Daily Bullpen Report: Balfour Makes it 38 Consecutive Saves
Published: Jul 03, 2013
Closer Rating System: EliteâPlayers with the strongest hold on their role in bullpen; SolidâPlayers that could lose their job/teamâs with solid backup in place; ShakyâPlayers that could lose their job at any moment; CommitteeâPlayers that are sharing the role with one or more teammates.
Get all your latest up-to-date daily bullpen news by following @mlbdailybullpen.American League Bullpen ReportBaltimore Orioles(CL) Solid Jim Johnson (R)âRecorded his 28th save of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out two batters. Johnson got himself into a jam, but was able to work through it to complete the sweep of the Yankees. 22 PC-14 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Darren OâDay (R)--Picked up his 12th hold of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless seventh inning allowing two walks on 28 pitches thrown. O'Day has been allowing more base runners than we have grown accustomed to seeing this season, so hopefully he will be able to put an end to that next time out. 28 PC-16 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Brian Matusz (L)--Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Thursday needing only four pitches to force the only batter he faced to fly out to end the seventh inning. Matusz has now pitched three of the last four days, so expect him to be given the day off on Friday. 4 PC-2 ST (6/27/13)Boston Red Sox(CL) Shaky Koji Uehara (R)âRecorded his ninth save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. Uehara has now converted four of his last five save chances and appears to have adjusted well to the ninth inning role. 13 PC-10 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Junichi Tazawa (R)--Took the loss on Saturday after surrendering two runs on three hits in the eighth inning. Tazawa has now allowed three runs over his last three appearances, but is still sitting on a very respectable 2.92 ERA on the year. 23 PC-15 ST (6/29/13)
(MR) Andrew Bailey (R)--Was charged with his fifth blown-save of the season Friday night after allowing one run on one hit in the seventh inning. Bailey continues to struggle coming out of the Red Sox bullpen, and if he continues down this path, there is a chance he won't be on the roster much longer. 11 PC-8 ST (6/28/13)
Injured--Joel Hanrahan (Forearm)Chicago White Sox(CL) Solid Addison Reed (R)âRecorded his 22nd save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter on 12 pitches thrown. Reed had allowed four runs in his previous outing, so it was nice to see he was able to put that behind him and throw a scoreless inning. 12 PC-10 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Jesse Crain (R)âTook the loss on Saturday after allowing one run on three hits in the eighth inning. The earned run allowed by Crain in this contest was his first surrendered since April 12, which brings his season total up to three on the season. 18 PC-12 ST (6/29/13)
(MR) Matt Thornton (L)âPicked up his 17th hold of the season on Tuesday night after recording the final out of the eighth inning. Thornton threw only two pitches in the appearance, so expect to see him back out there on Wednesday if he is needed. 2 PC-2 ST (7/2/13)Cleveland Indians(CL) Solid Chris Perez (R)--Recorded his eighth save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter on 18 pitches thrown. This wasn't the best showing from Perez, but he was able to work threw some early issues and seal the victory for the Indians in the end. 18 PC-11 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Vinny Pestano (R)--Earned his fifth hold of the season on Tuesday despite allowing one run on two hits and one walk in the eighth inning. Pestano has been far from perfect this season, but has managed to allow only three earned-run over his last 10 appearances, dating back to June 15. 18 PC-12 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) Joe Smith (R)--Picked up his eighth hold of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless seventh inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. Smith has been great out of the bullpen for the Indians this season and could eventually find himself in the setup role if Vinny Pestano continues to struggle. 14 PC-9 ST (7/2/13)Detroit Tigers(CL) Shaky Joaquin Benoit (R)âRecorded his sixth save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Benoit has been great since taking over the closer role from Jose Valverde, and should only get better from here now that he has a handful of saves under his belt. 12 PC-9 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Phil Coke (L)--Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Sunday allowing one hit on only 10 pitches thrown. After surrendering two runs in his previous appearance, Coke was able to get back on track in this contest, and should continue to be used in the setup role now that Jose Valverde is out of town. 10 PC-9 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Al Alburquerque (R)--Picked up the win on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless seventh inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter on 15 pitches thrown. Since being recalled from Triple-A, Alburquerque has looked very impressive and appears to have staying power this time around. 15 PC-9 ST (7/2/13)
