MLB Bullpen Report: 06/24/12

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 Saturday retiring all three batters he faced in order. With this appearance Strop lowered his earned-run average to 1.34 on the season. (06/24/12)
(MR) Darren O’Day (R)–Pitched a scoreless sixth inning on Saturday giving up one walk in the outing. This was O’Day’s first appearance since last Sunday, but the time off did not affect his performance. (06/24/12)
Injured–Matt Lindstrom (15-Day DL)

Boston Red Sox
(CL) Alfredo Aceves (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He needed only 11 pitches to get the job done forcing one ground ball out and two fly ball outs. (06/24/12)
(SU) Vicente Padilla (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday giving up one hit in the outing. With this appearance Padilla lowered his earned-run average to 4.00 on the season. (06/24/12)
(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)–Recorded his ninth save of the season on Saturday after pitching the final 1.1 innings in the contest. He has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely be given a day off on Sunday. (06/24/12)
(SU) Matt Thornton (L)– Picked up his 11th hold of the season on Saturday after pitching 0.2 innings of relief giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. With this appearance Thornton lowered his earned-run average to 3.16 on the year. (06/24/12) (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 1.1 innings of relief on Saturday retiring all four batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in his efforts in his first appearance since last Saturday when he pitches 0.1 innings of relief. (06/24/12)

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)–Failed to record an out in his appearance on Saturday giving up one run on three hits. Coke had been pitching well as of late, so this is not what you want to see if you own him in a holds league. (06/24/12)
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)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Saturday surrendering two runs on three hits while striking out one batter. He needed 27 pitches to get through the appearance and just didn’t have his stuff in this game. (06/24/12)
(MR) Aaron Crow (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Saturday giving up one run on three hits while striking out one batter. With this appearance Crow’s earned-run average went up to 2.93 on the season. (06/24/12)
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)–Pitched one inning of relief on Saturday in his first appearance since June 15 and gave up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. It wasn’t the best outing from Capps, but it was l=nice to see him back on the mound after sitting out with an injury. (06/24/12)
(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 14th save of the season on Saturday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit while striking out two batters. He needed only 12 pitches to get through the inning and lowered his earned-run average to 1.71 on the season. (06/24/12)
(SU) David Robertson (R)–Picked up his fifth hold of the season on Saturday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up two walks while striking out three batters. He was able to work around a few walks by striking out batters, but you can’t always depend on that to get yourself out of jams. (06/24/12)
(MR) Boone Logan (R)–Picked up his ninth hold of the season on Saturday after striking out the final two batters of the seventh inning. He threw just seven pitches in the appearance with six going over for strikes. (06/24/12)
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 0.1 innings of relief on Saturday surrendering three runs on two hits and three walks. Fuentes has fallen apart at the seams since losing the closer role, and it would be surprising if he ends up being removed from the bullpen all together with another outing like this one. (06/24/12)
Injured–Joey Devine (15-Day DL)

Seattle Mariners
(CL) Tom Wilhelmsen (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation giving up two hits while striking out two batters. With this appearance Wilhelmsen lowered his earned-run average to 2.92 on the season. (06/24/12)
(SU) Brandon League (R)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Saturday night giving up one hit while striking out one batter. He threw 10 pitches in the contest with five going over for strikes. (06/24/12)
(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) J.P. Howell (L)–Pitched a 1-2-3 sixth inning on Saturday needing only 13 pitches to get the job done. He forced two ground ball outs and one fly ball out in the contest while lowering his earned-run average to 5.32 on the season. (06/24/12)
(MR) Jake McGee (L)–Took the loss on Saturday after giving up a solo-home run to Jim Thome in the eighth inning. It was the only hit that McGee allowed in the contest, but it was a big one. (06/24/12)
Injured–Kyle Farnsworth (15-Day DL)
Suspended–Joel Peralta

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)–Pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation striking out two batters. With this appearance Janssen lowered his earned-run average to 2.60 on the season. (06/24/12)
(SU) Jason Frasor (R)– Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Saturday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing the other to ground out on 13 pitches thrown in the outing. (06/24/12)
(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)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday night in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. David Hernandez, not Putz, was used in the save situation on Friday night, but Putz is the primary closer moving forward. (06/24/12) (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)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday night giving up two hits while striking out one batter. He threw just nine pitches in the outing and has now pitched back-to-back days. (06/24/12)
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 0.2 innings of relief on Saturday giving up one hit while striking out one batter. He threw just nine pitches in the outing, which was his first since Wednesday. (06/24/12)
(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)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Saturday night giving up one run on two hits while striking out one batter in a non-save situation. This was his first outing since Tuesday, and you could tell he hasn’t got much work in as of late. (06/24/12)
(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 0.2 innings of relief on Saturday night giving up one hit while striking out one batter. Camp ahs now pitched back-to-back days and will likely be given the day off on Sunday. (06/24/12)

