Heath Bell (R)– Recorded his third save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. This type of outing was much needed from Bell after struggling through the first month of the season, so hopefully this will get him moving in the right direction. (05/02/12)

 

American League

Baltimore Orioles
(CL) Jim Johnson (R)– Johnson was used in a non-save situation on Monday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. This was his first appearance since returning from the flu and appears to be right back on track. (05/01/12)
(SU) Matt Lindstrom (R)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Monday night striking out one batter in the outing.  Lindstrom has yet to give up an earned run this season, increasing his scoreless innings streak to 9.2 innings to start the year. (05/01/12)
(MR) Pedro Strop (R)–Strop picked up the win on Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit and one walk in the outing. He earned his third win of the season and has turned into a solid pitcher to own in holds leagues. (4/30/12)

Boston Red Sox
(CL) Alfredo Aceves (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Monday night giving up one hit while striking out two batters. Aceves was not needed to pitch in this game, but at least he looked good. (05/01/12)
(SU) Franklin Morales (L)–Picked up his sixth hold of the season on Monday night after forcing the only two batters he faced to ground out. Morales has settled down in his last few appearances and has now lowered his earned-run average to 4.32 on the season. (05/01/12)
(MR) Matt Albers (R)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up one hit while striking out two batters. He needed 23 pitches to get through the appearance, lowering his earned-run average to 1.93 on the season. (05/02/12)
Injured–Andrew Bailey (60-Day DL), Bobby Jenks (60-Day DL)

Chicago White Sox
(CL) Hector Santiago (L)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation giving up one hit and two walks while striking out two batters. This was his first appearance since blowing a save on April 25, and it wasn’t a good one. At least he didn’t give up any runs, but he still got into trouble allowing three base runners. (05/02/12)
(SU) Matt Thornton (L)– Recorded his first save of the season Sunday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief. Thornton was used in this situation because of his experience against the hitters, so Hector Santiago will still get the majority of the save opportunities for the foreseeable future. (4/30/12)
(MR) Addison Reed (R)–Picked up his fourth hold of the season on Sunday after pitching one inning of relief. He walked one batter and struck out one batter in the appearance and has yet to give up an earned-run this season. (4/30/12)
Injured–Jesse Crain (15-Day DL)

Cleveland Indians
(CL) Chris Perez (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Sunday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in the appearance and forced one fly ball out. (4/30/12)
(SU) Vinnie Pestano (R)–Picked up his fifth hold of the season on Sunday afternoon after 0.1 innings of relief giving up one walk while striking out one batter. Pestano has pitched 9.2 innings thus far and has recorded at least one strikeout in each of his appearances this season. (4/30/12)
(MR) Tony Sipp (L)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Thursday giving up one hit while striking out one batter. Sipp has at least one strikeout in his each of his last four appearances dating back to last Friday. (4/27/12)

Detroit Tigers
(CL) Jose Valverde (R)– Valverde was used in a non-save situation on Saturday and almost blew the game for the Tigers. He gave up three runs on three hits and one walk, luckily for him the Tigers were up by five runs before he was inserted. (4/29/12)
(SU) Joaquin Benoit (R)– Benoit gave up one run on two hits and one walk in one inning of work. He needed 23 pitches to get through the appearance, but did strikeout two batters. (4/28/12)
(MR) Octavio Dotel (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday striking out two batters on 13 pitches thrown. Dotel has been very impressive to start the season and has yet to give up a run. (4/29/12)

Kansas City Royals
(CL) Jonathan Broxton (R)–Recorded his third save of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters. This was his second save in as many days and will likely be given a day off on Saturday, so expect Aaron Crow to close on Saturday if needed. (4/28/12)
(SU) Aaron Crow (R)–Picked up his fourth hold of the season on Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up two walks while striking out one batter. Crow has now pitched in back-to-back games and may be unavailable out of the bullpen on Friday. (4/27/12)
(MR) Tim Collins (L)–Pitched 1.2 innings of relief on Tuesday giving up one walk while striking out four batters. Collins now has six strikeouts in his last 3.2 innings of relief and has now lowered his earned-run average to 2.63 on the season. (05/02/12)
Injured–Joakim Soria (out for season), Greg Holland (15-Day DL)

