Fantasy Baseball: MLB Daily Bullpen Usage and Depth Chart 4/21
Published: Apr 01, 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.
*Individual player pitch counts have now been added to each player update starting April 9, 2013 to help fantasy owners determine when a given pitcher will be available to take the mound next. The format will listed as pitch count-strikes.
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 seventh save of the season in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader after retiring the side on only 13 pitches. Johnson was up to his usual tricks on Saturday, forcing two more ground ball outs while striking out one batter to remain perfect on the season. 13 PC-7 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Darren O'Day (R)--Picked up his second win of the season in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader after retiring the final two batters of the eighth inning. After Pedro Strop was unable to get the job done, the Orioles looked to O'Day to work out of the jam, and he was able to work around the base runners to limit the damage. 10 PC-7 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Pedro Strop (R)âWas charged with a blown-save in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader after allowing one run on one hit and two walks in 0.1 innings of relief. After a brilliant 2012 season, Strop has failed to live up to his expectations, and is slowly losing ground on the Orioles depth chart. 18 PC-8 ST (4/20/13)
Boston Red Sox(CL) Shaky Andrew Bailey (R)âRecorded his third save of the season Saturday despite allowing a home run to Lorenzo Cain in the top of the ninth inning. Bailey has been a little shaky since taking over the closer role on Monday, but should have no problems holding onto the role considering the other choices in the Red Sox bullpen. 22 PC-12 ST (4/20/13)(SU) Koji Uehara (R)âPicked up his fifth hold of the season Thursday after recording the final out of the eighth inning. Uehara wasn't supposed to pitch in this game, but after Andrew Millers failed to get the job done Uehara came in and cleaned up his mess, and has now pitched back-to-back days. 11 PC-7 ST (4/18/13)(MR) Junichi Tazawa (R)--Earned his third hold of the season Wednesday after pitching two scoreless innings of relief. Tazawa retired all six batters he faced in order fanning four batter while forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out to help secure the win for the Red Sox. 25 PC-17 ST (4/17/13)Injured-- Joel Hanrahan (Groin)Chicago White Sox(CL) Solid Addison Reed (R)âRecorded his fifth save of the season Tuesday despite allowing one run on two hits in the ninth inning. Luckily for Reed, the White Sox had a big enough lead that this didn't effect the outcome of the game, but it was only the first run he allowed all season, so it could have been worse. 14 PC-11 ST (4/16/13)
(SU) Matt Thornton (L)âRecorded the final two outs of the ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out to get the job done. Thornton has pitched well this season, and is a solid player to own in holds leagues moving forward. 7 PC-5 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Jesse Crain (R)âPitched 0.1 innings of relief on Saturday allowing one walk while forcing one fly ball out on eight pitches thrown. The White Sox decided to play the matchups, which means Cain was only used to face certain batters, so he should still be fresh for Sunday's series finale if needed. 8 PC-4 ST (4/20/13)
Cleveland Indians
(CL) Solid Chris Perez (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. The Indians just aren't winning right now, and as long as that continues, Perez will not get a chance to contribute in the fantasy game. 17 PC-13 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) Vinnie Pestano (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday retiring all three batters he faced in order in a non-save situation. Pestano threw just eight pitches in the appearance with all eight going over for strikes, in what was his first outing since Wednesday. 8 PC-8 ST (4/17/13)
(MR) Bryan Shaw (R)âPitched 1.2 innings of relief on Saturday allowing one hit while striking out two batters. Shaw as used early in this game, after Scott Kamzir couldn't get out of the fourth inning, as he continues to hold little to no fantasy value outside of extremely deep mixed leagues that have holds as a category. 24 PC-15 ST (4/20/13)Detroit Tigers(CL) Committee Joaquin Benoit (R)âRecorded his first save of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless 14th inning allowing two hits. It wasn't the cleanest of performances, but Benoit was able to seal the deal pitching on back-to-back days to notch his first save in as many tries. 13 PC-10 ST (4/17/13)
(CL) Committee Phil Coke (L)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Thursday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Coke has now pitched back-to-back days and may be unavailable to pitch on Friday, so plan accordingly. 16 PC-11 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Octavio Dotel (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Friday night surrendering five runs on four his and one walk. This was yet another bad outing from Dotel, who may still be bothered by the injury that kept him out earlier in the season, so maybe there will be a fall out over the next few days in that regard, either way he has been terrible this season and holds no fantasy value. 30 PC-17 ST (4/19/13)