Injuredâ Octavio Dotel (Shoulder)Houston Astros(CL) Solid Jose Veras (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Sunday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. Veras hadn't been used since Wednesday, so the Astros needed to get him on the mound in order for him to stay fresh, which was accomplished in this contest. 18 PC-13 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Hector Ambriz (R)--Pitched one inning of relief on Monday surrendering three runs on four hits and two walks. Ambriz threw 36 pitches in the appearance, so there is a good chance he will be unavailable for Tuesday's contest. 36 PC-19 ST (7/1/13)
(MR) Wesley Wright (L)âPitched 1.1 innings of relief on Monday night retiring all four batters he faces between the eight and ninth frames. Wright needed 21 pitches to work through the appearance, forcing one fly ball out while striking out three batters to put an end to the onslaught. 21 PC-16 ST (7/1/13)Kansas City Royals(CL) Solid Greg Holland (R)âEarned his 17th save of the season Sunday despite allowing one urn on one hit in the ninth inning. The run allowed by Holland came via a Trevor Plouffe solo-home run to bring the Twins within one run, but Holland was able to work through it and seal the victory for the Royals. 13 PC-11 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Aaron Crow (R)âPitched a scoreless seventh inning on Tuesday night allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter on 18 pitches thrown. Crow has settled into the setup role nicely since the demotion on Kelvin Herrera, and is a solid pickup in holds leagues moving forward. 18 PC-11 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) Tim Collins (L)--Took the loss on Tuesday night after allowing two runs on two walks in the seventh inning. Collins failed to record an out in the appearance, and has now allowed five earned-runs over his last two outings. 11 PC-3 ST (7/2/13)Los Angeles Angels(CL) Solid Ernesto Frieri (R)âEarned his 21st save of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Frieri has been somewhat shaky over his last few appearances, but continues to get the job done despite allowing too many base runners. 21 PC-13 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Kevin Jepsen (R)--Failed to record an out in his appearance on Tuesday night allowing three hits on 16 pitches thrown. Jepsen loaded the bases then was removed in place on Scott Downs, who retired the next three batters to get him off the hook. 16 PC-11 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Scott Downs (L)âPicked up his 16th hold of the season Tuesday night after retiring all three batters he faced in the eighth inning. Downs entered the game after Kevin Jepsen couldn't get the job done, and was able to hold off the Cardinals batters on only 10 pitches thrown. 10 PC-6 ST (7/2/13)
Injured:  Ryan Madson (Elbow), Sean Burnett (Elbow)Minnesota Twins(CL) Solid Glen Perkins (L)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. Perkins needed only 17 pitches to work through the inning forcing one fly ball out while striking out two batters to seal the victory for the Twins. 17 PC-10 ST (6/29/13)
(SU) Jared Burton (R)âTook the loss on Monday night after surrendering three runs on three hits in the eighth inning Burton has now lost the game for the Twins in two straight contests as he continues to struggled with his command, so don't be surprised if he ends up being moved outside of the setup role if he doesn't turn things around. 11 PC-7 ST (7/1/13)
(MR) Casey Fien (R)--Earned his ninth hold of the season Monday night after recording the final out of the seventh inning. Fien needed only two pitches to work through the appearance, forcing the only batter he faced to fly out to keep the Twins lead heading into the eighth inning. 2 PC-1 ST (7/1/13)New York Yankees(CL) Elite Mariano Rivera (R)âRecorded his 27th save of the season Tuesday night after retiring the final batter of the ninth inning on two pitches thrown. Rivera entered the game after two previous relievers allowed the game-tying runs aboard, and then entered Rivera, who forced a ground ball out to end the threat. 2 PC-2 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) David Robertson (R)âPicked up his 18th hold of the season Monday night after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit while striking out three batters on 21 pitches thrown. Robertson looked sharp in this appearances, throwing a first-pitch strike to three of his four batters faced, which statistically leads to a good outcome. 21 PC-13 ST (7/1/13)
