Fantasy Baseball: MLB Daily Bullpen Usage and Depth Chart 4/26
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)âTook the loss on Wednesday after surrendering one run on two hits and one walk in extra innings. Johnson, who has now pitched three consecutive days, will likely not see the mound on Thursday, when the Orioles open their series with the Yankees. 24 PC-15 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Darren O'Day (R)--Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Wednesday allowing one walk while striking out one batter. O'Day has been as close to perfect as you can be so far this season, and has really turned himself into a solid setup man, so consider picking him up in leagues that count holds as a category. 31 PC-18 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Pedro Strop (R)âPicked up his second hold of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Strop has had a rough start to the season, but with more outings like this, he could still turn his season around and regain fantasy value in holds leagues. 13 PC-6 ST (4/23/13)
Boston Red Sox
(CL) Shaky Andrew Bailey (R)âRecorded his fifth save on Wednesday after striking out the side in the ninth inning. Bailey has been great over the last two weeks of the season, but his role may be diminished once Joel Hanrahan returns to action once his rehab stint is over. 19 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Koji Uehara (R)âEarned his sixth hold of the season Wednesday despite allowing a solo-home run to Chris Young in the eighth inning. After not allowing an earned-run through the first three weeks of the season, Uehara has now given up runs in back-to-back appearances. 25 PC-16 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Junichi Tazawa (R)--Picked up his sixth hold of the season Wednesday despite allowing one run on two hits pitching through the end of the sixth inning into the seventh. He needed 25 pitches to get through the appearance, forcing three fly ball outs to get out of the jam. 25 PC- 15 ST (4/24/13)
Injured-- Joel Hanrahan (Groin)Chicago White Sox(CL) Solid Addison Reed (R)âCollected his seventh save of the season Thursday after pitching yet another scoreless ninth inning. Reed has now pitched back-to-back days, but considering his low pitch counts, he should be able to take the mound on Friday if a save situation arises. 11 PC-8 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Matt Thornton (L)âEarned his fifth hold of the season Wednesday after recording the first two outs of the eighth inning. He threw just six pitches in the appearance, forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out to get the job done. 6 PC-5 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Jesse Crain (R)âEarned his fourth hold of the season Wednesday after striking out the only batter he faced to end the eighth inning. Like his teammate Addison Reed, Crain has been solid so far this season and if his trend continues, Crain will be worth owning in holds leagues. 4 PC-4 ST (4/24/13)
Cleveland Indians
(CL) Solid Chris Perez (R)âRecorded his third save of the season Monday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Perez has now pitched back-to-back days and may get the day off on Tuesday, so be sure to monitor his status prior to first pitch. 13 PC-8 ST (4/22/13)
(SU) Vinnie Pestano (R)âEarned his fourth hold of the season Monday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning striking out one batter. Like his teammate Chris Perez, Pestano has now pitched back-to-back days and may get the day off on Tuesday, so be sure to plan accordingly. 14 PC-10 ST (4/22/13)
(MR) Bryan Shaw (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Wednesday allowing one walk in the appearance. Despite allowing five base runners over his last 4.1 innings of relief, Shaw hasn't given up an earned-run, which defies the odds, so if this trend continues, expect to see a jump in his earned-run average. 16 PC-9 ST (4/24/13)Detroit Tigers(CL) Shaky Jose Valverde (R)--Recorded his first save of the season Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. In his first appearance this season, Valverde looked great, forcing one ground ball out and two fly ball outs and should be given a long leash early on as he grows accustomed to major league hitters once again. 18 PC-11 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Joaquin Benoit (R)âEarned his third hold of the season Wednesday after pitching 1.1. innings of relief striking out one batter. With Jose Valverde back in the closer role, Benoit can now pitch where he is most comfortable, which is the eighth inning, so outside of holds leagues he is not worth owning at this point. 14 PC-9 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Phil Coke (L)âTook the loss on Thursday after surrendering four runs on one hit and four walks over 1.1 innings of work. The wheels have officially fallen off for Coke, who has now given up five runs over his last two appearances, factoring into his 0-3 start to the season. 33 PC-14 ST (4/25/13)
Injured-- Octavio Dotel (Shoulder)
Houston Astros
(CL) Shaky Jose Veras (R)âRecorded his second save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters. Veras has now recorded two saves in his last three appearances after going two weeks without a save, and is starting to look like a serviceable closer, if you are desperate for help in that category. 7 PC-7 ST (4/23/13)