Houston Astros
(CL) Shaky Jose Veras (R)âRecorded his first save of the season Friday night after working through a scoreless ninth inning. After three weeks, Veras finally converted a save, but there is a good chance that we will have to wait an extended period of time for his next one considering how bad the Astros offense has been lately. 7 PC-6 ST (4/19/13)
(SU) Rhiner Cruz (R)âPitched 1.2 innings of relief on Saturday allowing one run on three hits and three walks. Cruz has been terrible over his last four appearances, allowing at least one earned-run in each outing, but the team will likely let him work through his issues rather than demote him. 39 PC-22 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Wesley Wright (L)--Earned his first hold of the season on Friday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief allowing one hit while striking out two batters. After allowing two runs on Monday, Wright has now put together back-to-back solid outings as he continues to move up the depth chart for the Astros. 24 PC-17 ST (4/19/13)
Injured--Josh Fields  (Forearm)
Kansas City Royals
(CL) Shaky Greg Holland (R)âRecorded his third save of the season Wednesday after striking out the side on just 14 pitches thrown. After a shaky start to the season, Holland is starting to come together, and will likely hold onto the closer role until the wheels fall completely off. 14 PC-9 ST (4/17/13)
(SU) Kelvin Herrera (R)âTook the loss and was charged with his first blown-save of the season Saturday after surrendering two runs on one hit and one walk. Herrera has had trouble with the long ball over his last three appearances, totaling four home runs allowed over that time frame, which would be the home runs allowed you would want to see over an entire season by a reliever, not over a three game stretch. 9 PC-4 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Aaron Crow (R)âEarned his third hold of the season Saturday after recording the first out of the seventh inning. With this appearance Crow remains perfect on the season extending his scoreless innings streak to 4.2 innings in April. 8 PC-5 ST (4/20/13)
Los Angeles Angels
(CL) Shaky Ernesto Frieri (R)âRecorded his second save of the season on Sunday after recording the final four outs of the game. All four of his outs were via the strikeout, which is his specialty and the Astros worst enemy, so it was a nice pairing that favored Frieri in this one. 24 PC-15 ST (4/14/13)
(SU) Sean Burnett (L)--Earned his second hold of the season Friday night after recording the final two outs of the seventh inning. Burnett needed only six pitches to forced two ground ball outs to work through the appearance. 6 PC-4 ST (4/19/13)
(MR) Scott Downs (L)âPicked up his third hold of the season Friday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. After a shaky start to the season, Downs has now settled down and is starting to look like the pitcher we saw last season when he first joined the Angels. 10 PC-7 ST (4/19/13)
Injured:  Ryan Madson (Elbow)Minnesota Twins(CL) Solid Glen Perkins (L)âEarned his fourth save of the season Saturday after pitching a scoreless 10th inning. Perkins allowed one walk while striking out two batters in his first appearance since Tuesday, so he will be ready to go if needed for a save situation on Sunday. 16 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Jared Burton (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday retiring all three batters he faced in order. After Saturday's performance, Burton remained perfect on the season, extending his scoreless innings streak to 6.1 innings pitched. 12 PC-7 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Casey Fien (R)âPicked up the win on Saturday after striking out the only batter he faced to end the ninth inning. The game was tied when Fien was called upon to finish out a non-save situation, and he was rewarded by the Twin's offense in the bottom half of the inning for his efforts. 4 PC-3 ST (4/20/13)New York Yankees(CL) Elite Mariano Rivera (R)âRecorded his fifth save of the season Saturday after pitching a scoreless 11th inning allowing one hit while striking out two batters. Although Rivera isn't as dominant this year as in past seasons, he has still been able to convert all five of his save chances over the course of the first three weeks. 10 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) David Robertson (R)âWas charged with his first blown-save of the season Saturday after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in the eighth inning. He was able to get out of the inning, but not before allowing two runs to score, which were his first two runs allowed this season. 31 PC-17 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Boone Logan (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Saturday giving up one hit while striking out one batter. Logan has been used in similar situations all season, and should continue to get work in critical situations after a solid start to the season. 15 PC-8 ST (4/20/13)Oakland Athletics(CL) Solid Grant Balfour (R)âRecorded his third save of the season Wednesday despite allowing one run on two hits in the ninth inning. It was a bit of a surprise to see him take the mound after pitching back-to-back days this early in the season, but with a day off on Thursday, he should be ready to go for this weekend's series against the Rays. 19 PC-11 ST (4/17/13)
