MLB Bullpen Report: 06/21/12

This article was originally posted on Rotoinfo.com, the place to get all your fantasy news all the time.

By Matthew Beck

American League

Baltimore Orioles
(CL) Jim Johnson (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He threw just 11 pitches in the inning forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out. (06/21/12)
(SU) Pedro Strop (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while lowering his earned-run average to 1.38 on the season. (06/21/12)
(MR) Darren O’Day (R)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He needed only eight pitches to get the job done and struck out one batter in his efforts. (06/15/12)
Injured–Matt Lindstrom (15-Day DL)

Boston Red Sox
(CL) Alfredo Aceves (R)–Recorded his 17th save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters. He needed 16 pitches to get the job done, bouncing back from a bad outing on Sunday. (06/20/12)
(SU) Vicente Padilla (R)–Picked up his 16th hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit in the outing. Padilla has quietly been one of the better relievers to own in holds leagues, and should continue to rack up holds as the season progresses. (06/20/12)
(MR) Mark Melancon (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He threw just nine pitches in the appearance forcing one ground ball out, one fly ball out and striking out one batter. (06/21/12)
Injured–Andrew Bailey (60-Day DL), Bobby Jenks (60-Day DL)

Chicago White Sox
(CL) Addison Reed (R)–Was charged with his first blown-save of the season on Sunday after giving up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter in the ninth inning. Reed has now pitched in back-to-back games and will likely be given a day off on Monday. (06/18/12)
(SU) Matt Thornton (L)– Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Wednesday night retiring all four batters he faced in order. He struck out three batters in the appearance which raised his total to 27 on the season. (06/21/12)
(MR) Hector Santiago (L)–Pitched 2.2 innings of relief on Monday night and did not give up a hit or a walk in the appearance. He struck out three batters in the outing while lowering his earned-run average to 4.15 on the season. (06/19/12)

Cleveland Indians
(CL) Chris Perez (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He threw 19 pitches in the appearance and has now pitched in back-to-back games. (06/20/12)
(SU) Vinnie Pestano (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday giving up one hit in the appearance. He needed 16 pitches to get through the outing forcing one ground ball out and two fly ball outs. (06/20/12)
(MR) Tony Sipp (L)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Saturday giving up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. The run came via a Alex Presley home run in the seventh inning, which quickly made the Indians make a pitching change. (06/17/12)

Detroit Tigers
(CL) Jose Valverde (R)–Valverde suffered a wrist injury and is to be considered day-to-day for now. He will likely be out for at least a few days, so expect Benoit to take over the closer duties while he is out. (06/20/12)
(SU) Joaquin Benoit (R)–Picked up his 17th hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter on nine pitches thrown. With this outing Benoit lowered his earned-run average to 1.99 on the season. (06/20/12)
(MR) Phil Coke (L)–Recorded his first save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter. He was used in the role due to the wrist injury suffered by Jose Valverde, but he should not be expected to see many save chances moving forward. (06/20/12)
Injured–Octavio Dotel (15-Day DL)

Kansas City Royals
(CL) Jonathan Broxton (R)–Recorded his 18th save of the season on Wednesday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up two hits while striking out one batter. With this outing Broxton lowered his earned-run average to 1.57 on the season, which ranks him amongst the best closers in the American League. (06/21/12)
(SU) Greg Holland (R)–Picked up his sixth hold of the season on Wednesday after pitching 0.2 innings of relief giving up one hit and one walk while striking out two batters. Holland has now recorded three strikeouts in his last 1.2 innings of relief. (06/21/12)
(MR) Aaron Crow (R)–Picked up his 11th hold of the season on Tuesday after striking out the only batter he faced in the eighth inning. He threw just six pitches in the appearance so expect him to be available to next few days. (06/20/12)
Injured–Joakim Soria (out for season)