(SU) Rhiner Cruz (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday allowing two walks while striking out one batter. Cruz got himself into a jam, which we have grown accustomed to seeing from him, but this time he was able to escape unharmed, unlike his previous four appearances, as he continues to play with fire. 24 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Wesley Wright (L)--Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Sunday in a non-save situation allowing one hit while striking out one batter. The Astros bullpen has been far from great this season, but Wright has at least shown the ability to get batters outs in tight situations, so he may have some fantasy value in future years, just not now. 14 PC-9 ST (4/21/13)
Injured--Josh Fields  (Forearm)
Kansas City Royals
(CL) Shaky Greg Holland (R)âPitched a scoreless 10th inning Thursday retiring the side on 15 pitches in a non-save situation. Holland hit a few rough patches early on, but over his last three appearances he has not allowed a base runner while striking out six batters over three innings of work. 15 PC-11 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Kelvin Herrera (R)âPicked up the win in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader after pitching two scoreless innings of relief allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three batters. Herrera was able to bounce back nicely from a bad outing on Saturday, and after pitching back-to-back days it will be nice for him to have a day off to gear up for the Royals next series against the Tigers. 34 PC-21 ST (4/21/13)
(MR) Aaron Crow (R)âEarned his fourth hold of the season Sunday after recording the final out of the eighth inning on seven pitches thrown. Crow got himself into a jam, by allowing a walk, which turned into the third base runner allowed in the inning, but was able to end the threat by forcing a ground ball out. 7 PC-1 ST (4/21/13)
Los Angeles Angels
(CL) Shaky Ernesto Frieri (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Frieri has now pitched three consecutive days, so look for Sean Burnett to fill-in as the team's closer Wednesday if a save situation arises. 15 PC-8 ST (4/23/13)
(SU) Sean Burnett (L)--Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Sunday allowing two hits while striking out two batters. Burnett got himself into a jam, but kept him composure to make sure the game stayed tied heading into the ninth inning so he could pass the ball to his teammate Ernesto Frieri. 21 PC-14 ST (4/21/13)
(MR) Scott Downs (L)âWas charged with his second blown-save of the season Tuesday night after allowing one run (unearned) on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. Downs has now pitched three consecutive days and will likely get the day off on Wednesday. 19 PC-11 ST (4/23/13)
Injured:  Ryan Madson (Elbow)Minnesota Twins(CL) Solid Glen Perkins (L)âEarned his sixth save of the season in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader after striking out the side in the ninth inning. With this appearance Perkins is nos 6-for-6 on the season in save opportunities and is quickly becoming one of the top closers in the American League. 20 PC-15 St (4/23/13)
(SU) Jared Burton (R)âPicked up his fifth hold of the season in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader despite allowing one run on one hit in the eighth inning. Burton has now given up only one earned-run on the season as he continues to get the job done in the setup role for the Twins. 17 PC-11 ST (4/23/13)
(MR) Casey Fien (R)âRecorded the final out of the ninth inning on Thursday, throwing only four pitches to force a fly ball out. In Fien's last two appearances he was only needed to record one out, and if this continues the little fantasy value that he had in holds leagues will slowly diminish. 4 PC-3 ST (4/25/13)New York Yankees(CL) Elite Mariano Rivera (R)âRecorded his seventh save of the season Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters. With this appearance, Rivera is now a perfect 7-for-7 in save chances this season, as he continues to prove he can still get the job done well into his 40's. 13 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) David Robertson (R)âEarned his second hold of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. After a rough outing last Saturday, Robertson has now put together two quality outings, striking out three batters over two innings of work, without allowing a base runner. 14 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) Boone Logan (R)âTook the loss on Sunday after allowing one run on one hit in the sixth inning. He failed to record an out in the appearance, which was his second in as many days, so don't expect to see him pitch on Monday. 5 PC-3 ST (4/21/13)Oakland Athletics(CL) Solid Grant Balfour (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation allowing two walks while striking out two batters. Wednesday marked the first time in a week that Balfour took the mound, as the Athletics continue to play in lopsided games, but he will be a solid contributor in the saves category as the season progresses. 23 PC-11 ST (4/24/13)