(SU) Ryan Cook (R)âPitched 1.2 innings of relief on Saturday retiring all five batters he faced in order. Cook has been great to through the first three weeks of the season, and should be owned in all leagues that count hold as a category. 17 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Sean Doolittle (L)âPicked up the win despite being charged with his first blown-save of the season after surrendering a game-tying home run in the eighth inning. The run allowed by Doolittle was his first of the season, and after pitching back-to-back days he may not be available to pitch on Wednesday. 17 PC-13 ST (4/16/13)Seattle Mariners(CL) Solid Tom Wilhelmsen (R)âRecorded his sixth save of the season Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Wilhelmsen has now pitched three innings over the last two days, so there is a possibility that the Mariners will elect not to use him in Friday, so if you have a closer on your bench it would be wise to use him in his place. 14 PC-11 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) Carter Capps (R)--Picked up the win on Thursday after pitching two innings of relief giving up two hits and one walk while striking out three batters. Capps has now pitched back-to-back days, and considering his high pitch count, he may be unavailable to pitch on Friday. 40 PC-23 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Charlie Furbush (L)âPitched 0.1 innings of relief on Saturday allowing one run on one hit in the appearance. Furbush has yet to show signs of turning things around, but is still the top left-handed reliever in the Mariners bullpen. 2 PC-2 ST (4/20/13)Injured--Stephen Pryor (back)Tampa Bay Rays(CL) Solid Fernando Rodney (R)âRecorded his second save of the season Saturday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Rodney has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely not be used on Sunday if a save situation arises, so it you have a different pitcher to plug in, it would be wise to do so. 16 PC-11 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Joel Peralta (R)âPicked up his third hold of the season Saturday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. the Rays pitching staff was as close to perfect as you can be on Saturday, allwing just three hits and one walk in the entire game. 13 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Jake McGee (L)âWas charged with his second blown-save of the season Thursday after allowing a game-tying home run to Steve Pearce in the seventh inning. Like his teammate Joel Peralta, McGee has now pitched three of the last four days, so a day off is likely on Friday. 18 PC-11 ST (4/18/13)
Texas Rangers
(CL) Elite Joe Nathan (R)âRecorded his fifth save of the season Tuesday night after recording the final out of the ninth inning. The inning did not start out as a save situation, but when Michael Kirkman failed to get the job done Nathan entered for a quick, not easy, save situation in which he converted despite allowing two base runners. 20 PC-14 ST (4/16/13)
(SU) Jason Frasor (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation allowing one walk while striking out two batters. Frasor has only pitched twice since last Friday, so he will be able to pitch on Sunday if needed. 20 PC-11 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Tanner Scheppers (R)âPicked up his third hold of the season Saturday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief. Scheppers got himself into trouble, allowing four base runners in the outing, but worked through the jam to remain perfect on the year. 28 PC-14 ST (4/20/13)
Injuredâ Joakim Soria (Elbow)Toronto Blue Jays(CL) Solid Casey Janssen (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. Janssen has been money all season, and with the recent injury to Sergio Santos, he no longer needs to worry about losing his job, considering the only other pitcher in the Blue Jays bullpen with ninth inning experience is Darren Oliver. 10 PC-7 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Steve Delabar (R)âPitched a 1-2-3 11th inning on Saturday afternoon striking out two batters on 11 pitches thrown. Delabar has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely be unavailable to pitch on Sunday. 11 PC-7 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Esmil Rogers (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday allowing one hit in the appearance. Since joining the Blue Jays, Rogers has settled in nicely in a relief role after being a starting pitcher for most of his career, and may be a solid source for holds in deep mixed leagues moving forward. 14 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
Injured-- Sergio Santos (Triceps)Continue to Page 2 to view the National League Bullpen Report...