Los Angeles Angels
(CL) Ernesto Frieri (R)– Picked up his fifth hold of the season on Tuesday night after retiring the final batter on the eighth inning on just one pitch. This was a rare hold-chance for Frieri, so don’t expect this to happen too often. (06/20/12)
(SU) Scott Downs (L)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Wednesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. With this appearance Downs lowered his earned-run average to 0.39 on the season. (06/21/12) (
MR) Jordan Walden (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation giving up one hit while striking out two batters. Walden ahs now put together three straight solid relief appearances, but the chances of him becoming fantasy relevant again are slim. (06/21/12)

Minnesota Twins
(CL) Matt Capps (R)–Capps was unavailable Sunday against the Brewers due to a sore right shoulder. He is not expected to be placed on the disabled-list, but he will be given an extended break, which should result in save chances Glenn Perkins. (06/18/12)
(SU) Glen Perkins (L)–Recorded his first save of the season on Wednesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk while striking out two batters. Until Matt Capps returns from injury expect to see Perkins in the closer role. (06/21/12)
(MR) Brian Duensing (L)–Pitched 1.2 innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up two hits and one walk in the outing. It took him 28 pitches to get through the outing, forcing one ground ball out and four fly ball outs. (06/20/12)

New York Yankees
(CL) Rafael Soriano (R)–Recorded his 13th save of the season on Sunday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter. Soriano has now pitched in back-to-back games so expect to see David Robertson get the save chance if one arises. (06/18/12)
(SU) Boone Logan (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Wednesday giving up two runs on one hit and one walk. He gave up both runs on a Jason Heyward home run in the eighth inning, which raised his earned-run average to 2.81 on the season. (06/21/12)
(MR) David Robertson (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday in a non-save situation giving up one hit while striking out one batter. He threw just eight pitches in the appearance forcing two fly ball outs to go along with his strikeout. (06/20/12)
Injured–Mariano Rivera (out for the season)

Oakland Athletics
(CL) Ryan Cook(R)–Recorded his fourth save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk while striking out one batter. Cook is now a perfect four-for-four in save chances since taking over the role making Brian Fuentes a distant memory. (06/20/12)
(SU) Grant Balfour (R)–Picked up his fifth hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one walk while striking out one batter. With this appearance Balfour lowered his earned-run average to 2.86 on the season. (06/20/12) (MR) Brian Fuentes (L)–Pitched one inning of relief on Thursday surrendering two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out one batter. The big blow came via a Marco Scutaro home run in the ninth inning, which made Fuentes’ total earned-run balloon to five runs on his last 1.2 innings of relief. (06/15/12)
Injured–Joey Devine (15-Day DL)

Seattle Mariners
(CL) Tom Wilhelmsen (R)–Recorded his fifth save of the season on Tuesday night after striking out the side in the 10th inning. Wilhelmsen has been great since taking over the closer role, so expect the Mariners to keep him there even if Brandon League works out his issues. (06/20/12)
(SU) Brandon League (R)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Tuesday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He needed only 10 pitches to get the job done forcing three ground ball outs. (06/20/12)
(MR) Stephen Pryor (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up one hit in the outing. He threw 11 pitches in the appearance with seven going over for strikes, which is something you like to see out of a young pitcher. (06/13/12)
Injured–George Sherrill (15-Day DL)

Tampa Bay Rays
(CL) Fernando Rodney (R)–Recorded his 20th save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter. With this appearance Rodney lowered his earned-run average to 1.10 on the season. (06/20/12)
(SU) Joel Peralta (R)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Wednesday retiring both batters he faced on six pitches. Peralts is still waiting to hear back from MLB to see if he will get suspended or fined for the substance found on his glove two nights ago, so until then keep him in your lineups in holds leagues. (06/21/12)
(MR) J.P. Howell (L)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday retiring all three batters he faced in order. Howell struck out two batters in the appearance and has now pitched three consecutive days and will likely be unavailable to pitch on Friday. (06/15/12)
Injured–Kyle Farnsworth (15-Day DL)