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)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He forced two ground ball outs and one fly ball out on 15 pitches thrown, lowering his earned-run average to 1.99 on the season. (06/24/12) Injured–Ryan Madson (out for season), Nick Masset (15-Day DL)

Colorado Rockies
(CL) Rafael Betancourt (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation giving up one hit while striking out two batters. Since his meltdown on Wednesday Betancourt has put together back-to-back solid outings so he appears to have put it behind him. (06/24/12)
(SU) Matt Belisle (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. With this appearance Belisle lowered his earned-run average to 2.08 on the season. (06/24/12)
(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 12th save of the season on Saturday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in his efforts while forcing two ground ball outs. (06/24/12)
(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)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Saturday giving up two runs on three hits while striking out one batter. He gave up a grand slam to Colby Rasmus in the outing, but was only charged for two of the runners on base. (06/24/12)
(MR) Steve Cishek (R)–Took the loss on Saturday after giving up four runs on three hits and two walks in 1.1 innings of relief. Only one run was earned, but it was enough to tag CIshek for his first loss of the season. (06/24/12)

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)–Was charged with his third blown-save of the season on Saturday after giving up one run on two hits while striking out one batter in 0.2 innings of relief. He threw 18 pitched in the appearance forcing one ground ball out to get out of the sixth inning. (06/24/12)

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)–Took the loss on Saturday night after giving up a game-winning home run to Eric Chavez in the seventh inning. This outing brought Rauch’s record to 3-7 on the season with a 4.40 earned-run average. (06/24/12)
(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 his second win of the season on Saturday despite being charged with a blown-save after giving up two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out two batters. He needed 31 pitches to get through the outing, so he will likely only be available to pitch in one of the two games on Sunday. (06/24/12)
(SU) Antonio Bastardo (L)–Picked up his 14th hold of the season on Saturday despite giving up one run on four hits while striking out two batters in 1.1 innings of relief. Bastardo has been a strikeout-machine this season and now has 34 on the year. (06/24/12)
(MR) Chad Qualls (R)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Saturday after pitching 0.2 innings of relief. He threw 16 pitches in the appearance and forced two ground ball outs to get the job done. (06/24/12)
Injured–David Herndon (15-Day DL)

Pittsburgh Pirates
(CL) Joel Hanrahan (R)–Recorded his 19th save of the season on Saturday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter. Hanrahan has now pitched in back-to-back games and may be given a day off on Sunday. (06/24/12)
(SU) Jason Grilli (R)–Picked up his 17th hold of the season on Saturday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out two batters in his efforts while lowering his earned-run average to 1.88 on the season. (06/24/12)
(MR) Juan Cruz (R)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Saturday after recording the first out of the seventh inning. He gave up one hit in his efforts, but it did not come back to bite him in the end. (06/24/12)
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)–Failed to record an out in his appearance on Saturday after giving up one run on two hits and one walk in the ninth inning. He relieved Shane Loux, who gave up three runs in the inning, but was on a short leash after he blew the big lead. (06/24/12)
(SU) Sergio Romo (R)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Saturday giving up one walk while striking out three batters. With this appearance Romo lowered his earned-run average to 0.89 on the season. (06/24/12)
(MR) Javier Lopez (L)–Failed to record an out in his appearance on Saturday after walking the only batter he faced in the ninth inning. He was the third pitcher used in the inning, and couldn’t record the final out to lick up the save. (06/24/12)
Injured–Brian Wilson (out for season)

St. Louis Cardinals
(CL) Jason Motte (R)–Pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Saturday in a non-save situation striking out one batter while forcing two ground ball outs. This was Motte’s first appearance since last Sunday, so even though the game was a blowout it was nice for ihm to get some work in a non-pressure situation. (06/24/12)
(SU) Mitchell Boggs (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Saturday needing only 11 pitches to get the job done. He retired all three batters he faced in order forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out. (06/24/12)
(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 12th save of the season on Saturday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He struck out one batter in the outing and lowered his earned-run average to 1.95 on the season. (06/24/12)
(SU) Sean Burnett (L)–Picked up his 14th hold of the season on Saturday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He gave up one hit in the appearance while forcing three ground ball outs. (06/24/12)
(MR) Michael Gonzalez (L)–Picked up his second hold of the season on Saturday after pitching 0.2 innings of relief. He threw just six pitches in the outing and has yet to give up an earned-run this season. (06/24/12)
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.