Los Angeles Angels
(CL) Scott Downs (L)– Recorded his second save of the season on Monday night after being used to get the final four outs of the game. He entered in the eighth inning in a jam, but was able to work out of it and then breeze through the ninth inning. (05/01/12)
(SU) Jordan Walden (R)–Walden was demoted to the setup role on Friday after starting off the season on a bad note. If he can turn things around in a role with less pressure, he may be able to earn the job back again, but for now he will only have fantasy value in holds leagues. (4/28/12)
(MR) LaTroy Hawkins (R)–Picked up his second hold of the season on Monday night after pitching just 0.1 innings of relief. He gave up two hits which scored one run, but they were charged to start C.J. Wilson. (05/01/12)

Minnesota Twins
(CL) Matt Capps (R)– Capps was used in a non-save situation on Sunday giving up one run on two hits and one walk. He has four saves on the season, but hasn’t recorded a save since April 20, so the save chances are few and far between. (4/30/12)
(SU) Glen Perkins (L)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Sunday giving up one hit and one walk in the outing. He needed 23 pitches to get through the appearance, but this was just his first outing since Wednesday so he should be available for Monday’s game. (4/30/12)
(MR) Brian Duensing (L)–Duensing was charged with the loss on Friday night after giving up two runs on two hits and one walk in the seventh inning. After a few solid outings Duensing reverted back to his out ways, and this time it cost his team. (4/28/12)

New York Yankees
(CL) Mariano Rivera (R)–Recorded his fifth save of the season on Monday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He gave up one hit in the appearance, but forced three ground ball outs to get through the inning. (05/01/12)
(SU) David Robertson (R)–Picked up his fourth hold of the season on Monday after striking out the side in the eighth inning. With his three strikeouts Monday night, he now has 18 strikeouts on the season in 11 innings pitched. (05/01/12)
(MR) Rafael Soriano (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Tuesday night giving up one run on two hits while striking out one batter. Soriano has pitched well as of late, but has only two holds through the first month of the season, which is a concern for fantasy owners in holds leagues. (05/02/12)

Oakland Athletics
(CL) Grant Balfour (R)–Balfour had yet another rough outing on Tuesday night giving up two runs on three hits and one walk recording only one out in the ninth inning. He was pulled before actually blowing the game, and has now given up five runs in his last two outing combined, which puts him on the hot-seat. (05/02/12)
(SU) Ryan Cook(R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday giving up one walk while striking out two batters. Cook has been on fire to start the season and has yet to give up an earned-run. (05/02/12) |
(MR) Brian Fuentes (L)– Picked up his second hold of the season on Tuesday after forcing the only batter he faced to ground out in the seventh inning. He threw only six pitches in the appearance with five of them going over for strikes. (05/02/12)
Injured–Joey Devine (15-Day DL)

Seattle Mariners
(CL) Brandon League (R)–League took the loss and his second blown-save of the season on Monday night after giving up two runs on four hits and one walk in 1.1 innings of relief. This was just his second bad outing of the season, and is now sporting a 2.77 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP on the season. (05/01/12)
(SU) Tom Wilhelmsen (R)– Pitched two innings of relief on Monday night giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. This was a nice rebound appearance for Wilhemlsen, who gave up two runs in his last outing, so he appears to be right back on track. (05/01/12)
(MR) Lucas Luetge (L)–Luetge walked the only batter he faced in the sixth inning on five pitches thrown. Although he has only been used sparingly, he has yet to give up an earned-run this season. (05/02/12)
Injured–George Sherrill (15-Day DL)

Tampa Bay Rays
(CL) Fernando Rodney (R)–Recorded his eighth save of the season on Tuesday night after striking out the side in the ninth inning. Rodney has looked like a different pitcher this season for the Rays and even when Kyle Farnsworth comes back, it will be hard for the Rays to remove him from the closer role. (05/02/12)
(SU) Joel Peralta (R)–Picked up his sixth hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He gave up one hit while striking out one batter needing 14 pitches to get through the appearance. (05/02.12)
(MR) J.P. Howell (L)–Picked up the win on Monday night after pitching a scoreless 12th inning giving up just one walk in the outing. Howell forced three ground ball outs on 13 pitches through in the appearance. (05/01/12)
Injured–Kyle Farnsworth (15-Day DL)