Texas Rangers
(CL) Joe Nathan (R)–Recorded his 15th save of the season on Wednesday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit while striking out one batter. With this appearance Nathan lowered his earned-run average to 1.57 on the season. (06/21/12) (SU) Mike Adams (R)–Picked up his 11th hold of the season on Monday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit in the outing. He threw 11 pitches in the appearance and forced three fly ball outs to get the job done. (06/19/12)
(MR) Koji Uehara (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Saturday surrendering two runs on four hits while striking out one batter. He needed 25 pitches to get through the appearance, which was his first since last Saturday. (06/10/12)

Toronto Blue Jays
(CL) Casey Janssen (R)–Recorded his seventh save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He gave up one hit while striking out one batter in the appearance on 17 pitches thrown. (06/20/12)
(SU) Jason Frasor (R)– Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday giving up one hit while striking out two batters. He needed 27 pitches to get through the appearance with 20 going over for strikes. (06/21/12)
(MR) Francisco Cordero (R)–Pitched a scoreless inning of relief on Tuesday night giving up two hits in the appearance. Cordero has now put together three straight solid outings and has really settled into his setup role. (06/20/12)
Injured–Sergio Santos (15-Day DL)

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks
(CL) J.J. Putz (R)–Took the loss on Tuesday night after giving up two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter in the ninth inning. With this outing Putz raised his earned-run average to 5.73 on the season. (06/20/12)
(SU) David Hernandez (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation striking out the side on just 10 pitches. Hernandez now has five strikeouts in his last three innings of relief. (06/21/12)
(MR) Bryan Shaw (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Wednesday giving up one hit while striking out one batter. Shaw threw just four pitches in the outing, which was his second straight day with making an appearance. (06/21/12)
Injured–Takashi Saito (15-Day DL)

Atlanta Braves
(CL) Craig Kimbrel (R)–Recorded his 20th save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in the appearance while lowering his earned-run average to 1.38 on the season. (06/20/12)
(SU) Jonny Venters (L)–Pitched a scoreless sixth inning on Wednesday afternoon giving up one walk while striking out one batter. With this appearance Venters lowered his earned-run average to 3.90 on the season. (06/21/12)
(MR) Eric O’Flaherty (L)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday giving up two walks while striking out one batter. He was able to work out of the jam by forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out. (06/21/12)

Chicago Cubs
(CL) Carlos Marmol (R)–Recorded his fourth save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk while striking out one batter. Marmol has now converted back-to-back save chances and has looked much better since returning to the role. (06/20/12)
(SU) James Russell (L)–Picked up his sixth hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching 0.1 innings of relief. He allowed two walks in the appearance and was later relieved by Manny Corpas, who got out of the jam Russell created. (06/20/12)
(MR) Shawn Camp (R)–Picked up his fifth hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a scoreless seventh inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. With this appearance Camp lowered his earned-run average to 3.44 on the season. (06/20/12)

Cincinnati Reds
(CL) Aroldis Chapman (L)–Took the loss and was charged with his third blown save of the season on Tuesday night after surrendering a two-run home run to Asdrubal Cabrera in the 10th inning. He only recorded one out before giving up the game-winnings runs as Chapman continues to struggle the last few weeks in the closer role. (06/20/12)
(SU) Sean Marshall (L)–Pitched two innings of relief on Tuesday giving up two hits while striking out three batters. He needed 32 pitches to get through the outing, forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out. (06/20/12)
(MR) Jose Arrenondo (R)–Picked up his fourth hold of the season on Sunday after pitching 0.2 innings of relief giving up one hit and one walk in the appearance. Sean Marshall was called upon to retire the final batter of the eighth inning after Arredondo allowed two base runners, so he escaped without giving up any runs. (06/18/12)
Injured–Ryan Madson (out for season), Nick Masset (15-Day DL), Bill Bray (15-Day DL)