National League Bullpen ReportArizona Diamondbacks(CL) Solid J.J. Putz (R)âWas charged with his second blown-save of the season Thursday after surrendering a game-tying home run to Francisco Cervelli in the bottom of the ninth inning. Outside of one bad pitch to Cervelli, Putz has been pitching well this season, so don't look too much into this outing. 20 PC-11 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) David Hernandez (R)âEarned his fourth hold of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit and two walks while striking out one batter. This was a rough outing for Hernandez, but he was able to work through the jam to get the job done. 30 PC-17 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Heath Bell (R)âEarned the win on Thursday after pitching a scoreless 11th inning giving up two hits while striking out one batter. Bell has really turned it around over the course of his last few outings, and could be a nice source for holds. 19 PC-13 (4/18/13)Atlanta Braves(CL) Elite Craig Kimbrel (R)âRecorded his seventh save of the season Thursday after striking out the side in the ninth inning. With this appearance, Kimbrel remains perfect on the season and has yet to give up an earned-run proving why he is the best closer in the game right now. 16 PC-12 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) Eric OâFlaherty (R)âPicked up his fifth hold of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. Like his teammate Craig Kimbrel, O'Flaherty is having a great season thus far and is emerging as one of the best setup men in the game. 13 PC-7 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Jordan Walden (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday giving up two hits while striking out one batter on 15 pitches thrown. Walden has yet to be used in a meaningful role over the course of Week 3, but that doesn't mean he won't have fantasy value moving forward as long as he continues to get the job done. 15 PC-11 ST (4/20/13)
Injuredâ Jonny Venters (Elbow)
Chicago Cubs
(CL) Committee Shawn Camp (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Camp had given up six runs over his last two outings prior to Friday's appearance, so it was nice to see him get back on track as he continues to battle for saves. 5 PC-4 ST (4/19/13)
(CL) Committee Carlos Marmol (R)âPitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation striking out two batters on just 12 pitches thrown. The Cubs has announce that Marmol could be in the mix to see some same situations, so those who are willing to take a gamble on him should snag him off the waiver wire and go get yourself some aspirin because it could give you a headache. 12 PC-8 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) James Russell (L)âPitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning on Thursday striking out one batter while forcing two ground ball outs. The Cubs announced Wednesday that they will not use Russell in the closer role since he is their only lefty in the bullpen, so despite his great start, he is out of the running for the ninth inning.Cincinnati Reds(CL) Elite Aroldis Chapman (L)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation retiring the side on 10 pitches. Chapman has now pitched back-to-back days, but due to his low pitch count, there is still a possibility he could be used, if needed, on Sunday. 10 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Jonathan Broxton (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Broxton has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Saturday, so fantasy owners should consider another option if one his available. 9 PC-7 ST (4/19/13)
(MR) J.J. Hoover (R)--Pitched a scoreless 12th inning on Saturday allowing one hit and one walk on 20 pitches thrown. Hoover has had issues with allowing base runners all season, and if this trend continues, he is going to end up moving to less significant roles out of the bullpen. 20 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
Injured--Sean Marshall (Shoulder)Colorado Rockies(CL) Solid Rafael Betancourt (R)âRecorded his seventh save of the season Saturday night despite allowing one run on two hits. Betancourt has now pitched back-to-back days, both with above average pitch counts, so he will likely be unavailable on Sunday if a save situation arises. 22 PC-14 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Rex Brothers (L)âEarned his third hold of the season Saturday after retiring the final two batters of the eighth inning. Like his teammate Rafael Betancourt, Brother is off to a hot start and is a must own in holds leagues at this point. 10 PC-6 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Wilton Lopez (R)âPicked up his third hold of the season Friday after striking out both batters he faced in the seventh inning. After a rough start to the season Lopez has finally started to settle into his new role with his new team and is now gaining fantasy value for those in holds leagues. 7 PC-6 ST (4/19/13)Los Angeles Dodgers(CL) Shaky Brandon League (R)âPitched one inning of relief on Tuesday night in a non-save situation giving up one run on one hit. League has now given up an earned-run in two of his last three games, and if that continues we could see a change in the ninth inning role in Los Angeles. 22 PC-14 ST (4/16/13)