Texas Rangers
(CL) Joe Nathan (R)–Recorded his sixth save of the season on Monday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He struck out one batter in the appearance while lowering his earned-run average to 3.38 on the season. (05/01/12)
(SU) Mike Adams (R)– Adams took the loss on Tuesday night after giving up a walk-off home run to Brett Lawrie after failing to record an out in the ninth inning. He has now given up two runs in his last three relief appearances combined. (05/02/12)
(MR) Alexi Ogando (R)–Pitched two innings of relief on Tuesday giving up one hit while striking out one batter. With this appearance, Ogando lowered his earned-run average to 0.71 on the season. (05/02/12)
Injured–Yoshinori Tateyama (15-Day DL)

Toronto Blue Jays
(CL) Francisco Cordero (R)–Picked up the win on Tuesday night despite blowing his second save of the season after giving up one run on three hits in the ninth inning. He has been shaky in the closer role in the absence of Sergio Santos, so don’t expect Cordero to get any chances once he is back from injury. (05/02/12)
(SU) Casey Janssen (R)– Picked up his first hold of the season on Sunday afternoon after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He needed just nine pitches to get through the appearance forcing one ground ball out and two fly ball outs. (4/30/12)
(MR) Darren Oliver (L)–Picked up his fourth hold of the season on Tuesday night after forcing the only batter he faced to fly out in the eighth inning. Oliver has been used sparingly this season, but has had plenty of hold opportunities, making him a solid add in holds leagues. (05/02/12)
Injured–Sergio Santos (15-Day DL)

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks
(CL) J.J. Putz (R)– Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Monday afternoon in a non-save situation giving up one hit while striking out one batter. This was his first appearance in exactly one week, and after a fast start he has slowed down recording just one save since April 13. (05/01/12)
(SU) David Hernandez (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in the appearance and now has 19 strikeouts on the season. (05/02/12)
(MR) Brad Ziegler (R)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Sunday giving up one walk in the outing. Ziegler has now pitched two days in a row and will likely be unavailable for Monday’s series finale against the Marlins. (4/30/12)
Injured–Takashi Saito (15-Day DL)

Atlanta Braves
(CL) Craig Kimbrel (R)–Recorded his eighth save of the season on Sunday despite giving up one run on one hit in the ninth inning. Kimbrel struck out two batters in the appearance and now has seven strikeouts in his last three innings of relief. (4/30/12)
(SU) Jonny Venters (L)– Venters took the loss on Tuesday night after giving up two runs on four hits while striking out one batter. The two runs he gave up were his first earned runs of the season, which raised his earned-run average to 1.93 on the season. (05/02/12)
(MR) Eric O’Flaherty (L)–Picked up his third hold of the season on Sunday after pitching a 1-2-3 seventh inning. He needing only 10 pitches to get through the inning and struck out one batter in his efforts. (4/30/12)

Chicago Cubs
(CL) Carlos Marmol (R)–Was used in a non-save situation on Sunday giving up one run on one hit and three walks. Marmol continues to struggle with his command thus far in 2012 and with a 2.09 WHIP on the season, you can see why. (4/30/12)
(SU) James Russell (L)–Picked up his first hold of the season on Friday night after pitching 0.2 innings of relief. He allowed two base runners, but was able to work out of the jam to earn the hold. (4/28/12)
(MR)–Rafael Dolis (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Monday giving up one run on two hits in the outing. He needed 10 pitches to recording just one out, and his command just didn’t seem to be there in this game. (05/01/12)
Injured–Kerry Wood (15-Day DL)

Cincinnati Reds
(CL) Sean Marshall (L)–Recorded his fifth save of the season on Sunday afternoon after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. This was a great outing to see out of Marshall, who gave up three runs in his last appearance, so it appears he is over it and back on track. (4/30/12)
(SU) Aroldis Chapman (L)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation giving up one hit and two walks while striking out one batter. He was able to get in and out of trouble in the appearance, but that now makes four walks allowed in his last 3.1 innings pitched. (4/29/12)
(MR) Jose Arrenondo (R)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Sunday giving up one hit and one walk in the outing. He was able to get out of a jam after allowing two base runners by forcing two fly ball outs. (4/30/12)
Injured–Ryan Madson (out for season), Nick Masset (15-Day DL)

