MLB Bullpen Report: 08/11/12

By Matthew Beck

American League

Baltimore Orioles
(CL) Jim Johnson (R)–Recorded his 33rd save of the season on Monday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up two hits while striking out one batter. Johnson has now pitched three consecutive days and will likely get the day off on Tuesday. (08/07/12)
(SU) Pedro Strop (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 two batters in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out on 13 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
(MR) Darren O’Day (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing out ground ball out and one fly ball out on 11 pitches thrown. (08/10/12)

Boston Red Sox
(CL) Alfredo Aceves (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation giving up one walk while striking out one batter. Aceves has now put together back-to-back solid relief appearances after giving up four runs last Saturday, so he appears to have moved on. (08/09/12)
(SU) Vicente Padilla (R)–Failed to record an out in his appearance on Sunday allowing three runs on two hits and one walk. He allowed two home runs in the appearance which lead to being replaced by Alfredo Aceves to get the job done. (08/06/12)
(MR) Mark Melancon (R)–Pitched 1.1 innings of relief on Tuesday night giving up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter. With this appearance Melancon raised his earned-run average to 7.43 on the season. (08/08/12)
Injured–Andrew Bailey (60-Day DL)

Chicago White Sox
(CL) Addison Reed (R)–Recorded his 20th save of the season on Monday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit. Reed has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Tuesday. (08/07/12)
(SU) Brett Myers (R)–Picked up the win on Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk in the outing. With this appearance Myers improved to 1-1 since joining the White Sox and he has yet to give up an earned-run with his new club. (08/11/12)
(MR) Matt Thornton (L)– Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one fly ball out on 13 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)

Cleveland Indians
(CL) Chris Perez (R)–Recorded his 30th save of the season on Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Perez blew his last two save chances, so it was nice to see him bounce back with a clean ninth inning on Thursday night. (08/10/12)
(SU) Vinnie Pestano (R)–Picked up his 31st hold of the season on Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit in the outing. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out on 18 pitches thrown. (08/10/12)
(MR) Tony Sipp (L)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Thursday after pitching a scoreless seventh inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out on seven pitches thrown. (08/10/12)

Detroit Tigers
(CL) Jose Valverde (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday night in a non-save situation giving up one hit in the outing. Valverde needed only nine pitches to get through the appearance, which is low for him, forcing three ground ball outs. (08/11/12)
(SU) Joaquin Benoit (R)–Took the loss and was charged with his third blown-save of the season on Thursday after surrendering two runs on two hits and one walk in the eighth inning. He gave up two home runs in the outing and raised his earned-run average to 3.40 on the season. (08/10/12)
(MR) Phil Coke (L)–Pitched one inning of relief on Wednesday giving up two runs on three hits while striking out one batter on 25 pitches thrown. With this appearance Coke raised his earned-run average to 3.97 on the season. (08/09/12)

Kansas City Royals
(CL) Greg Holland (R)–Recorded his third save of the season on Wednesday despite giving up one run on two hits while striking out two batters in the ninth inning. Holland has now pitched back-to-back day sand may get the day off on Thursday. (08/09/12)
(SU) Aaron Crow (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Thursday night giving up one walk while striking out one batter on 17 pitches thrown. With this appearance Crow lowered his earned-run average to 3.69 on the season. (08/10/12)
(MR) Tim Collins (L)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Friday night retiring both batters he faced in order. He needed only six pitched to get through the appearance forcing one fly ball out while striking out one batter. (08/11/12)
Injured–Joakim Soria (out for season)

Los Angeles Angels
(CL) Ernesto Frieri (R)– Picked up his first win of the season on Friday night after striking out the side in the ninth inning. With this appearance Frieri improved his earned-run average to 1.84 on the season. (08/11/12)
(SU) Kevin Jepsen (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday giving up one hit while striking out one batter. He needed 11 pitches to get through the appearance forcing two ground ball outs to go along with his strikeout. (08/11/12)
(MR) Jason Isringhausen (R)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Wednesday giving up one hit in the outing. He needed 20 pitches to get through the appearance forcing one ground ball out and two fly ball outs. (08/09/12)
Injured–Jordan Walden (15-day DL), Scott Downs (15-day DL)

Minnesota Twins
(CL) Glen Perkins (L)–Recorded his seventh save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He needed only 11 pitches to get through the appearance forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get the job done. (08/08/12)
(CL) Jared Burton (R)–Recorded his fifth save of the season on Saturday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Burton has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Sunday. (08/05/12)
(MR) Alex Burnett (R)–Picked up the win on Saturday after pitching 0.1 innings of relief giving up one hit while striking out one batter. With this appearance Burnett improved to 4-3 on the season with a 2.81 earned-run average. (08/05/12)
Injured–Matt Capps (15-Day DL)