Colorado Rockies
(CL) Rafael Betancourt (R)–Took the loss and was charged with his third blown-save of the season on Wednesday after giving up two runs on three hits and one walk in the ninth inning. Betancourt has now given up four runs in his last three appearances but still has a grasp on the closer role for the time-being. (06/21/12)
(SU) Matt Belisle (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday giving up one walk while striking out one batter. With this outing Belisle lowered his earned-run average to 2.19 on the season. (06/21/12)
(MR) Matt Reynolds (L)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Wednesday giving up one hit in the outing. He threw just seven pitches in the appearance so despite pitching on back-to-back days he should be available to pitch on Thursday. (06/21/12)

Houston Astros
(CL)Brett Myers (R)–Myers had his worst outing of the season on Monday night after surrendering five runs on eight hits in the ninth inning. He threw 40 pitches in the outing and will likely be unavailable on Tuesday. (06/19/12)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up two hits in the outing. He threw just 18 pitches forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get the job done. (06/20/12)
(MR) David Carpenter (R)–Picked up his second hold of the season on Monday night after pitching 0.2 innings of relief giving up one hit in the outing. He has now pitched in back-to-back games, but after throwing just six pitches on Monday he should be ready to go for Tuesday. (06/19/12)
Injured–Wilton Lopez (15-Day DL)

Los Angeles Dodgers
(CL) Kenley Jansen (R)–Recorded his 11th save of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He struck out two batters in the appearance and looked a lot better than he did on Wednesday after pitching three straight days. (06/16/12)
(SU) Scott Elbert (L)–Pitched two innings of relief on Wednesday night giving up one run on one hit while striking out one batter. The run came via a Brandon Moss home run on the eighth inning, which gave the Athletics the cushion they needed to win the game. (06/21/12)
(MR) Josh Lindblom (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation giving up one walk while striking out one batter. This was his first outing since Tuesday, so expect him to be ready to go for Sunday as well. (06/17/12)
Injured–Matt Guerrier (15-Day DL), Javy Guerra (15-Day DL)

Miami Marlins
(CL) Heath Bell (R)–Recorded his 14th save of the season on Saturday night after striking out the side in the ninth inning. Bell has now recorded eight strikeouts in his last 2.2 innings of relief. (06/17/12)
(SU) Edward Mujica (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night giving up one hit in the outing. With this appearance Mujica lowered his earned-run average to 3.73 on the season. (06/20/12)
(MR) Steve Cishek (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Wednesday night surrendering two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. With this appearance Cishek’s earned-run average ballooned to 2.45 on the season. (06/21/12)

Milwaukee Brewers
(CL) John Axford (R)–Took the loss and was charged with his fourth blown-save of the season on Tuesday after surrendering back-to-back home runs to Jose Bautista and Colby Rasmus in the ninth inning. Axford hasn’t been that great this season, so don’t be surprised if a switch is made in the near future. (06/20/12)
(SU) Francisco Rodriguez (R)–Picked up his 15th hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out two batters in the appearance whir forcing one fly ball out to get the job done. (06/20/12)
(MR) Kameron Loe (R)–Picked up the win on Monday night despite being charged with his second blown-save of the season after surrendering two runs on one hit and one walk in the seventh inning. He retired two batters in the outing, one by a ground ball out and one by a fly ball out. (06/19/12)

New York Mets
(CL) Frank Francisco (R)–Recorded his 17th save of the season on Wednesday night despite giving up one run on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning. Luckily for Francisco he only allowed one run, which could have been a lot worse considering he allowed four base runners. (06/21/12)
(SU) Jon Rauch (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. Rauch has been very inconsistent this season, but if something was to happen to Frank Francisco he would get the first chance at the closer role. (06/20/12)
(MR) Bobby Parnell (R)–Picked up his 14th hold of the season on Wednesday night after pitching 0.2 innings of relief. He gave up just one hit in the appearance on 15 pitches thrown with nine going over for strikes. (06/21/12)