(MR) Boone Logan (R)âPitched a scoreless seventh inning on Sunday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Logan needed 18 pitches to work through the frame, forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out while striking out one batter to get the job done. 18 PC-12 ST (6/30/13)Oakland Athletics(CL) Solid Grant Balfour (R)âRecorded his 20th save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter on 20 pitches thrown. Balfour has now recorded 38 consecutive saves dating back to last season (converting 20 this season) as he continues to be one of the better closers to own in all of fantasy baseball. 20 PC-10 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Ryan Cook (R)--Picked up his 11th hold of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. Cook threw only 12 pitches in the appearance forcing two ground ball outs while striking out one batter to get the job done. 12 PC-9 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Sean Doolittle (L)âPicked up his 12th hold of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless seventh inning allowing one hit on 10 pitches thrown. After going through a rough stretch, Doolittle has really turned things around and is now starting to look like the pitcher we grew to love back in April. 10 PC-8 ST (6/30/13)Seattle Mariners(CL) Committee Oliver Perez (L)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. Considering Tim Wilhelmsen was used in the ninth inning, changes could be on the way in terms of the Mariners bullpen, as it appears he may be ready to take back the closer role. 19 PC-13 ST (7/2/13)
(CL) Committee Carter Capps (R)âPitched two innings of relief on Tuesday night allowing two run son three hits while striking out four batter on 30 pitches thrown. Capps continues to struggle with his command and will now likely get the day off Wednesday after recording a high pitch count in this contest. 30 PC-20 ST (6/25/13)
(SU)  Tom Wilhelmsen (R)--Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday in a non-save situation allowing one hit on 12 pitches thrown. Wilhelmsen has now been used in back-to-back ninth innings (both non-save) and could be on his way back to reclaiming the closer role in the upcoming days. 12 PC-7 ST (7/2/13)
InjuredâStephen Pryor (back)Tampa Bay Rays(CL) Shaky Fernando Rodney (R)âRecorded his 17th save of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out two batters on 20 pitches thrown. Rodney has now pitched back-to-back days, so expect a day off for the Rays closer on Monday. 20 PC-11 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Joel Peralta (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. Peralta has been pitching very well this season, and is now sitting on a 2.89 earned-run average, which is best among the Rays relievers. 15 PC-12 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) Jake McGee (L)âPitched a scoreless seventh inning on Sunday retiring all three batters he faced in order. McGee has really started to turn his season around, and is now sitting on a 4.83 ERA, which is much better than his 6.64 ERA he had at the end of May. 11 PC-8 ST (6/30/13)Texas Rangers(CL) Elite Joe Nathan (R)âRecorded his 27th save of the season Sunday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Nathan has been as close to perfect as he could be this season, and has now converted 27 of his 28 save opportunities through 35.2 innings of work. 16 PC-11 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Tanner Scheppers (R)âFailed to record an out in his appearance on Sunday surrendering two runs on two hits and one walk int he eighth inning. This was arguably Scheppers worst performance this season, so hopefully he will be able to bounce back next time out. 9 PC-2 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Jason Frasor (R)âPicked up his fourth hold of the season Sunday after recording the final out of the eighth inning. Frasor threw only seven pitches in the appearance, forcing the only batter he faced to fly out to end the inning. 7 PC-5 ST (6/30/13)
Injuredâ Joakim Soria (Elbow)Toronto Blue Jays(CL) Solid Casey Janssen (R)âFailed to record an out in his appearance on Sunday throwing only two pitches before allowing the game-winning run to cross home plate. Janssen was not charged with the loss or blown-save, but it is still not the type of outing you want to see from your pitcher. 2 PC-2 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Steve Delabar (R)âPicked a scoreless eighth inning on Monday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Delabar struck out the side on only 13 pitches, bringing his strikeout total up to 57 through 40.0 innings of relief. 13 PC-9 ST (7/1/13)
(MR) Brett Cecil (L)--Pitched two innings of relief on Tuesday night allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three batters on 28 pitches thrown. Cecil has pitched well out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays, but may see a return to the starting rotation if the team's starters continue to struggle. 28 PC-17 ST (7/2/13)
