Pete Fairbanks has been electric since the All-Star break, leading all relievers in xFIP/SIERA (1.43/1.21) and K-BB% (38.7%) while adding 11 SV+HLD’s. Fairbanks has been able to add 2 MPH to his fastball this season, while also upping his spin rates, resulting in more whiffs and more pitches being chased out of the zone. The Rays bullpen as always remains a mystery as to who pitchers will be used, but Fairbanks is clearly one of Kevin Cash’s most trusted arms and should remain a steady SV+HLD option as long as he can remain healthy.
Notes
- Kenley Jansen has been having some mechanical issues since the All-Star break, leading to a 5.56 xFIP (good for 175th out of 182 qualified relievers) over his last 17 outings, yet neither the team nor player see reason for concern just yet. That said, I do have some concerns as mechanical problems aren’t always solved overnight (see Josh Hader as well).
- Jorge López struggled last night in the eighth inning of what eventually wound up being a save for Michael Fulmer as the Twins were able to hold on and beat the Yankees. Since coming to Minnesota, López has a pedestrian 11/7 K/BB rate over 13.1 IP while allowing 14 hits and 5 ER. Don’t be surprised if we see López’s role change down the stretch.
- Daniel Bard has been solid since August (although 10 hits allowed and a 10/5 K/BB ratio over 11.2 IP isn’t exactly ideal), but the upcoming schedule which features mostly home games (despite him pitching well at home, it’s still Coors), and a five game road trip against the Dodgers to end the season have me mostly out on Bard, at least after next week (which is only a five game week for him anyway).
- Pete Fairbanks, Jordan Romano and Taylor Rogers each had 3 SV+HLD’s this past week to lead all relievers. Despite Rogers making this list, he did allow four hits and four earned runs over those three appearances, although he did pick up a save while striking out the side in order yesterday. The team still trusts him behind Devin Williams, and the strikeouts are there so the upside remains.
Injured List
| PITCHER | TIER | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| David Bednar | 2-3 | Back. Throwing again but yet to face live hitters. Running out of time. |
| Ryan Pressly | 2-3 | Neck. Return has been delayed for now as theres no need to push him. |
| Seranthony Domínguez | 2-4 | Tricep. Started rehab assignment, could return as early as next week. |
| Drew Pomeranz | 3-5 | Flexor Tendon. Suffered a setback in rehab stint and could now miss the season. |
| Scott Effross | 3-5 | Shoulder. Strain is considered “small” but no updates on progress |
| Zack Britton | 4-6 | Elbow. May make some appearances late in the year as rehab is in AAA now. |
Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)