(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)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Monday night allowing two walks while striking out two batters. Although he allowed two base runners, both were unable to harm him and the rest of the Athletics bullpen after Jesse Chavez went in to relief Doolittle and finish the eighth inning cleanly. 25 PC-15 ST (4/22/13)Seattle Mariners(CL) Solid Tom Wilhelmsen (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday night in a non-save situation retiring the side on only seven pitches. Wilhemlsen's last two appearances were in non-save situations to keep his fresh, which is a good sign if you are a fantasy owner, considering a lot of closers are only used in save situations. 7 PC-7 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Carter Capps (R)--Picked up his third hold of the season Thursday after pitching 1.2 innings of relief. He faced the minimum amount of batters in the appearance, forcing two ground ball outs, two fly ball outs while striking out one batter. 17 PC-10 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) Charlie Furbush (L)âPitched a scoreless inning of relief on Tuesday night allowing one hit while striking out two batters. After allowing an earned-run in each of his last two appearances, Furbush was able to get back on track as he continues the transformation into a serviceable middle reliever at the major league level. 17 PC-12 ST (4/23/13)Injured--Stephen Pryor (back)Tampa Bay Rays(CL) Solid Fernando Rodney (R)âRecorded his third save of the season Wednesday night after recording the final two outs of the ninth inning. He allowed one hit in the appearance, but was able to work around it by forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out pitching on back-to-back days. 14 PC-8 ST (4/24/13)
(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, allowing just three hits and one walk in the entire game. 13 PC-10 ST (4/20/13)
(MR) Jake McGee (L)âEarned his third hold of the season Sunday after pitching a scoreless seventh inning allowing two walks while striking out two batters. McGee allows far too many base runners, which is going to come back t haunt him one day, but for now he is still trusted in significant roles out of the Rays bullpen. 22 PC-10 ST (4/21/13)
Texas Rangers
(CL) Elite Joe Nathan (R)âRecorded his seventh save of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Nathan continues to get the job done for the Rangers, and is now a perfect 7-for-7 in save opportunities this year. 13 PC-10 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Tanner Scheppers (R)âPicked up his fourth hold of the season Thursday after pitching yet another scoreless inning of relief. It wasn't the cleanest of outings, as he allowed three base runners, but he worked out of the jam to keep his scoreless innings streak intact. 21 PC-10 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) Jason Frasor (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday allowing one hit while striking out one batter in a non-save situation. After being used minimally over the few few weeks of the season, Frasor has now pitched three times since Saturday, so it appears the Rangers are getting used to having him work in more significant roles, instead of just batter/pitcher matchups. 13 PC-10 ST (4/24/13)
Injuredâ Joakim Soria (Elbow)Toronto Blue Jays(CL) Solid Casey Janssen (R)âEarned his sixth save of the season on Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 11th inning. He needed 14 pitches to mow down the competition, striking out two batters while forcing one fly ball out and has now solidified himself as one of the better closers in the American League. 14 PC-9 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Steve Delabar (R)âPitched two innings of relief on Monday night allowing one walk while striking out three batters. After a few rough outings, Delabar has started to put it all together, showing his ability to attract a lot of swing and misses, racking up six strikeouts over his last four innings of work. 33 PC-20 ST (4/22/13)
(MR) Esmil Rogers (R)--Picked up the win Wednesday after pitching a scoreless 10th inning allowing two hits, but zero earned-runs. Rogers has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get a day off on Thursday, so those in holds leagues should planto be without him. 16 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)
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)âCollected his fourth save of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Putz has yet to show any consistency this season, having already blown three save chances, but he has no  real threat of losing his job anytime soon, according to the Diamondbacks. 19 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) David Hernandez (R)âPicked up the win Wednesday despite being charged with a blown-save after allowing a home run to Brandon Crawford in the ninth inning. Hernandez has now pitched three consecutive days so it is highly unlikely he will be available out of the Diamondbacks bullpen on Thursday. 25 PC-15 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Heath Bell (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Bell continues to pitch well in tight situations, proving he can still get it done despite struggling mightily a season ago, and is worth adding in holds leagues as long as he can continue to limit the base runners. 24 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)Atlanta Braves(CL) Elite Craig Kimbrel (R)âWas charged with his first blown-save of the season Wednesday after allowing two runs on three hits and one walk in the ninth inning. This goes to show you even the best of players have a bad day every once and a while, but expect Kimbrel to be pick up right where he left off before this slip up when the Braves open their weekend series with the Tigers on Friday. 18 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Eric OâFlaherty (R)âPicked up his seventh hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing two hits. O'Flaherty got himself into a jam, but was able to work his way through it but forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get the job done. 12 PC-10 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Jordan Walden (R)âPitched a scoreless 11th inning on Wednesday allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Walden has now pitched back-to-back days, but with a scheduled day off on Thursday, he should be ready to go when the the Braves take of the Tigers on Friday. 13 PC-9 ST (4/24/13)