Injuredâ Sergio Santos (Triceps)Continue to Page 2 to view the National League Bullpen Report...National League Bullpen Report Arizona Diamondbacks(CL) Shaky Heath Bell (R)âEarned his second hold of the season Monday after retiring both batters he faced to end the seventh inning. With J.J. Putz back in the mix, Bell will be used in middle relief, taking away any fantasy value he might have in standard leagues, but could get the job back if Putz continues to struggle. 7 PC-4 ST (7/1/13)(SU) David Hernandez (R)âPicked up his ninth hold on Monday despite allowing one run on two hits in the eighth inning. Hernandez has struggled as of late, having allowed five runs over his last two appearances, but he still has time to turn things around before a roster move is made. 23 PC-13 ST (7/1/13)(MR) J.J. Putz (R)--Was charged with his fifth blown-save of the season Monday night after allowing one run on two hits and one walk in the ninth inning. This was not the way Putz wanted his first save chance since coming off the disabled list to turn out, but he seems to have picked up right where he left off before the injury. 19 PC-11 ST (7/1/13)Injured: Matt Reynolds (Elbow)Atlanta Braves(CL) Elite Craig Kimbrel (R)âRecorded his 23rd save of the season Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one walk on 14 pitches thrown. Kimbrel has now recorded saves in each of his last five appearances,  and hasn't blown a save since early May. 14 PC-6 ST (6/28/13)
(SU)  Jordan Walden (R)--Picked up the win on Saturday despite allowing one run on three hits in the eighth inning. Walden has now pitched back-to-back days and three of the last four, so expect him to get the day off on Sunday. 18 PC-14 ST (6/29/13)
(MR) Luis Avilan (L)--Recorded the final out of the seventh inning on Saturday forcing the only batter he faced to fly out on four pitches thrown. Avilan Has now pitched back-to-back days, but having only thrown four pitches in this contest makes me believe he will be available to pitch on Sunday. 4 PC-4 ST (6/29/13)
Injuredâ Jonny Venters (Elbow),  Eric OâFlaherty (Elbow)Chicago Cubs(CL) Solid Kevin Gregg (R)--Recorded his 13th save of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. Gregg has now pitched in back-to-back games, but with a scheduled day off on Monday he should be back in the mix for Tuesday's opener with the Athletics. 15 PC-10 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) James Russell (L)--Took the loss on Tuesday night after surrendering two runs on one hit and one walk in the eighth inning. Russell has now allowed four runs over his previous three outings, and will have to turn things around if he wants to stay in an important relief role. 16 PC-8 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) Shawn Camp (R)--Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Sunday allowing three runs on three hits and one walk. Camp has struggled immensely this season, and may find himself on the outside looking in his he continues to pitch this poorly. 30 PC-20 ST (6/30/13)
Injured--Kyuji Fujikawa (Forearm)Cincinnati Reds(CL) Elite Aroldis Chapman (L)âRecorded his 20th save of the season Saturday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter on 15 pitches thrown. Chapman had given up three runs over his previous two outings, so it was nice to see him get back on track with the game on the line. 15 PC-7 ST (6/29/13)
(SU) J.J. Hoover (R)--Picked up the win on Saturday after recording the final two outs o the 10th inning. After registering five losses, Hoover finally was able to get one in the win column, bringing his record to 1-5 on the season. 11 PC-5 ST (6/29/13)
(MR) Tony Cingrani (L)--Pitched four innings of relief on Friday night in long relief, allowing three runs on four hits and six walks. Johnny Cueto left the game with an injury, and hf he heads back to the disabled list, Cingrani will likely move back into the starting rotation. 79 PC-44 ST (6/28/13)
Injured--Sean Marshall  (Shoulder), Jonathan Broxton (Elbow)Colorado Rockies(CL) Solid Rafael Betancourt (R)--Picked up the win on Saturday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. This was Betancourt's first appearance since coming off of the disabled list, and didn't look like he skipped a beat. 11 PC-8 ST (6/29/13)
(SU) Rex Brothers (L)âWas used in a non-save situation on Friday night allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter on 26 pitches thrown. Brothers has now pitched back-to-back days, and will likely get the day off on Saturday considering his high pitch count. 26 PC-14 ST (6/28/13)