(SU) Kenley Jansen (R)âPitched 1.1 innings of relief in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader retiring all four batters he faced in order. Jansen needed 18 pitches to work through the appearance, forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out while striking out one batter. 18 PC-15 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Ronald Belisario (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader allowing one run on one hit and two walks while striking out one batter. Belisario has now allowed three earned-runs over his last three appearances, but the Dodgers should continue to go with him in the seventh inning role despite his recent struggles. 16 PC-5 ST (4/20/13)Miami Marlins(CL) Solid Steve Cishek (R)âTook the loss on Saturday night after allowing one run on two hits and one walk in 1.2 innings of relief. Cishek threw 30 pitches in this appearance, and has now pitched back-to-back days, so if a save situation arises on Sunday, look for Jon Rauch to handle it. 30 PC-17 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Jon Rauch (R)âPitched a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Rauch struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one fly ball out to work through the inning. 10 PC-8 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Mike Dunn (L)âRecorded just one out in his appearance on Saturday, allowing two hits while striking out one batter. Luckily for Dunn teammate Chad Qualls was able to get out of the seventh inning unharmed standing both base runners Dunn allowed before he entered the game. 10 PC-8 ST (4/20/13)Milwaukee Brewers(CL) Shaky Jim Henderson (R)âRecorded his third save of the season Friday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Henderson has now converted all three of his save chances this season and has shown no signs to which he would lose the closer role anytime soon. 17 PC-10 ST (4/19/13)
(SU) John Axford (R)âPicked up his second hold of the season Friday night after pitching a scoreless seventh inning allowing one hit while striking out two batters. Axford has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Saturday in order to be ready for the series finale Sunday. 20 PC-13 ST (4/19/13)
(MR) Michael Gonzalez (L)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday giving up two hits while striking out three batters. After a shaky start to the season, Gonzalez has finally settled down and now has a scoreless innings streak of 4.2 innings since his meltdown back on April 2. 25 PC-18 ST (4/20/13)New York Mets(CL) Shaky Bobby Parnell (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. Needing only 13 pitches Parnell forced two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to secure a victory for the Mets, who are continuing to be a surprise in the National League East. 13 PC-10 ST (4/19/13)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)âPitched 1.1 innings of relief on Saturday retiring all four batter he faced in order. Lyon has pitched well since joining the Mets bullpen, and if this continues, he may become a nice source for holds in deep mixed leagues. 17 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Josh Edgin (L)âTook the loss on Saturday after allowing a home run to Bryce Harper in the eighth inning. Edgin has been far from perfect over his last three appearances, totaling seven earned-run over that time frame, and it won't be long before he is back in Triple-A with performances like this. 23 PC-16 ST (4/20/13)
Injuredâ Frank Francisco (Elbow)Philadelphia Phillies(CL) Elite Jonathan Papelbon (R)âPitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation thrown only 11 pitches. Papelbon forced three fly ball outs, which isn't exactly what you want to see from a pitcher, considering too many fly balls eventually turn into home runs and problems down the line. 11 PC-9 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) Mike Adams (R)âTook the loss Thursday after surrendering one run on two hits and one walk in the eighth inning. With this appearance Adams is now 0-1 on the season and may get teh day off on Friday after a high pitch count. 22 PC-13 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Antonio Bastardo (L)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday's loss to the Reds retiring all three batters he faced in order. Bastardo has pitched exceptionally well this season  and has not allowed an earned-run through six innings pitched in the young season. 14 PC-10 ST (4/16/13)Pittsburgh Pirates(CL) Solid Jason Grilli (R)--Recorded his sixth save of the season on Saturday after striking out the side in the ninth inning. Grilli has been dynamite through the first three weeks and has helped fantasy owners in more than just the save category, as he continues to rack up strikeouts through his scoreless innings. 13 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Mark Melancon (R)âEarned his sixth hold of the season on Saturday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit. Like his teammate Jason Grilli, Melancon has been great this year, with the two becoming one of the best eighth inning-ninth inning combos in all of baseball. 12 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Jared Hughes (R)âTook the loss on Thursday after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two batters. This was Hughes' worst outing of the season, and it cost the Pirates the game, so expect him to get a day off on Friday so he can clear his head. 30 PC-15 ST (4/18/13)San Diego Padres(CL) Solid Huston Street (R)âWas used in a non-save situation on Wednesday night allowing one run on one hit and two walks in the ninth inning. It was not a clean outing for Street, but he was eventually able to seal the win for the Padres in what has become a heated rivalry. 26 PC-11 ST (4/17/13)
(SU) Luke Gregerson (R)âTook the loss on Friday night after giving up one run on tow hits in 1.1 innings of relief. Gregerson surrendered the game-winning double to Angel Pagan, which socred Andres Torres and ended the game with just one out recorded in the ninth inning. 20 PC-13 ST (4/19/13)
