Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report (5/21)

Every time I write this article, I’m reminded of the quote from Springfield Mayor “Diamond” Joe Quimby: “Can’t we have one meeting that doesn’t end with us digging up a corpse?”

Every week it seems I have to revive the name of a reliever who appeared dead and buried not long ago or re-examine a team situation I thought was settled the week before. Several such scenarios unfolded this past week. You’ll see some familiar names below.

This article includes saves and holds totals for all games through Monday, May 19.

Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report

News and Notes

Chicago Cubs

Porter Hodge was placed on the IL Sunday with an oblique injury. The Cubs’ bullpen is now wide open after Daniel Palencia blew the first save chance without Hodge available Monday night in Miami.

Palencia has been reliable this year while throwing upper-90s heat. He could still see additional save opportunities, because Monday’s earned runs were the first he’d allowed since April 19.

If Craig Counsell wants to try something new, Brad Keller is having a fantastic season as a full-time reliever. Keller’s velocity and strikeout rate are up significantly while pitching one inning at a time, and he’s quietly begun earning late-inning chances. Perhaps a save is next, though that 60%-plus ground ball rate makes him a go-to choice with runners on base earlier in games.

Left-handed Drew Pomeranz could also earn some chances if left-handed batters are due up in the ninth inning. He should remain a situational option at best, though.

If Counsell wants to try something old, Ryan Pressly has actually been pitching much better lately and is inducing more swinging strikes. Pressly’s last two appearances have resulted in holds, so Counsell is slowly trusting him with late leads again. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Pressly get another chance at some point, even if it doesn’t happen quickly.