(MR) Wilton Lopez (R)âRecorded the final two outs of the fifth inning on Sunday allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Lopez has now pitched back-to-back days, but has a scheduled day off on Monday, so he should be ready to go for the series opener with the Dodgers. 17 PC-13 ST (6/30/13)Los Angeles Dodgers(CL) Solid Kenley Jansen (R)âPicked up the win on Saturday night despite being charged with his third blown-save after allowing one run on two hits in the ninth inning. With this appearance Jansen improved to 2-3 on the season after the Phillies failed to take the game into extra innings. 17 PC-14 ST (6/29/13)
(SU) Brandon League (R)âPitched one inning of relief on Friday night allowing one run on one hit needing 19 pitches to work through the appearance. League continues to struggle this season, and if he doesn't get his act together there is a good chance he won't be on the roster by season's end. 19 PC-10 ST (6/28/13)
(MR) Ronald Belisario (R)âPicked up his eighth hold of the season Saturday night after recording just the second out of the eighth inning. Belisario needed 10 pitches to work through the appearance, allowing two hits and one walk before being replaced by J.P. Howell, who got the Dodgers out of the jam. 2 PC-1 ST (6/29/13)Miami Marlins(CL) Solid Steve Cishek (R)âRecorded his 15th save of the season Monday after retiring the  final batter of the ninth inning. After A.J. Ramos allowed two base runners, the Marlins didn't want to take any chances, so they called upon Cishek to secure the victory in what was his second appearance in as many days. 4 PC-3 ST (7/1/13)
(SU) Mike Dunn (L)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Sunday allowing one walk while striking out one batter on 18 pitches thrown. This was Dunn's first appearance in four days, so expect his services to be used in Monday's series finale. 18 PC-10 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) A.J. Ramos (R)--Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Monday night allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter on 15 pitches thrown. Ramos got himself into a jam, and forced the Marlins to use Steve Cishek to escape the frame, but Ramos actually didn't pitch all that bad. 15 PC-10 ST (7/1/13)Milwaukee Brewers(CL) Committee Jim Henderson (R)--Picked up the win on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless seventh inning allowing one hit on 13 pitches thrown. Henderson improved to 3-2 after this appearance, but is still not considered to be the team's closer. 13 PC-9 ST (7/2/13)
(CL) Committee Francisco Rodriguez (R)--Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday in a non-save situation allowing two hits while striking out two batters. Rodriguez got himself into a jam, but was able to work through it to secure the win over the Nationals, despite missing the core of their starting lineup. 19 PC-15 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) John Axford (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Tuesday night allowing one walk on 14 pitches thrown. With this appearance Axford extended his scoreless innings streak to 20.1 innings, having allowed his last earned-run back on May 14. 14 PC-7 ST (7/2/13)New York Mets(CL) Solid Bobby Parnell (R)âPitched two innings of relief on Monday night retiring all six batters he faced in order. Parnell forcing one ground ball out and four fly ball outs while striking out one batter on 27 pitches thrown to keep the game tied up at three runs a piece. 27 PC-21 ST (7/1/13)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter on 12 pitches thrown. Lyon had allowed seven earned-runs in his previous two outings, so it was nice to see him bounce back and have a scoreless appearance for a change. 12 PC-8 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) LaTroy Hawkins (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night allowing one hit on 13 pitches thrown. Hawkins has been pitching very well as of late, proving he can still be a reliable inning-eater at the age of 40. 13 PC-9 ST (7/2/13)
Injuredâ Frank Francisco (Elbow)Philadelphia Phillies(CL) Elite Jonathan Papelbon (R)--Recorded his 16th save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. Papelbon forced one ground ball out and two fly ball outs to get through the appearance, needing 12 pitches to get the job done. 12 PC-7 ST (7/3/13)
(SU) Antonio Bastardo (L)âPicked up his 11th hold of the season Tuesday after recording the second out of the eighth inning. Bastardo faced three batters in the appearance allowing one hit and one walk before striking out one batter to finish the job he started. 16 PC-9 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) Justin De Fratus (R)--Picked up his fourth hold of the Tuesday after recording the final out of the eighth inning. De Fratus threw just five pitches in the appearance, striking out the only batter be faced. 5 PC-4 ST (7/2/13)