(MR) Dale Thayer (R)âPitched a scoreless seventh inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He needed only 12 pitches to work through the appearance forcing three fly ball outs to keep the game tied, prior to teammate Luke Gregerson blowing the game. 12 PC-8 ST (4/19/13)San Francisco Giants(CL) Elite Sergio Romo (R)âRecorded his eighth save of the season on Saturday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter. Saturday's appearance marked his first outing since last Sunday, so expect to see Romo take the bump on Sunday, unless the score is too lopsided in either direction. 12 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Santiago Casilla (R)âEarned his third hold of the season Saturday after recording the final two outs of the eighth inning. Casilla has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Sunday. 5 PC-1 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Javier Lopez (L)â Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Thursday giving up one hit in the appearance. He threw just seven pitches in the outing, which was his first since last Sunday, so expect him to be available for this weekend's series against the Padres. 7 PC-4 ST (4/18/13)
St. Louis Cardinals(CL) Shaky Edward Mujica (R)âEarned his first save of the season on Thursday after recording the final four outs of the game. It was not a clean outing, but the team already used Trevor Rosenthal in the eighth inning, so they stuck with him despite having Mitchell Boggs available to pitch. 19 PC-14 ST (4/18/13)(SU) Trevor Rosenthal (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday allowing one hit while striking out two batters. Since allowing a run in a close game on Wednesday, Rosenthal has now put together two straight solid outings, and could still be in line to receive some save chances down the road. 23 PC-19 ST (4/20/13)(SU) Mitchell Boggs (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in  a non-save situation giving up one hit in the appearance. There has been on official word as to if Boggs has lost his the closer role, so he could still be in line to receive some saves, despite Edward Mujica recording his first save on Thursday. 10 PC-7 ST (4/20/13)Injuredâ Jason Motte (Elbow)Washington Nationals(CL) Elite Rafael Soriano (R)âRecorded his sixth save of the season Saturday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. With a baby on the way, Soriano will be leaving the team on Monday to be with his wife during her pregnancy, so this may have been the last save you will see from Soriano for a few days. 18 PC-8 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Drew Storen (R)âHad a rough outing on Friday night, allowing three runs o three hits (two home runs) in the eighth inning. Storen has now given up four earned-runs in his last two appearances, and appears to not have control on all of his pitches as of late, so other options should be considered until he gets back on track. 23 PC-15 ST (4/19/13)
(SU) Tyler Clippard (R)âPicked up the win on Saturday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief giving up one walk while striking out two batters. It was released that Rafael Soriano will miss Monday's game due to the pregnancy of his wife, so Clippard may be in line to receive a spot-save in his absence. 25 PC-16 ST (4/20/13)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 Lineup Grids.


National League Bullpen ReportArizona Diamondbacks(CL) Solid J.J. Putz (R)âWas charged with his second blown-save of the season Thursday after surrendering a game-tying home run to Francisco Cervelli in the bottom of the ninth inning. Outside of one bad pitch to Cervelli, Putz has been pitching well this season, so don't look too much into this outing. 20 PC-11 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) David Hernandez (R)âEarned his fourth hold of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit and two walks while striking out one batter. This was a rough outing for Hernandez, but he was able to work through the jam to get the job done. 30 PC-17 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Heath Bell (R)âEarned the win on Thursday after pitching a scoreless 11th inning giving up two hits while striking out one batter. Bell has really turned it around over the course of his last few outings, and could be a nice source for holds. 19 PC-13 (4/18/13)Atlanta Braves(CL) Elite Craig Kimbrel (R)âRecorded his seventh save of the season Thursday after striking out the side in the ninth inning. With this appearance, Kimbrel remains perfect on the season and has yet to give up an earned-run proving why he is the best closer in the game right now. 16 PC-12 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) Eric OâFlaherty (R)âPicked up his fifth hold of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. Like his teammate Craig Kimbrel, O'Flaherty is having a great season thus far and is emerging as one of the best setup men in the game. 13 PC-7 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Jordan Walden (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday giving up two hits while striking out one batter on 15 pitches thrown. Walden has yet to be used in a meaningful role over the course of Week 3, but that doesn't mean he won't have fantasy value moving forward as long as he continues to get the job done. 15 PC-11 ST (4/20/13)
Injuredâ Jonny Venters (Elbow)
Chicago Cubs
(CL) Committee Shawn Camp (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Camp had given up six runs over his last two outings prior to Friday's appearance, so it was nice to see him get back on track as he continues to battle for saves. 5 PC-4 ST (4/19/13)