Injuredâ Jonny Venters (Elbow)
Chicago Cubs
(CL) Committee Shawn Camp (R)--Collected a win on Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning forcing one ground ball out and two fly ball outs to get the job done. Camp is finally starting to show some promise after a few rough outings, and should be considered in deep mixed leagues for possible save opportunities down the road. 14 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)
(CL) Committee Carlos Marmol (R)âEarned his second save of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. It was a typical Marmol outing, as he allowed two base runners, but he was able to work out of the jam as he pitched on back-to-back days for the Cubs. 18 PC-10 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) James Russell (L)âPitched yet another scoreless inning of relief on Wednesday retiring the side in order on 15 pitches. Russell has by far been the best relief pitcher for the Cubs this season, and has yet to allow an earned-run, but will not get a chance to close since he is the only lefty in the Cubs bullpen. 15 PC-11 ST (4/24/13)
Injured--Kyuji Fujikawa (Forearm)Cincinnati Reds(CL) Elite Aroldis Chapman (L)âCollected his fourth save of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Chapman had it going once again, and has now totaled six strikeouts over his last three innings of relief. 17 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Jonathan Broxton (R)--Picked up his second hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. After a severe meltdown last week, Broxton has now pulled it together and has put up three consecutive solid outings, so those in hold leagues may want to add him if he was dropped after the great debacle. 13 PC-8 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) J.J. Hoover (R)--Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday in a lopsided affair, retiring all three batters he faced in order. After a few rough outings, Hoover has now pulled together three consecutive solid outings, while lowering his earned-run average to 3.86 along the way. 15 PC-10 ST (4/25/13)
Injured--Sean Marshall (Shoulder)Colorado Rockies(CL) Solid Rafael Betancourt (R)âWas used in a non-save situation on Wednesday giving up one walk while striking out one batter in the 10th inning. This was Betancourt's first appearance since Saturday, so expect to see him take the mound Thursday, if needed, when the Rockies open up their series with the Diamondbacks. 20 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Rex Brothers (L)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Brothers has turned himself into a solid setup man after an up-and-down season a year ago, and is worth rostering in hold leagues at this point. 18 PC-9 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Wilton Lopez (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Thursday allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Lopez has now strung together two solid appearances after his meltdown last Sunday in a save situation, so he appears to be on his way to getting back on track. 13 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)Los Angeles Dodgers(CL) Shaky Brandon League (R)âEarned his sixth save of the season Thursday despite allowing one run on one hit in the ninth inning. League has been very shaky as of late, and has now given up an earned-run in three of his last four games pitched, not to mention he is pitching on back-to-back days, so he may not be available on Friday. 22 PC-14 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Kenley Jansen (R)âPicked up the win on Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. The Dodgers flamethrower has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Friday, so plan accordingly. 20 PC-13 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) Ronald Belisario (R)âEarned his fourth hold of the season Wednesday after pitching 1.2 innings of relief retiring all five batter he faced in order. Belisario has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely be given a day off on Thursday considering his pitch counts. 24 PC-18 ST (4/24/13)Miami Marlins(CL) Solid Steve Cishek (R)âTook the loss on Thursday after allowing a game-winning home run to Luiz Valbuena in the ninth inning to break open the tied game. With this appearance Cishek falls to 1-3 on the season, and now has one more loss than he has saves, making it hard to trust him moving forward. 12 PC-10 ST (4/25 /13)
(SU) Jon Rauch (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Sunday surrendering five runs on four hits and one walk. With closer Steve Cishek unavailable, there was a chance Rauch could have got a spot save today, but that was clearly not the case, in was what his worst outing of the season. 40 PC-28 ST (4/21/13)
(MR) Mike Dunn (L)âRecorded the final two outs of the eighth inning needing only six pitches to force two fly ball outs. With the recent struggles of Steve Cishek, Dunn could soon see an increase in value if those rough outing start to become more of a regular over the next few weeks. 6 PC-4 ST (4/25/13)Milwaukee Brewers(CL) Solid Jim Henderson (R)âRecorded his fifth save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Since taking over the closer role, Henderson has been as good as advertised, and now 5-for-5 in save chances this season. 28 PC-16 ST (4/23/13)
(SU) John Axford (R)âPicked up his fourth hold of the season Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning striking out one batter. Axford has really calmed down since an early season meltdown and is on his way to regaining fantasy value in holds leagues, with a long shot of regaining the closer role if Jim Henderson was to slip up at any point this season. 11 PC-9 ST (4/23/13)