Colorado Rockies
(CL) Rafael Betancourt (R)– Was used in a non-save situation on Monday night and did not allow a base runner. He has now been used in back-to-back games and may be unavailable to pitch on Tuesday if needed. (05/01/12)
(SU) Matt Belisle (R)–Took the loss on Sunday after giving up two runs on five hits in extra innings. He threw 35 pitches in the appearance and will likely be unavailable to pitch on Monday night. (4/30/12)
(MR) Rex Brothers (L)–Picked up his third hold of the season on Monday night after striking out the only batter he faced in the seventh inning. He threw just five pitches in the outing, so he should be able to pitch Tuesday despite pitching on back-to-back days. (05/01/12)

Houston Astros
(CL))Brett Myers (R)– Recorded his sixth save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. After a slow start in terms of saves, Myers has been given many opportunities as of late making him one of the better options at this point. (05/02/12)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)–Lyon struck out the only batter he faced on Monday in the eighth inning on seven pitches. He hasn’t been excellent this season, but he has now racked up four strikeouts in his last 2.1 innings of relief. (05/01/12)
(MR)Wilton Lopez (R)–Picked up his first hold of the season on Tuesday night after pitching 1.1 innings of relief. He gave up one hit and recorded one strikeout in the appearance lowering his earned-run average to 2.51 on the season. (05/02/12)

Los Angeles Dodgers
(CL) Javy Guerra (R)–Recorded his eighth save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit while striking out two batters. There was a lot of speculation floating around the Dodgers closer role so this outing should put a stop to that, but the leash is short at this point. (05/02/12)
(SU) Kenley Jansen (R)–Picked up his sixth hold of the season on Tuesday despite giving up one run on two hits in the eighth inning. Jansen was used in the eighth inning With Javy Guerra sued in the ninth inning, so it appears the Dodgers are going to still with the current setup for the time-being. (05/02/12)
(MR) Josh Lindblom (R)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Tuesday night surrendering three runs on four hits. This was a rough outing for Lindblom, but two of the runs came off a home run from Tyler Colvin so don’t look too much into this outing. (05/02/12)
Injured–Matt Guerrier (15-Day DL)

Miami Marlins
(CL) Heath Bell (R)– Recorded his third save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. This type of outing was much needed from Bell after struggling through the first month of the season, so hopefully this will get him moving in the right direction. (05/02/12)
(SU) Edward Mujica (R)– Picked up his fifth hold of the season on Tuesday after recording two outs in the eighth inning. He needed only four pitches to get through the outing forcing two ground ball outs. (05/02/12)
(MR) Steve Cishek (R)–Picked up his second win of the season on Saturday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. So far in 2012 Cishek has been the most reliable arm out of the Marlins bullpen, and if Heath Bell continues to struggle, look for him to get some save chances. (4/29/12)

Milwaukee Brewers
(CL) John Axford (R)–Recorded his fifth save of the season on Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He allowed one hit and one walk in the outing while striking out two batters on 17 pitches thrown in the appearance. (4/30/12)
(SU) Francisco Rodriguez (R)–Took the loss on Tuesday night after giving up two runs on two hits in the eighth innings. This puts Rodriguez at 0-3 on the season with a 6.57 earned-run average, which isn’t pretty by any means. (05/02/12)
(MR) Kameron Loe (R)– Picked up his second hold of the season on Monday night after pitching two innings of relief striking out three batters. Loe has now pitched three consecutive days and will likely be given a day off on Tuesday. (05/01/12)

New York Mets
(CL) Frank Francisco (R)–Francisco picked up the win on Sunday despite being charged with a blown-save after giving up one run on two this and one walk. He has now giving up a run in back-to-back appearances while continuing to struggle, allowing base runners by the boatloads. (4/30/12)
(SU) Jon Rauch (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday giving up one hit in the appearance. He needed 14 pitches to get through the inning and appears to be back on track after a rough outing his last appearance. (05/02/12)
(MR) Ramon Ramirez (R)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up two walks on 25 pitches thrown in the appearance. After a rough start Ramirez has gotten back on track and is a decent addition in deep holds leagues. (05/02/12)