New York Yankees
(CL) Rafael Soriano (R)–Recorded his 27th save of the season on Thursday afternoon after pitching 1.1 innings of relief. He forced four fly ball outs on 14 pitches in the appearance lowering his earned-run average to 1.79 on the season. (08/10/12)
(SU) David Robertson (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday night giving up one walk in the outing. He needed 14 pitches to get through the appearance forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get the job done. (08/11/12)
(MR) Boone Logan (R–Picked up his 15th hold of the season on Friday night after pitching 0.2 innings of relief. He retired both batters he faced in order forcing one fly ball out while striking out one batter on 10 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
Injured–Mariano Rivera (out for the season)

Oakland Athletics
(CL) Ryan Cook(R)–Recorded his 12th save of the season on Wednesday despite giving up two runs on three hits in the ninth inning. Cook has struggled as of late, but the Athletics appear to have full confidence that he will be able to work through this. (08/09/12)
(SU) Grant Balfour (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Wednesday giving up one run on one hit while striking out two batters. With this appearance Balfour raised his earned-run average to 2.72 on the season. (08/09/12)
(MR) Jordan Norberto (L)–Pitched one inning of relief on Wednesday giving up two walks while striking out two batters. With this appearance Noberto lowered his earned-run average to 2.64 on the season, which is very respectable. (08/09/12)
Injured–Joey Devine (15-Day DL)

Seattle Mariners
(CL) Tom Wilhelmsen (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday retiring all batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two ground ball outs on 11 pitches thrown. (08/09/12)
(SU) Lucas Luetge (L)–Was charged with his first blown-save of the season on Tuesday night after surrendering three runs on three hits in the seventh inning. He recorded just one out on the appearance and was relieved by Stephen Pryor, who cleaned up his mess. (08/08/12)
(MR) Shawn Kelley (R)–Took the loss on Tuesday night after giving up one run on three hits and two walks in 2.1 innings of relief. With this appearance Kelley raised his earned-run average to 3.55 on the season. (08/08/12)
Injured–George Sherrill (15-Day DL)

Tampa Bay Rays
(CL) Fernando Rodney (R)–Recorded his 34th save of the season on Wednesday despite giving up a home run in the ninth inning. Rodney has now pitched back-to-back days and may get the day off on Thursday. (08/09/12)
(SU) Joel Peralta (R)–Picked up his 26th hold of the season on Wednesday after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out the side in the appearance and may be used in the closer role on Thursday if Fernando Rodney is unavailable. (08/09/12)
(MR) Kyle Farnsworth (R)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Thursday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. He forced two ground ball outs and one fly ball out on 22 pitches thrown to get the job done. (08/10/12)

Texas Rangers
(CL) Joe Nathan (R)–Recorded his 23rd save of the season on Wednesday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit while striking out three batters. Nathan has now pitched back-to-back days, but with a day off on Thursday he will be ready to go for this weekend’s series with the Tigers. (08/09/12)
(SU) Mike Adams (R)–Picked up his 20th hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit while striking out three batters. He needed 15 pitches to get through the appearance with 11 pitches going over for strikes. (08/08/12)
(MR) Robbie Ross (L)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Friday night giving up one run on one hit and two walks in the outing. With this appearance Ross raised his earned-run average to 1.82 on the season. (08/11/12)
Injured–Koji Uehara (15-Day DL)

Toronto Blue Jays
(CL) Casey Janssen (R)–Pitched one innings of relief on Thursday in a non-save situation giving up one run on one hit. He struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out on 30 pitches thrown. (08/10/12)
(SU) Brandon Lyon (R)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Tuesday night retiring both batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out on nine pitches thrown. (08/08/12)
(MR) Steve Delabar (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Friday night surrendering three runs on four hits, one of which was a home run. With this appearance Delabar raised his earned-run average to 4.25 on the season. (08/11/12)
Injured–Sergio Santos (out for season), Jason Frasor (15-day DL)

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks
(CL) J.J. Putz (R)–Recorded his 21st save of the season on Thursday after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out on 15 pitches thrown to get the job done. (08/10/12)
(SU) David Hernandez (R)–Picked up his 17th hold of the season on Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning giving up one hit while striking out one batter. Hernandez has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely be given the day off on Friday. (08/10/12)
(MR) Takashi Saito (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two fly ball outs on 16 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)

Atlanta Braves
(CL) Craig Kimbrel (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one fly ball out on nine pitches thrown to close out the game. (08/09/12)
(SU) Eric O’Flaherty (L)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Wednesday giving up one hit and one walk while striking out two batters. With this appearance O’Flaherty lowered his earned-run average to 2.43 on the season. (08/09/12)
(MR) Jonny Venters (L)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Wednesday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two ground ball outs on 10 pitches thrown. (08/09/12)