(MR) Michael Gonzalez (L)âRecorded the final two outs of the seventh inning on Wednesday striking out both batters he faced in order. Gonzalez has started to look sharp after a few rough outings early on, but until he is used in more significant roles, it is hard to imagine he will ever gain fantasy value, even in holds leagues. 9 PC-6 ST (4/24/13)New York Mets(CL) Shaky Bobby Parnell (R)âRecorded the final two outs of the ninth inning on Thursday needing 10 pitches to work through the non-save situation. Despite pitching back-to-back days, Parnell should be available out of the Mets bullpen Friday, considering his low pitch counts. 10 PC-6 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Thursday retiring both batter he faced in order. Lyon needed only nine pitched to record the first two outs of the eighth inning, forcing two fly ball outs to get the job done. 9 PC-6 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) Josh Edgin (L)âPitched 0.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night allowing two runs on four hits in the eighth inning. Edgin has now allowed 10 earned-runs over his last six appearances, and it is hard to imagine the Mets will allow this to continue, so once Frank Francisco is back from injury he should be demoted. 23 PC-13 ST (4/23/13)
Injuredâ Frank Francisco (Elbow)Philadelphia Phillies(CL) Elite Jonathan Papelbon (R)âRecorded his fourth save of the season Monday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Papelbon has now pitched back-to-back days, but after only throwing seven pitches on Monday, he should be available to pitch if needed for Tuesday's contest. 7 PC-7 ST (4/22/13)
(SU) Mike Adams (R)âTook the loss and was charged with a blown-save Wednesday after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in the eighth inning. Adams failed to record an out in the appearance, falling the 1-2 on the season. 21 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Antonio Bastardo (L)âEarned his second hold of the season Wednesday despite allowing a solo-home run to Pedro Alvarez in the seventh inning. In limited duty this season, Bastardo has been solid, but his fantasy upside will be limited considering the situations he is used in most of the time. 16 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)Pittsburgh Pirates(CL) Solid Jason Grilli (R)--Recorded his ninth save of the season Wednesday after pitching yet another scoreless ninth inning. With both Craig Kimbrel and Jim Johnson allowing runs on Wednesday, Grilli is now the only closer to not allow an earned-run this season. He has now pitched back-to-back days, but should still be able to pitch Thursday considering his low pitch counts. 15 PC-10 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Mark Melancon (R)âEarned his eighth hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit. Melancon has now pitched back-to-back days, but considering his low pitch counts, he should still be able to pitch in the Pirates series finale on Thursday. 11 PC-7 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Jared Hughes (R)âTook the loss on Monday night after allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter in the sixth inning. Hughes has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Tuesday to clear his head. 24 PC-14 ST (4/22/13)San Diego Padres(CL) Solid Huston Street (R)âCollected his third save of the season Wednesday despite allowing one run on two hits in the ninth inning. Street has now pitched back-to-back days, but with a scheduled day off on Thursday, he should be ready to go for the series opener against the Giants on Friday. 18 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Luke Gregerson (R)âEarned his third hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter. After a rough outing in his last appearance, Gregerson looked sharp in this one, needing only 12 pitches to get through the frame. 12 PC-8 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Dale Thayer (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Thayer has just two holds on the season, which has limited his fantasy value, but his high strikeout total in limited innings may be a hidden value you could get from owning him in holds leagues. 16 PC-11 ST (4/23/13)San Francisco Giants(CL) Elite Sergio Romo (R)âFaced only one batter in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks forcing a fly ball out on four pitches thrown. Romo has now pitched three consecutive days, but with a scheduled day off on Thursday, he should be ready to go when the Giants open up their weekend series with the Padres on Friday. 4 PC-2 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Santiago Casilla (R)âRecorded the final two outs of the eighth inning on Wednesday in relief on start Madison Bumgarner. Casilla allowed one walk in the appearance, but was able to work out of the jam by forcing two ground ball outs, to escape the outing unharmed. 11 PC-4 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Javier Lopez (L)â Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Wednesday retiring both batters he faced in order on only eight pitches. Lopez struck out one batter while forcing one fly ball out and has now pitched back-to-back days for the first time since the first week of the season. 8 PC-5 ST (4/24/13)
St. Louis Cardinals