(CL) Committee Carlos Marmol (R)âPitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation striking out two batters on just 12 pitches thrown. The Cubs has announce that Marmol could be in the mix to see some same situations, so those who are willing to take a gamble on him should snag him off the waiver wire and go get yourself some aspirin because it could give you a headache. 12 PC-8 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) James Russell (L)âPitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning on Thursday striking out one batter while forcing two ground ball outs. The Cubs announced Wednesday that they will not use Russell in the closer role since he is their only lefty in the bullpen, so despite his great start, he is out of the running for the ninth inning.Cincinnati Reds(CL) Elite Aroldis Chapman (L)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation retiring the side on 10 pitches. Chapman has now pitched back-to-back days, but due to his low pitch count, there is still a possibility he could be used, if needed, on Sunday. 10 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Jonathan Broxton (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Broxton has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Saturday, so fantasy owners should consider another option if one his available. 9 PC-7 ST (4/19/13)
(MR) J.J. Hoover (R)--Pitched a scoreless 12th inning on Saturday allowing one hit and one walk on 20 pitches thrown. Hoover has had issues with allowing base runners all season, and if this trend continues, he is going to end up moving to less significant roles out of the bullpen. 20 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
Injured--Sean Marshall (Shoulder)Colorado Rockies(CL) Solid Rafael Betancourt (R)âRecorded his seventh save of the season Saturday night despite allowing one run on two hits. Betancourt has now pitched back-to-back days, both with above average pitch counts, so he will likely be unavailable on Sunday if a save situation arises. 22 PC-14 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Rex Brothers (L)âEarned his third hold of the season Saturday after retiring the final two batters of the eighth inning. Like his teammate Rafael Betancourt, Brother is off to a hot start and is a must own in holds leagues at this point. 10 PC-6 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Wilton Lopez (R)âPicked up his third hold of the season Friday after striking out both batters he faced in the seventh inning. After a rough start to the season Lopez has finally started to settle into his new role with his new team and is now gaining fantasy value for those in holds leagues. 7 PC-6 ST (4/19/13)Los Angeles Dodgers(CL) Shaky Brandon League (R)âPitched one inning of relief on Tuesday night in a non-save situation giving up one run on one hit. League has now given up an earned-run in two of his last three games, and if that continues we could see a change in the ninth inning role in Los Angeles. 22 PC-14 ST (4/16/13)
(SU) Kenley Jansen (R)âPitched 1.1 innings of relief in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader retiring all four batters he faced in order. Jansen needed 18 pitches to work through the appearance, forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out while striking out one batter. 18 PC-15 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Ronald Belisario (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader allowing one run on one hit and two walks while striking out one batter. Belisario has now allowed three earned-runs over his last three appearances, but the Dodgers should continue to go with him in the seventh inning role despite his recent struggles. 16 PC-5 ST (4/20/13)Miami Marlins(CL) Solid Steve Cishek (R)âTook the loss on Saturday night after allowing one run on two hits and one walk in 1.2 innings of relief. Cishek threw 30 pitches in this appearance, and has now pitched back-to-back days, so if a save situation arises on Sunday, look for Jon Rauch to handle it. 30 PC-17 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Jon Rauch (R)âPitched a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Rauch struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one fly ball out to work through the inning. 10 PC-8 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Mike Dunn (L)âRecorded just one out in his appearance on Saturday, allowing two hits while striking out one batter. Luckily for Dunn teammate Chad Qualls was able to get out of the seventh inning unharmed standing both base runners Dunn allowed before he entered the game. 10 PC-8 ST (4/20/13)Milwaukee Brewers(CL) Shaky Jim Henderson (R)âRecorded his third save of the season Friday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Henderson has now converted all three of his save chances this season and has shown no signs to which he would lose the closer role anytime soon. 17 PC-10 ST (4/19/13)
(SU) John Axford (R)âPicked up his second hold of the season Friday night after pitching a scoreless seventh inning allowing one hit while striking out two batters. Axford has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Saturday in order to be ready for the series finale Sunday. 20 PC-13 ST (4/19/13)
(MR) Michael Gonzalez (L)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday giving up two hits while striking out three batters. After a shaky start to the season, Gonzalez has finally settled down and now has a scoreless innings streak of 4.2 innings since his meltdown back on April 2. 25 PC-18 ST (4/20/13)New York Mets(CL) Shaky Bobby Parnell (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. Needing only 13 pitches Parnell forced two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to secure a victory for the Mets, who are continuing to be a surprise in the National League East. 13 PC-10 ST (4/19/13)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)âPitched 1.1 innings of relief on Saturday retiring all four batter he faced in order. Lyon has pitched well since joining the Mets bullpen, and if this continues, he may become a nice source for holds in deep mixed leagues. 17 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Josh Edgin (L)âTook the loss on Saturday after allowing a home run to Bryce Harper in the eighth inning. Edgin has been far from perfect over his last three appearances, totaling seven earned-run over that time frame, and it won't be long before he is back in Triple-A with performances like this. 23 PC-16 ST (4/20/13)
