MLB Bullpen Report: 06/23/12

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)–Recorded his 21st save of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk. With this outing Johnson lowered his earned-run average to 1.14 on the season. (06/23/12)
(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 18th save of the season on Thursday after retiring all three batters he faced in the ninth inning in order. He needed only seven pitches to force three fly ball outs to end the game. (06/22/12)
(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 1.1 innings of relief on Friday night giving up one run on three hits and one walk while striking out one batter. This was the first run he has allowed since rejoining the Red Sox bullpen a little over one week ago. (06/23/12)
Injured–Andrew Bailey (60-Day DL), Bobby Jenks (60-Day DL)

Chicago White Sox
(CL) Addison Reed (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter while forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out on 11 pitches thrown in the appearance. (06/23/12)
(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)–Recorded his 23rd save of the season on Friday night after striking out the side on 13 pitches in the ninth inning. Perez has now struck out six batters in his last three innings of relief, which is what you want to see out of your closer. (06/23/12) (SU) Vinnie Pestano (R)–Picked up his 18th hold of the season on Friday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. With this appearance Pestano lowered his earned-run average to 1.86 on the season. (06/23/12)
(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 Joaquin Benoit to take over the closer duties while he is out. (06/20/12)
(SU) Joaquin Benoit (R)–Picked up the win on Thursday after pitching a scoreless 10th inning giving up one hit and one walk in the outing. Benoit is expected to be used in save situations until Jose Valverde returns to action, so he is worth picking up in all fantasy formats. (06/22/12)
(MR) Phil Coke (L)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Thursday giving up one hit while striking out one batter. Coke has now put together three straight solid relief appearances which he has totals 4.1 innings of scoreless relief. (06/22/12)
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)– Recorded his eighth hold of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk while striking out one batter. Frieri is now a perfect eight-for-eight in save chances this season. (06/23/12)
(SU) Scott Downs (L)–Picked up his 13th hold of the season on Friday after pitching a scoreless seventh inning. He gave up two hits in the appearance but was able to get out of the jam by forcing three ground ball outs. (06/23/12)
(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 second save of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up two walks while striking out two batters. Perkins is now two-for-two in save chances this season and will continue to get the nod in the ninth inning with Capps unavailable. (06/23/12)
(MR) Jared Burton (R)–Picked up his 11th hold of the season on Friday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. With this appearance Burton lowered his earned-run average to 3.10 on the season. (06/23/12)

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)–Took the loss and was charged with his second blown-save of the season on Friday night after surrendering four runs on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning. Cook did not record an out in the appearance and just didn’t have control of his pitches in this contest. (06/23/12)
(SU) Grant Balfour (R)–Picked up his sixth hold of the season on Friday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief. He retired all four batters he faced in order, striking out one batter while forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out on 21 pitches thrown. (06/23/12)
(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)–Peralta has been suspended eight games by Major League Baseball for having a foreign substance on his glove. He has yet to appeal the suspension, but for now be sure to get him out of your lineups in holds leagues. (06/22/12)
(MR) J.P. Howell (L)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. With the recent suspension of Joe Peralta, expect Howell to move into the setup role for the time-being. (06/22/12)
Injured–Kyle Farnsworth (15-Day DL)

Texas Rangers
(CL) Joe Nathan (R)–Recorded his 16th save of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters. Nathan has yet to give up an earned-run in the month of June with his last coming on May 13, which is a span of 16 innings. (06/23/12) (SU) Mike Adams (R)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Friday after retiring the final batter of the eighth inning. He gave up one hit in the appearance but was able to get out of the jam by forcing a ground ball out on five pitches. (06/23/12)
(MR) Robbie Ross (L)–Picked up his third hold of the season on Friday after pitching one inning of relief giving up two hits. With this appearance Ross lowered his earned-run average to 1.15 on the season. (06/23/12)
Injured–Koji Uehara (15-Day DL)

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)–Recorded his second save of the season on Friday night after pitching 1.1 innings of relief retiring all four batters he faced in order. He enter the game with the bases loaded in the eighth inning and was able to get out of the jam and then went back out for the ninth inning, but J.J. Putz is still the team’s closer. (06/23/12)
(MR) Bryan Shaw (R)–Picked up his eighth hold of the season on Friday after pitching one inning of relief giving up two hits and one walk. Shaw loaded the bases in the eighth inning and was relieved by David Hernandez, who got both of them out of the jam. (06/23/12)
Injured–Takashi Saito (15-Day DL)

Atlanta Braves
(CL) Craig Kimbrel (R)–Recorded his 21st save of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter. Kimbrel has been on fire as of late, and has now converted 13 straight save chances. (06/23/12)
(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)–Pitched a scoreless sixth inning on Friday night retiring all three batters he faced in order on eight pitches. He struck out one batter while forcing a ground ball out and a fly ball out to get the job done. (06/23/12) 