(CL) Shaky Edward Mujica (R)âEarned his fourth save of the season Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Mujica has now converted all four of his save chances this season, including three saves in the last three days, so luckily for him the Cardinals have a day off on Thursday to rest his arm. 11 PC-8 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Trevor Rosenthal (R)--Picked up his sixth hold of the season Wednesday despite allowing a Jayson Werth home run in the eighth inning. Like I have said in the past, Rosenthal has the best stuff in the Cardinals bullpen, he just needs to put it all together before taking the next step in becoming an excellent setup man. 21 PC-15 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Mitchell Boggs (R)âTook the loss on Sunday after surrendering four runs on four hits in the eighth  inning. He recorded just one out in the appearance before being yanked, and it is pretty clear with his appearance that he is no longer in the running to receiver save opportunities. 17 PC-10 ST (4/21/13)
Injuredâ Jason Motte (Elbow)Washington Nationals(CL) Elite Rafael Soriano (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation allowing one walk on 10 pitches thrown. Soriano was away from the team for the last three days after the birth of his child, but he should now be inserted back into fantasy lineups. 10 PC-4 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Drew Storen (R)âWas used in a non-save situation on Wednesday allowing one run on three hits in the eighth inning. With Rafael Soriano slated to return to the Nationals any day now, Storen will be sent back to a setup role until an unforeseen injury or a meltdown by Soriano occurs, so those who are rostering him now should go ahead and drop him. (4/24/13)
(SU) Tyler Clippard (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation retiring the side in order. Clippard looked sharp in this appearance, forcing two ground ball out and one fly ball out on only 11 pitches thrown filling in for Rafael Sorioano, who is away from the team after his wife gave birth. 11 PC-7 ST (4/23/13)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)âCollected his fourth save of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Putz has yet to show any consistency this season, having already blown three save chances, but he has no  real threat of losing his job anytime soon, according to the Diamondbacks. 19 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) David Hernandez (R)âPicked up the win Wednesday despite being charged with a blown-save after allowing a home run to Brandon Crawford in the ninth inning. Hernandez has now pitched three consecutive days so it is highly unlikely he will be available out of the Diamondbacks bullpen on Thursday. 25 PC-15 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Heath Bell (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Bell continues to pitch well in tight situations, proving he can still get it done despite struggling mightily a season ago, and is worth adding in holds leagues as long as he can continue to limit the base runners. 24 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)Atlanta Braves(CL) Elite Craig Kimbrel (R)âWas charged with his first blown-save of the season Wednesday after allowing two runs on three hits and one walk in the ninth inning. This goes to show you even the best of players have a bad day every once and a while, but expect Kimbrel to be pick up right where he left off before this slip up when the Braves open their weekend series with the Tigers on Friday. 18 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Eric OâFlaherty (R)âPicked up his seventh hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing two hits. O'Flaherty got himself into a jam, but was able to work his way through it but forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get the job done. 12 PC-10 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Jordan Walden (R)âPitched a scoreless 11th inning on Wednesday allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Walden has now pitched back-to-back days, but with a scheduled day off on Thursday, he should be ready to go when the the Braves take of the Tigers on Friday. 13 PC-9 ST (4/24/13)
Injuredâ Jonny Venters (Elbow)
Chicago Cubs
(CL) Committee Shawn Camp (R)--Collected a win on Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning forcing one ground ball out and two fly ball outs to get the job done. Camp is finally starting to show some promise after a few rough outings, and should be considered in deep mixed leagues for possible save opportunities down the road. 14 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)
(CL) Committee Carlos Marmol (R)âEarned his second save of the season Thursday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. It was a typical Marmol outing, as he allowed two base runners, but he was able to work out of the jam as he pitched on back-to-back days for the Cubs. 18 PC-10 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) James Russell (L)âPitched yet another scoreless inning of relief on Wednesday retiring the side in order on 15 pitches. Russell has by far been the best relief pitcher for the Cubs this season, and has yet to allow an earned-run, but will not get a chance to close since he is the only lefty in the Cubs bullpen. 15 PC-11 ST (4/24/13)
Injured--Kyuji Fujikawa (Forearm)Cincinnati Reds(CL) Elite Aroldis Chapman (L)âCollected his fourth save of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Chapman had it going once again, and has now totaled six strikeouts over his last three innings of relief. 17 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Jonathan Broxton (R)--Picked up his second hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. After a severe meltdown last week, Broxton has now pulled it together and has put up three consecutive solid outings, so those in hold leagues may want to add him if he was dropped after the great debacle. 13 PC-8 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) J.J. Hoover (R)--Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday in a lopsided affair, retiring all three batters he faced in order. After a few rough outings, Hoover has now pulled together three consecutive solid outings, while lowering his earned-run average to 3.86 along the way. 15 PC-10 ST (4/25/13)