Philadelphia Phillies
(CL) Jonathan Papelbon (R)–Recorded his ninth save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He needed only 10 pitches to get through the appearance and recorded one strikeout in his efforts. (05/02/12)
(SU) Chad Qualls (R)–Picked up his sixth hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He gave up two this and one walk, but was able to work out of the jam with one strikeout and forcing two ground ball outs. (05/02/12)
(MR) Antonio Bastardo (L)–Picked up the win on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 seventh inning. This was one of his longest outings of the season, which isn’t saying much,  but maybe this will start a trend of him being used for more than just one or two batters each appearance. (05/02/12)

Pittsburgh Pirates
(CL) Joel Hanrahan (R)–Recorded his fourth save of the season on Saturday after pitching a perfect ninth inning. He struck out two batters in the appearance and is now a perfect 4-for-4 on the season in save opportunities. (4/29/12)
(SU) Juan Cruz (R)–Picked up a hold on Saturday after pitching a scoreless inning of relief. He gave up one hit in the appearance and has yet to give up an earned-run this season in 8.3 innings of relief. (04/29/12)
(MR) Chris Resop (R)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Monday night in relief of James McDonald giving up one hit while striking out one batter. He needed 20 pitches to get through the appearance and threw four first-pitch strikes out of the six batters he faced. (05/01/12)
Injured–Chris Leroux (60-Day DL)

San Diego Padres
(CL) Huston Street (R)–Recorded his fourth save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He struck out two batters in the appearance and lowered his earned-run average to 1.00 on the season. (05/02/12)
(SU) Andrew Cashner (R)–Picked up the win on Tuesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He allowed just one base runner in the outing and forced three ground ball outs in his efforts. (05/02/12)
(MR) Luke Gregerson (R)–Picked up his first hold of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless seventh inning. He threw just 10 pitches in the appearance, so he should be available for the remainder of the series this weekend. (4/28/12)

San Francisco Giants
(CL) Santiago Casilla (R)–Recorded his fourth save of the season on Sunday afternoon after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk while striking out two batters. He needed 21 pitches to get through the appearance and forced one fly ball out. (4/30/12)
(SU) Sergio Romo (R)– Picked up his third hold of the season on Sunday after forcing the only batter that he faced to fly out. He threw just two pitches in the appearance, which was his first since Wednesday. (4/30/12)
(MR) Jeremy Affeldt (L)–Pitched two innings of relief on Friday night surrendering two runs on three hits while striking out three batters. This appearance raised his earned-run average to 4.09 on the season. (4/28/12)
Injured–Brian Wilson (out for season)

St. Louis Cardinals
(CL) Jason Motte (R)–Recorded his fourth save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He gave up one hit and struck out two batters in the appearance on 11 pitches thrown. (05/02/12)
(SU) Kyle McClellan (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Sunday needing only seven pitches to get through the outing. He forced two ground ball outs and one fly ball out while lowering his earned-run average to 3.27 on the season. (4/30/12)
(MR) Fernando Salas (R)– Salas had another rough outing on Tuesday night giving up three runs on two this and two walk in the eighth inning. He threw 28 pitches to record two outs, and if he keeps this up he may move down the depth chart or even get demoted. (05/02/12)

Washington Nationals
(CL) Henry Rodriguez (R)–Rodriguez was charged with his first blown-save of the season on Saturday night after giving up two runs on three hits in the ninth inning. This was his worst outing of the season, but it won’t change anything in the Nationals depth chart at this time. (4/29/12)
(SU) Tyler Clippard (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday night giving up one walk while striking out two batters. He needed 22 pitches to get through the appearance, and lowered his earned-run average to 5.40 on the season. (4/29/12)
(MR) Sean Burnett (L)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Friday night giving up two walks in the outing. Despite his lack of control at times, Burnett has yet to give up an earned run this season. (4/28/12)
Injured– Drew Storen (15-Day DL), Brad Lidge (15-Day DL)

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Tags: Bullpen

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 at 10:25 am and is filed under Bullpen. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.