Philadelphia Phillies
(CL) Jonathan Papelbon (R)–Picked up the win on Wednesday despite giving up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out two batters in the ninth inning. Papelbon has now struck out five batters in his last 3.1 innings of relief and has 33 total strikeouts for the season. (06/21/12)
(SU) Antonio Bastardo (L)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. He needed 31 pitches to get through the inning, but luckily was able to get out of the jam by forcing two fly ball outs to go along with his strikeout. (06/21/12)
(MR) Chad Qualls (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two fly ball outs to get the job done. (06/20/12)
Injured–David Herndon (15-Day DL)

Pittsburgh Pirates
(CL) Joel Hanrahan (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Sunday in a non-save situation giving up one hit while striking out one batter. This was Harahan’s second straight non-save situation and he hasn’t had a save chance since last Saturday. (06/18/12)
(SU) Jason Grilli (R)–Took the loss on Wednesday night after surrendering one run on two hits in the eighth inning. The run came via a Josh Willingham home run with one out in the inning, which ended up being the deciding factor. (06/21/12) 
(MR) Chris Resop (R)–Pitched two innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up two hits and one walk while striking out one batter. He needed 33 pitches to get through the appearance and will likely be off on Wednesday due to that high of a pitch count. (06/20/12)
Injured–Chris Leroux (60-Day DL)

San Diego Padres
(CL) Huston Street (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters while forcing the other batter to fly out on 15 pitches thrown in the appearance. (06/21/12) (SU) Dale Thayer (R)–Took the loss and was charged with his first blown-save of the season on Wednesday after giving up two runs on two hits and one walk in 0.2 innings of relief. This was an odd time to use Thayer, who has mainly been used at the end of games, so maybe that had something to do with his poor performance. (06/21/12)
(MR) Luke Gregerson (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday giving up two hits while striking out two batters. He needed 16 pitches to get through the inning with 13 going over for strikes. (06/21/12)

San Francisco Giants
(CL) Santiago Casilla (R)–Recorded his 19th save of the season on Monday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He struck out one batter in the appearance and forced two ground ball outs on 12 pitches thrown. (06/19/12)
(SU) Sergio Romo (R)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Monday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief. He retired all four batters he faced in order, lowering his earned-run average to 0.93 on the season. (06/19/12)
(MR) Javier Lopez (L)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up one walk in the outing. Lopez has now pitched 0.1 innings in each of his last three games and has kept his pitch count low all season, so expect him to be used more in the foreseeable future. (06/20/12)
Injured–Brian Wilson (out for season) 

St. Louis Cardinals
(CL) Jason Motte (R)–Was charged with his fourth blown-save of the season on Sunday after giving up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. Motte has now pitched four innings in the last four days and may be given an extra day off following the Cardinals off day on Monday. (06/18/12)
(SU) Mitchell Boggs (R)–Picked up his 10th hold of the season on Sunday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two ground ball outs. (06/18/12)
(MR) Eduardo Sanchez (R)–Took the loss on Sunday after surrendering three runs on three hits and three walks in two innings of relief. After throwing 42 pitches, expect to see Sanchez get a few days off from relief duty. (06/18/12)

Washington Nationals
(CL) Tyler Clippard (R)–Recorded his 10th save of the season on Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters. Even when Drew Storen coming back from injury, don’t be surprised if Clippard stays in the closer role after dominating since taking over for Henry Rodriguez. (06/21/12)
(SU) Sean Burnett (L)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Wednesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit in the outing. With this appearance Burnett lowered his earned-run average to 1.13 on the season. (06/21/12)
(MR) Michael Gonzalez (L)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. He was able to get out of the jam by forcing two ground ball outs to accompany his strike out. (06/20/12)
Injured– Drew Storen (15-Day DL), Henry Rodriguez (15-Day DL)

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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.