Injured--Sean Marshall (Shoulder)Colorado Rockies(CL) Solid Rafael Betancourt (R)âWas used in a non-save situation on Wednesday giving up one walk while striking out one batter in the 10th inning. This was Betancourt's first appearance since Saturday, so expect to see him take the mound Thursday, if needed, when the Rockies open up their series with the Diamondbacks. 20 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Rex Brothers (L)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Brothers has turned himself into a solid setup man after an up-and-down season a year ago, and is worth rostering in hold leagues at this point. 18 PC-9 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Wilton Lopez (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Thursday allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Lopez has now strung together two solid appearances after his meltdown last Sunday in a save situation, so he appears to be on his way to getting back on track. 13 PC-9 ST (4/25/13)Los Angeles Dodgers(CL) Shaky Brandon League (R)âEarned his sixth save of the season Thursday despite allowing one run on one hit in the ninth inning. League has been very shaky as of late, and has now given up an earned-run in three of his last four games pitched, not to mention he is pitching on back-to-back days, so he may not be available on Friday. 22 PC-14 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Kenley Jansen (R)âPicked up the win on Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. The Dodgers flamethrower has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Friday, so plan accordingly. 20 PC-13 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) Ronald Belisario (R)âEarned his fourth hold of the season Wednesday after pitching 1.2 innings of relief retiring all five batter he faced in order. Belisario has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely be given a day off on Thursday considering his pitch counts. 24 PC-18 ST (4/24/13)Miami Marlins(CL) Solid Steve Cishek (R)âTook the loss on Thursday after allowing a game-winning home run to Luiz Valbuena in the ninth inning to break open the tied game. With this appearance Cishek falls to 1-3 on the season, and now has one more loss than he has saves, making it hard to trust him moving forward. 12 PC-10 ST (4/25 /13)
(SU) Jon Rauch (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Sunday surrendering five runs on four hits and one walk. With closer Steve Cishek unavailable, there was a chance Rauch could have got a spot save today, but that was clearly not the case, in was what his worst outing of the season. 40 PC-28 ST (4/21/13)
(MR) Mike Dunn (L)âRecorded the final two outs of the eighth inning needing only six pitches to force two fly ball outs. With the recent struggles of Steve Cishek, Dunn could soon see an increase in value if those rough outing start to become more of a regular over the next few weeks. 6 PC-4 ST (4/25/13)Milwaukee Brewers(CL) Solid Jim Henderson (R)âRecorded his fifth save of the season Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter. Since taking over the closer role, Henderson has been as good as advertised, and now 5-for-5 in save chances this season. 28 PC-16 ST (4/23/13)
(SU) John Axford (R)âPicked up his fourth hold of the season Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning striking out one batter. Axford has really calmed down since an early season meltdown and is on his way to regaining fantasy value in holds leagues, with a long shot of regaining the closer role if Jim Henderson was to slip up at any point this season. 11 PC-9 ST (4/23/13)
(MR) Michael Gonzalez (L)âRecorded the final two outs of the seventh inning on Wednesday striking out both batters he faced in order. Gonzalez has started to look sharp after a few rough outings early on, but until he is used in more significant roles, it is hard to imagine he will ever gain fantasy value, even in holds leagues. 9 PC-6 ST (4/24/13)New York Mets(CL) Shaky Bobby Parnell (R)âRecorded the final two outs of the ninth inning on Thursday needing 10 pitches to work through the non-save situation. Despite pitching back-to-back days, Parnell should be available out of the Mets bullpen Friday, considering his low pitch counts. 10 PC-6 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)âPitched 0.2 innings of relief on Thursday retiring both batter he faced in order. Lyon needed only nine pitched to record the first two outs of the eighth inning, forcing two fly ball outs to get the job done. 9 PC-6 ST (4/25/13)
(MR) Josh Edgin (L)âPitched 0.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night allowing two runs on four hits in the eighth inning. Edgin has now allowed 10 earned-runs over his last six appearances, and it is hard to imagine the Mets will allow this to continue, so once Frank Francisco is back from injury he should be demoted. 23 PC-13 ST (4/23/13)
Injuredâ Frank Francisco (Elbow)Philadelphia Phillies(CL) Elite Jonathan Papelbon (R)âRecorded his fourth save of the season Monday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Papelbon has now pitched back-to-back days, but after only throwing seven pitches on Monday, he should be available to pitch if needed for Tuesday's contest. 7 PC-7 ST (4/22/13)