Chicago Cubs
(CL) Carlos Marmol (R)–Recorded his 14th save of the season on Thursday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one hit and one walk in the outing. He got himself into trouble, but was able to get out of it by forcing three ground ball outs to get the job done. (08/10/12)
(SU) James Russell (L)–Pitched one inning of relief on Wednesday giving up one run on two hits in the outing.  Russell has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely be unavailable to pitch in Wednesday’s game. (08/09/12)
(MR) Shawn Camp (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Friday giving up one run on two hits and one walk in the outing. With this appearance Camp raised his earned-run average to 3.63 on the season and has now pitched back-to-back days. (08/11/12)

Cincinnati Reds
(CL) Aroldis Chapman (L)–Recorded his 26th save of the season on Friday after pitching 1.1 innings of relief striking out three batters. This was Chapman’s first appearance since last Saturday so expect him to be available for the rest of this weekend’s series with the Cubs. (08/11/12)
(SU) Jonathan Broxton (R)–Picked up his third hold of the season on Friday despite giving up two runs on two hits and one walk in 0.2 innings of relief. Broxton recorded the first two outs of the eighth inning but was quickly replaced by Aroldis Chapman who cleaned up his mess. (08/11/12)
(MR) Sean Marshall (L)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Friday surrendering two runs on one hit and one walk on 14 pitches thrown. With this appearance Marshall raised his earned-run average to 2.89 on the season. (08/11/12)
Injured–Ryan Madson (out for season), Nick Masset (15-Day DL)

Colorado Rockies
(CL) Rafael Betancourt (R)–Recorded his 20th save of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two ground ball outs on 13 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
(SU) Matt Belisle (R)–Picked up his 17th hold of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless eighth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. With this appearance Belisle lowered his earned-run average to 2.79 on the season. (08/11/12)
(MR) Matt Reynolds (L)–Pitched one inning of relief on Sunday giving up one hit in the outing. Reynolds needed a solid outing after allowing six runs his last two appearances, so this was nice to see. (08/06/12)

Houston Astros
(CL) Wilton Lopez (R)–Picked up the win on Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters he faced in order while giving up one fly ball out in the appearance. (08/11/12)
(SU) Fernando Rodriguez (R)–Pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Friday retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out two batters in the appearance while forcing one fly ball out on 11 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
(MR) Rhiner Cruz (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday in a non-save situation retiring all three batters he faced in order. He threw just four pitches in the appearance forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get out of the inning. (08/09/12)
Injured–Francisco Cordero (15-Day DL)

Los Angeles Dodgers
(CL) Kenley Jansen (R)–Recorded his 23rd 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. With this appearance Jansen lowered his earned-run average to 1.88 on the season. (08/11/12)
(SU) Ronald Belisario (R)–Picked up his 19th hold of the season on Friday after pitching 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing three ground ball outs on 14 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
(MR) Brandon League (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Monday night giving up two hits while striking out one batter. League has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Tuesday. (08/07/12)
Injured–Matt Guerrier (15-Day DL), Todd Coffey (15-Dal DL)

Miami Marlins
(CL) Steve Cishek (R)–Recorded his seventh save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Cishek had yet another solid outing striking out two batters while forcing one fly ball out on 14 pitches thrown. (08/08/12)
(SU) Heath Bell (R)–Pitched one inning of relief on Thursday giving up one run on three hits in the appearance. With this outing bell raised his earned-run average to 5.44 on the season and has now pitched two of the last three days. (08/10/12)
(MR) Mike Dunn (L)–Picked up his 12th hold of the season on Tuesday after pitching a 1-2-3 seventh inning. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out on 10 pitches thrown. (08/08/12)
Injured–Juan Oviedo (15-Day DL)

Milwaukee Brewers
(CL) John Axford (R)–Took the loss and was charged with his eighth blown-save of the season on Friday night after surrendering two runs on two hits and one walk in the ninth inning. With this appearance Axford falls to 4-7 on the season with a 5.25 on the season. (08/11/12)
(CL) Jim Henderson (R)–Recorded his second save in as many days on Wednesday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk while striking out two batters.  It appears the Brewers have found a solid option for the ninth inning, but there has been no official word about Henderson being the team’s new closer. (08/09/12)
(SU) Francisco Rodriguez (R)–Picked up his 20th hold of the season on Friday night despite giving up one run on one hit in the eighth inning. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two ground ball outs on 11 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)