Injured--Mike Adams (Shoulder)Pittsburgh Pirates(CL) Elite Jason Grilli (R)âPitched a scoreless 10th inning on Sunday in a non-save situation allowing one hit while striking out one batter on 10 pitches thrown. Grilli has now pitched back-to-back days, but with a scheduled day off on Monday that should be adequate time for him to rest and be ready for Tuesday game. 10 PC-9 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Mark Melancon (R)--Pitched a scoreless 11th inning on Sunday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Melancon threw only 13 pitches in the contest, forcing all three batters he faced to ground out to extend the game into the 12th inning. 13 PC-8 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Tony Watson (L)--Picked up a well-deserved win on Sunday after pitching three innings of scoreless relief. Watson was used in extra innings and retired all nine  batters he faced in order, striking out four while forcing two ground ball out and two fly ball outs to keep the Pirates in the game. 36 PC-27 ST (6/30/13)San Diego Padres(CL) Solid Huston Street (R)--Pitched a scoreless 12th inning on Wednesday night in a non-save situation allowing one hit on 11 pitches thrown. This was Street's first appearance since last Sunday, so expect to see a lot more of him in this weekend's series with the Marlins. 11 PC-7 ST (6/26/13)(SU) Luke Gregerson (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Sunday retiring all three batters he faced in order needing only 12 pitches. This was Gergerson's first appearance since Wednesday so expect him to be used again in the series finale on Monday. 12 PC-9 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Dale Thayer (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday allowing one walk while striking out two batters on 20 pitches thrown. Thayer has really been pitching well as of late having allowing only two base runners while striking out four batters over his last three appearances. 20 PC-11 ST (7/2/13)San Francisco Giants(CL) Elite Sergio Romo (R)âRecorded his 20th save of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit on 15 pitches thrown. This was Romo's first appearance in over a week, so expect to see much more of him in the Giants series with the Reds. 15 PC-10 ST (6/30/13)
(SU) Jeremy Affeldt (L)--Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Tuesday night allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter on 22 pitches thrown. Affeldt has pitched only twice since June 22, so expect him to be used more int eh upcoming days. 22 PC-10 ST (7/2/13)
(MR) Javier Lopez (L)--Recorded the final out of the seventh inning in his appearance on Wednesday night needing only one pitch to get the job done. Lopez has now been used four of the last six days, but should be available Thursday considering his low pitch counts over those contests. 1 PC-1 ST (6/26/13)
Injured--Santiago Casilla (Knee)St. Louis Cardinals(CL) Elite Edward Mujica (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. This was Mujica's first appearance since last Tuesday and hasn't had a save chance since June 19, so fantasy owners in head-to-head leagues have to be frustrated right now. 12 PC-9 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Trevor Rosenthal (R)--Pitched one inning of relief on Sunday allowing one run on one hit while striking out two batters on 14 pitches thrown. After almost two months without allowing an earned-run, Rosenthal has now allowed two runs over his last two appearances, so hopefully he can put an end to that in his next performance. 14 PC-10 ST (6/30/13)
(MR) Randy Choate (L)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Sunday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Choate threw only seven pitches in the contest, forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out while striking out one batter to keep the game within reach for the Cardinals. 7 PC-7 ST (6/30/13)
Injuredâ Jason Motte (Elbow), Fernando Salas (Shoulder)Washington Nationals(CL) Solid Rafael Soriano (R)--Pitched a scoreless 10th inning on Thursday in a non-save situation allowing one walk on 13 pitches thrown. Soriano has now pitched three straight days, so he will likely be unavailable on Friday. 13 PC-7 ST (6/27/13)
(SU) Drew Storen (R)--Took the loss on Tuesday night after allowing four runs on four hits and one walk in the eighth inning. Storen has been very inconsistent this season, with tonight being one of his worst outings of the season, and is hard to be trusted by those playing in holds leagues at this point in the season. 28 PC-17 ST (7/2/13)
(SU) Tyler Clippard (R)âPicked up his 13th hold of the season Monday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning striking out one batter on only eight pitches thrown. With this appearance Clippard is now sitting on a 2.34 ERA, which is best among the top three arms in the Nationals bullpen. 8 PC-6 ST (7/1/13)Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Sports Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com. Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information. And, to make setting your Fantasy Baseball lineup easy, be sure to And, to utilize RotoInfo.comâs new MLB Daily Lineups Grid. Player News
{{item.text}}
{{item.ago}}
{{analysis.analysis}}
{{item.datetime}} (ET)