(SU) Mike Adams (R)âTook the loss and was charged with a blown-save Wednesday after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks in the eighth inning. Adams failed to record an out in the appearance, falling the 1-2 on the season. 21 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Antonio Bastardo (L)âEarned his second hold of the season Wednesday despite allowing a solo-home run to Pedro Alvarez in the seventh inning. In limited duty this season, Bastardo has been solid, but his fantasy upside will be limited considering the situations he is used in most of the time. 16 PC-12 ST (4/24/13)Pittsburgh Pirates(CL) Solid Jason Grilli (R)--Recorded his ninth save of the season Wednesday after pitching yet another scoreless ninth inning. With both Craig Kimbrel and Jim Johnson allowing runs on Wednesday, Grilli is now the only closer to not allow an earned-run this season. He has now pitched back-to-back days, but should still be able to pitch Thursday considering his low pitch counts. 15 PC-10 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Mark Melancon (R)âEarned his eighth hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one hit. Melancon has now pitched back-to-back days, but considering his low pitch counts, he should still be able to pitch in the Pirates series finale on Thursday. 11 PC-7 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Jared Hughes (R)âTook the loss on Monday night after allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter in the sixth inning. Hughes has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Tuesday to clear his head. 24 PC-14 ST (4/22/13)San Diego Padres(CL) Solid Huston Street (R)âCollected his third save of the season Wednesday despite allowing one run on two hits in the ninth inning. Street has now pitched back-to-back days, but with a scheduled day off on Thursday, he should be ready to go for the series opener against the Giants on Friday. 18 PC-13 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Luke Gregerson (R)âEarned his third hold of the season Wednesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning allowing one walk while striking out one batter. After a rough outing in his last appearance, Gregerson looked sharp in this one, needing only 12 pitches to get through the frame. 12 PC-8 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Dale Thayer (R)âPitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night allowing one hit while striking out one batter. Thayer has just two holds on the season, which has limited his fantasy value, but his high strikeout total in limited innings may be a hidden value you could get from owning him in holds leagues. 16 PC-11 ST (4/23/13)San Francisco Giants(CL) Elite Sergio Romo (R)âFaced only one batter in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks forcing a fly ball out on four pitches thrown. Romo has now pitched three consecutive days, but with a scheduled day off on Thursday, he should be ready to go when the Giants open up their weekend series with the Padres on Friday. 4 PC-2 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Santiago Casilla (R)âRecorded the final two outs of the eighth inning on Wednesday in relief on start Madison Bumgarner. Casilla allowed one walk in the appearance, but was able to work out of the jam by forcing two ground ball outs, to escape the outing unharmed. 11 PC-4 ST (4/24/13)
(MR) Javier Lopez (L)â Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Wednesday retiring both batters he faced in order on only eight pitches. Lopez struck out one batter while forcing one fly ball out and has now pitched back-to-back days for the first time since the first week of the season. 8 PC-5 ST (4/24/13)
St. Louis Cardinals
(CL) Shaky Edward Mujica (R)âEarned his fourth save of the season Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Mujica has now converted all four of his save chances this season, including three saves in the last three days, so luckily for him the Cardinals have a day off on Thursday to rest his arm. 11 PC-8 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Trevor Rosenthal (R)--Picked up his sixth hold of the season Wednesday despite allowing a Jayson Werth home run in the eighth inning. Like I have said in the past, Rosenthal has the best stuff in the Cardinals bullpen, he just needs to put it all together before taking the next step in becoming an excellent setup man. 21 PC-15 ST (4/24/13)
(SU) Mitchell Boggs (R)âTook the loss on Sunday after surrendering four runs on four hits in the eighth  inning. He recorded just one out in the appearance before being yanked, and it is pretty clear with his appearance that he is no longer in the running to receiver save opportunities. 17 PC-10 ST (4/21/13)
Injuredâ Jason Motte (Elbow)Washington Nationals(CL) Elite Rafael Soriano (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation allowing one walk on 10 pitches thrown. Soriano was away from the team for the last three days after the birth of his child, but he should now be inserted back into fantasy lineups. 10 PC-4 ST (4/25/13)
(SU) Drew Storen (R)âWas used in a non-save situation on Wednesday allowing one run on three hits in the eighth inning. With Rafael Soriano slated to return to the Nationals any day now, Storen will be sent back to a setup role until an unforeseen injury or a meltdown by Soriano occurs, so those who are rostering him now should go ahead and drop him. (4/24/13)
(SU) Tyler Clippard (R)âPitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation retiring the side in order. Clippard looked sharp in this appearance, forcing two ground ball out and one fly ball out on only 11 pitches thrown filling in for Rafael Sorioano, who is away from the team after his wife gave birth. 11 PC-7 ST (4/23/13)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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