New York Mets
(CL) Frank Francisco (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Wednesday giving up two runs on two hits while striking out one batter. This was just his second appearance since returning from the disabled-list so don’t look too much into this outing. (08/09/12)
(CL) Bobby Parnell (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 12 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
(MR) Jon Rauch (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Friday forcing the only batter that he faced to ground out on four pitches thrown. Rauch has been pitching better as of late and is now sitting on a 3.32 earned-run average on the season. (08/11/12)
Injured– Tim Byrdak (15-Day DL)

Philadelphia Phillies
(CL) Jonathan Papelbon (R)–Recorded his 25th save of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He gave up two hits in the appearance but was able to get out of the jam by forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out to get the job done. (08/11/12)
(SU) Antonio Bastardo (L)–Took the loss on Wednesday after giving up three runs on one hit and two walks while striking out one batter. Bastardo lasted just 0.2 innings in the appearance and is now sitting on a 5.45 earned-run average. (08/09/12)
(MR) Josh Lindblom (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief surrendering three runs on two hits and two walks in the outing. Despite the rough outing Lindblom is still sitting on a 3.40 earned-run average and has given up three runs in his last three appearances. (08/09/12)
Injured–David Herndon (15-Day DL)

Pittsburgh Pirates
(CL) Joel Hanrahan (R)–Recorded his 33rd save of the season on Wednesday after striking out the side in the ninth inning. With this appearance Hanrahan lowered his earned-run average to 2.68 with 53 strikeouts on the season. (08/09/12)
(SU) Jason Grilli (R)–Took the loss and was charged with his second blown-save of the season on Tuesday after surrendering four runs on four hits in the eighth inning. He failed to record an out in the appearance, which raised his earned-run average to 2.66 on the season. (08/08/12)
(MR) Tony Watson (L)–Took the loss and was charged with his second blown-save of the season on Friday night after surrendering two runs on one hit and two walks in 1.2 innings of relief. With this appearance Watson raised his earned-run average to 4.46 on the season. (08/11/12)
Injured– Juan Cruz (15-Day DL)

San Diego Padres
(CL) Huston Street (R)–Recorded his 21st save of the season on Friday night after pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. He needed only 11 pitches to get through the appearance forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get the job done. (08/11/12)
(SU) Luke Gregerson (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. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing one ground ball out and one fly ball out on 11 pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
(MR) Dale Thayer (R)–Picked up his eighth hold of the season on Friday night after pitching a scoreless seventh inning. He retired all three batters he faced in order forcing two ground ball outs and one fly ball out to get the job done. (08/11/12)

San Francisco Giants
(CL) Jeremy Affeldt (L)–Recorded his third save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching 1.1 innings of relief. The Giants removed Santiago Casilla from the closer role and are now going with committee in the ninth, so expect Affeldt and Sergio Romo to split the saves moving forward. (08/08/12)
(CL) Sergio Romo (R)–Picked up his 18th hold of the season on Tuesday night after pitching 0.2 innings of relief. He gave up one hit in the appearance while forcing one strikeout and one fly ball out on just seven pitches thrown. (08/08/12)
(MR) Santiago Casilla (R)–Pitched 0.1 innings of relief on Thursday forcing the only batter that he faced to ground out on six pitches thrown. This was Casilla’s first appearance since being removed from the closer role so expect more roles like this down the road. (08/10/12)
Injured–Brian Wilson (out for season)

St. Louis Cardinals
(CL) Jason Motte (R)–Recorded his 25th save of the season on Thursday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning giving up one walk while striking out two batters. With this appearance Motte lowered his earned-run average to 2.63 on the season. (08/10/12)
(SU) Mitchell Boggs (R)–Picked up his 19th hold of the season on Thursday after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He retired all three batters he faced in order striking out one batter while forcing two fly bal outs on 11 pitches thrown. (08/10/12)
(MR) Marc Rzepczynski (L)–Pitched 0.2 innings of relief on Wednesday retiring both batters he faced in order. He needed eight pitches to get through the appearance forcing two fly ball outs to get out of the ninth inning. (08/09/12)

Washington Nationals
(CL) Tyler Clippard (R)–Recorded his 23rd save of the season on Tuesday night after pitching a scoreless 12th inning. Clippard has now pitched back-to-back days and will likely get the day off on Wednesday so expect Sean Burnett to get the save chance in his place if one arises. (08/08/12)
(SU) Sean Burnett (L)–Pitched a scoreless seventh inning on Friday night retiring all three batters he faced in order. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two ground ball outs on nine pitches thrown. (08/11/12)
(MR) Drew Storen (R)–Pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday in a non-save situation giving up one hit and one walk in the outing. He struck out one batter in the appearance while forcing two ground ball outs on 17 pitches thrown. (08/10/12)
Injured–Henry Rodriguez (15-Dal DL)

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