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 a scoreless ninth inning on Friday night in a non-save situation giving up one hit while striking out one batter. Marshall has now struck out four batters in his last three innings of relief. (06/23/12)
(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)

Colorado Rockies
(CL) Rafael Betancourt (R)–Recorded his 11th save of the season on Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters in the outing. Betancourt has now pitched back-to-back days and may be given the day off on Friday. (06/22/12)
(SU) Matt Belisle (R)–Picked up his eighth hold of the season on Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit and one walk on 13 pitches thrown. With this appearance Belisle lowered his earned-run average to 2.13 on the season. (06/22/12) (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)–Failed to record an out in his appearance on Friday night giving up one run on hit in the eighth inning. He threw just three pitches in the outing and has now given up three runs over his last three appearances. (06/23/12)
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)–Took the loss on Thursday after surrendering three runs on two hits and one walk without recording an out in the ninth inning. Lindblom had been pitching well prior to this outing, so hopefully he will be able to put this one behind him. (06/22/12)
Injured–Matt Guerrier (15-Day DL), Javy Guerra (15-Day DL)

Miami Marlins
(CL) Heath Bell (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday 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 on just eight pitches thrown. (06/23/12)
(SU) Edward Mujica (R)–Took the loss and was charged with his third blown-save of the season on Thursday after surrendering two runs on three hits in the eighth inning. The two runs came via a Will Middlebrooks home run in the inning, which raised Mujica’s earned-run average to 4.22 on the season. (06/22/12)
(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)–Recorded his 13th save of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless 10th inning giving up one walk while striking out one batter. This was a nice rebound appearance for Axford, who took the loss and blew a save on Tuesday. (06/23/12)
(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 18th save of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. Despite allowing a lot of base runners, Francisco has now converted four straight save opportunities. (06/23/12)
(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 15th hold of the season on Friday night after retiring both batters he faced in the seventh inning. He struck out one batter and forced another to ground out to get out a jam in the appearance. (06/23/12)

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 0.1 innings of relief on Thursday giving up two hits in the appearance. He threw just eight pitches in the game, so expect him to be ready as usual for this weekend’s series with the Rays. (06/22/12)
Injured–David Herndon (15-Day DL)

Pittsburgh Pirates
(CL) Joel Hanrahan (R)–Recorded his 18th save of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out two batters. He needed only 11 pitches to get through the inning with eight going over for strikes. (06/23/12)
(SU) Jason Grilli (R)–Picked up his 16th hold of the season on Friday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter while forcing two ground ball outs on 12 pitches thrown. (06/23/12)
(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)–Recorded his ninth save of the season on Friday night after retiring the final batter of the ninth inning. The inning was not originally a save situation, but Joe Thatcher allowed two hits in the inning, then gave way to Street who closed out the game on two pitches. (06/23/12)
(SU) Dale Thayer (R)–Picked up his second hold of the season on Friday after recording the final out of the seventh inning. He gave up one hit in the appearance and threw just four pitches. (06/23/12)
(MR) Luke Gregerson (R)–Picked up his ninth hold of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one fly ball out on 15 pitches thrown. (06/23/12)

San Francisco Giants
(CL) Santiago Casilla (R)–Recorded his 20th save of the season on Friday night despite giving up one run on one hit in the ninth inning. The run came via a Josh Reddick home run with one out in the inning, but he did enough to get the job done. (06/23/12)
(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 0.2 innings of relief on Friday night giving up one walk while striking out one batter. He threw 12 pitches in the appearance while lowering his earned-run average to 2.93 on the season. (06/23/12)
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)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Thursday retiring all four batters he faced in order. He threw just eight pitches in the appearance forcing one ground ball out and three fly ball outs. (06/22/12)
(MR) Eduardo Sanchez (R)–Pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning on Friday night striking out one batter in the efforts. This was a nice showing from Sanchez in a non-pressure situation, considering he gave up four runs in his last two appearances. (06/23/12)

Washington Nationals
(CL) Tyler Clippard (R)–Recorded his 11th save of the season on Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning striking out one batter in the appearance. Clippard has now pitched back-to-back games, but did not have a high pitch count in either game, so he should be good to go if the Nationals are in a save situation on Friday night. (06/22/12)
(SU) Sean Burnett (L)–Picked up his 13th hold of the season on Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning striking out one batter. He needed only nine pitches to get through the appearance while lowering his earned-run average to 1.08 in his efforts. (06/22/12)
(MR) Michael Gonzalez (L)–Failed to record an out in his appearance on Thursday after surrendering a walk to the only batter he faced in the seventh inning. He threw just seven pitches in the appearance so he will be available to pitch on Friday. (06/22/12)
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.