, it is important to at least have an idea of who has a chance at a save, and who is most likely not even going to appear in a game today. Don’t sleep on saves! In a shortened season, they all count that much more.

Before the chart, let’s examine some notes from yesterday’s games.

Notes

• The Chicago White Sox played a doubleheader on Tuesday, needing the bullpen for 10 innings. As a result, Steve Cishek was needed in both games, tossing 34 pitches over 1.1 IP.  Alex Colome pitched for the first time yesterday, tossing one scoreless inning. He should be available for action if necessary. Conversely, their opponent the Cleveland Indians got 6 IP from their starters in each game, requiring just 6 innings of work in total from their bullpen. Brad Hand, who hadn’t pitched since Friday, etched his second save of the season after working out of a jam in game one of the doubleheader.
• In DC, the Blue Jays put on a power display, beating the Washington Nationals 5-1. After Tanner Roark held the Nats to just 1 R over 5 IP, the Jays needed 4 IP from the pen. However, given the score, the Jays were able to get Jacob Waguespack two scoreless innings of work. Wilmer Font was also activated from the IL and tossed an inning, recording 2 SO and 0 R. A.J. Cole pitched for the second consecutive day, removing him as an option for today’s matchup against the Nats.

• In Cincinnati, Cubs starter Alec Mills held the Reds to 2 R over 6 IP. Ryan Tepera continues to struggle for the Cubs, increasing his ERA to 13.50 after allowing 2 ER in mop-up duty. The Reds needed 5 IP from their relievers as Tyler Mahle barely made it out of the 4th inning. Pedro Strop came in and tossed 2/3 inning, allowing 0 runs, making him available for today. Amir Garret pitched for the third time in four days, tossing 18 pitches over 1.1 innings of work. The Reds will likely try to avoid Garret for the fourth time in five days.
• In Tampa, both the Braves and Rays needed plenty of outs out of the pen. Avoid Josh Tomlin as he was used for 2.1 innings for the Braves. Other than that, Atlanta avoided overusing their bullpen as they were able to shut down the Rays lineup. The Rays bullpen also managed to spread the load sum, ultimately getting Oliver Drake his second save of the season. He should be available out of the pen if needed.

• In Pittsburgh, the Milwaukee Brewers squandered the lead earning Corey Knebel his first blown save of the season despite not allowing an ER. Instead, Brent Suter was tagged with 4 R over 1.2 IP. For the Pirates, after a rough 0.1 IP by two relievers, Geoff Harlieb and Nick Burdi closed the door, tossing 3-innings of 2-hit ball. Burdi earned his first save of the season.
• The Royals and the Tigers featured more of the same as bullpens are getting taxed early in the season. Royals reliever Tyler Zuber struggled, allowing 3 ER over 1 IP. Other than that, both the Tigers and KC managed to spread the load, while not allowing any runs. Joe Jimenez pitched for the third time in four days, earning his third SV of the season.

• In Boston, Red Sox pitching continues to struggle as the staff ERA ranks fourth-worst in MLB. In all, Red Sox pitching allowed 8 ER yesterday, spreading the load quite evenly. Stay away from Colten Brice as he went multiple innings allowing multiple runs. For the Mets, stay away from Justin Wilson, who has looked good, but has been overused so far this season.
• Sergio Romo finally got in some action for the Minnesota Twins, earning his first save of the season. He should remain available as he only tossed 1 IP of work.

• Despite pitching in one game last weekend against the Giants, Kenley Jansen got his first save of the season against the Astros last night. His arm remains fresh as it was only his second appearance this season.
• The New York Yankees game against the Phillies was postponed again because of the outbreak that occurred over this weekend. MLB has since reworked the schedule, and the Yanks are set to take on the Baltimore Orioles. Both bullpens will be well-rested as they have had multiple off-days.

• Stay away from Phillies relievers until Friday, when the Phils are finally set to get back to work after the Marlins outbreak.
• Speaking of the Marlins, they will be out of commission until at least Sunday, rendering their pitchers useless.