Jason Adam and Alex Lange each had three SV+HLD’s this past week. Adam will be filling in as the Rays primary closer and is off to a great start this season with 16 K and four BB’s over his last 11 innings. Even with the lower velocity (down 1.7 MPH), Adam is still able to lean on his secondaries to keep hitters off balance. Lange only has five saves on the year, but he’s off to a great start (35% CSW rate), even as that walk rate still lingers above 10%. The curveball and changeup remain great, and the sinkers are leading to a 55% GB rate.
Notes
- I may be looking past the 4.30 ERA and 1.36 WHIP but I still love what Matt Brash brings to the table. The slider is just so good, and it’s helping lead him to 43.1% K, 18.3% SwStr, and 37.7% CSW rates. He also holds a crazy .500 BABIP over 17 games. The fastball, despite the great velocity, remains hittable but I think this can be fixed and I’m willing to take a chance on his 2.07 xFIP painting a more accurate picture.
- Scott Barlow has had a rough start to the season, and about a week or so ago, I was fairly certain we would see Aroldis Chapman take over the closer role sooner rather than later. Barlow, though, to his credit, has pitched well over his past 4.2 innings, with eight K’s and just three hits and two walks allowed. Chapman on the other hand has allowed four ER over his last 3,2 innings with a 4/4 K/BB ratio and six hits allowed.
- Will Smith is now the Rangers’ full-time closer, but I don’t think we are seeing Giants-era Will Smith anytime soon. His fastball is just way too vulnerable and there isn’t one thing in his profile right now that suggests he’s a must-add (while the 4.80 xFIP suggests quite the opposite).
- Kendall Graveman may or may not be the White Sox closer right now (not that it matters much with Liam Hendriks returning soon), but whatever the role, it’s been a disappointing season so far. Despite the lack of swing-and-miss stuff, Graveman continues to get a ton of called strikes (34.1% CSW) but what’s concerning is the ground ball rate at 41.2%. He’s been a 54-55% GB rate guy over the past few seasons, so he may become even more of an HR risk.
And if you want more daily reliever updates, please check out our Reliever Ranks series.
Injured List
| PITCHER | TIER | INJURY (SURGERY DATE). NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Liam Hendriks | 1/2 | NHL. Beginning rehab at AAA and could return by the end of the month. |
| Raisel Iglesias | 1/2 | Shoulder. Could return this weekend, but may need 1-2 more rehab appearances. |
| Andrés Muñoz | 1/2 | Deltoid. Should begin a rehab assignment shortly and hopefully return in May |
| Pete Fairbanks | 2/3 | Forearm. Is expected to just miss the minimum time but is shut down for now. |
| Daniel Hudson | 5/6 | Knee. Moved to 60-day IL and won’t return until June now. |
| Brooks Raley | 6/7 | Elbow. considered minor and could return after minimum time on IL |
| Tommy Kahnle | 6/7 | Bicep. Starting rehab assignment soon, should return by early June |
| Robert Suarez | 6/7 | Elbow. Shut down from throwing after experiencing pain in elbow. |
| Jonathan Loáisiga | 6/7 | Elbow. Underwent surgery and will be out until August. |
| Matt Bush | 7/8 | Shoulder. Shut down for 2-4 weeks before being reevaluated. |
| Brandon Hughes | 7/8 | Knee. His knee is still acting up and will now keep Hughes out for a while longer. |
| Garrett Crochet | 8 | TJS (4/5/22). Began rehab assignment and is preparing for multi-inning role. |
| Codi Heuer | 8 | TJS (3/7/22). Should begin a rehab assignment soon. |