Injuredâ Frank Francisco (Elbow)Philadelphia Phillies(CL) Elite Jonathan Papelbon (R)âPitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation thrown only 11 pitches. Papelbon forced three fly ball outs, which isn't exactly what you want to see from a pitcher, considering too many fly balls eventually turn into home runs and problems down the line. 11 PC-9 ST (4/18/13)
(SU) Mike Adams (R)âTook the loss Thursday after surrendering one run on two hits and one walk in the eighth inning. With this appearance Adams is now 0-1 on the season and may get teh day off on Friday after a high pitch count. 22 PC-13 ST (4/18/13)
(MR) Antonio Bastardo (L)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday's loss to the Reds retiring all three batters he faced in order. Bastardo has pitched exceptionally well this season  and has not allowed an earned-run through six innings pitched in the young season. 14 PC-10 ST (4/16/13)Pittsburgh Pirates(CL) Solid Jason Grilli (R)--Recorded his sixth save of the season on Saturday after striking out the side in the ninth inning. Grilli has been dynamite through the first three weeks and has helped fantasy owners in more than just the save category, as he continues to rack up strikeouts through his scoreless innings. 13 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Mark Melancon (R)âEarned his sixth hold of the season on Saturday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit. Like his teammate Jason Grilli, Melancon has been great this year, with the two becoming one of the best eighth inning-ninth inning combos in all of baseball. 12 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Jared Hughes (R)âTook the loss on Thursday after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two batters. This was Hughes' worst outing of the season, and it cost the Pirates the game, so expect him to get a day off on Friday so he can clear his head. 30 PC-15 ST (4/18/13)San Diego Padres(CL) Solid Huston Street (R)âWas used in a non-save situation on Wednesday night allowing one run on one hit and two walks in the ninth inning. It was not a clean outing for Street, but he was eventually able to seal the win for the Padres in what has become a heated rivalry. 26 PC-11 ST (4/17/13)
(SU) Luke Gregerson (R)âTook the loss on Friday night after giving up one run on tow hits in 1.1 innings of relief. Gregerson surrendered the game-winning double to Angel Pagan, which socred Andres Torres and ended the game with just one out recorded in the ninth inning. 20 PC-13 ST (4/19/13)
(MR) Dale Thayer (R)âPitched a scoreless seventh inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He needed only 12 pitches to work through the appearance forcing three fly ball outs to keep the game tied, prior to teammate Luke Gregerson blowing the game. 12 PC-8 ST (4/19/13)San Francisco Giants(CL) Elite Sergio Romo (R)âRecorded his eighth save of the season on Saturday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter. Saturday's appearance marked his first outing since last Sunday, so expect to see Romo take the bump on Sunday, unless the score is too lopsided in either direction. 12 PC-9 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Santiago Casilla (R)âEarned his third hold of the season Saturday after recording the final two outs of the eighth inning. Casilla has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Sunday. 5 PC-1 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Javier Lopez (L)â Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Thursday giving up one hit in the appearance. He threw just seven pitches in the outing, which was his first since last Sunday, so expect him to be available for this weekend's series against the Padres. 7 PC-4 ST (4/18/13)
St. Louis Cardinals(CL) Shaky Edward Mujica (R)âEarned his first save of the season on Thursday after recording the final four outs of the game. It was not a clean outing, but the team already used Trevor Rosenthal in the eighth inning, so they stuck with him despite having Mitchell Boggs available to pitch. 19 PC-14 ST (4/18/13)(SU) Trevor Rosenthal (R)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday allowing one hit while striking out two batters. Since allowing a run in a close game on Wednesday, Rosenthal has now put together two straight solid outings, and could still be in line to receive some save chances down the road. 23 PC-19 ST (4/20/13)(SU) Mitchell Boggs (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in  a non-save situation giving up one hit in the appearance. There has been on official word as to if Boggs has lost his the closer role, so he could still be in line to receive some saves, despite Edward Mujica recording his first save on Thursday. 10 PC-7 ST (4/20/13)Injuredâ Jason Motte (Elbow)Washington Nationals(CL) Elite Rafael Soriano (R)âRecorded his sixth save of the season Saturday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. With a baby on the way, Soriano will be leaving the team on Monday to be with his wife during her pregnancy, so this may have been the last save you will see from Soriano for a few days. 18 PC-8 ST (4/20/13)
(SU) Drew Storen (R)âHad a rough outing on Friday night, allowing three runs o three hits (two home runs) in the eighth inning. Storen has now given up four earned-runs in his last two appearances, and appears to not have control on all of his pitches as of late, so other options should be considered until he gets back on track. 23 PC-15 ST (4/19/13)
(SU) Tyler Clippard (R)âPicked up the win on Saturday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief giving up one walk while striking out two batters. It was released that Rafael Soriano will miss Monday's game due to the pregnancy of his wife, so Clippard may be in line to receive a spot-save in his absence. 25 PC-16 ST (4/20/13)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 Lineup Grids. Player News
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