All articles tagged with #relief pitching
Shohei Ohtani, after a strong pitching performance in Game 4 of the World Series, announced he will prepare to pitch out of the bullpen for the remaining games, marking a potential new role in his MLB career, as the Dodgers face a critical series against the Blue Jays.
The Dodgers secured a crucial win over the Diamondbacks with unexpected relief performances from Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw, highlighting their improvisation and resilience as they approach the playoffs, reducing their magic number to one.
The Dodgers secured a crucial win over the Diamondbacks, aided by unexpected relief performances from Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw, reducing their magic number to one and showcasing resilience and improvisation in their pitching staff ahead of the playoffs.
The Yankees face setbacks with Austin Slater sidelined for 4-6 weeks and Giancarlo Stanton returning to the outfield, while their struggling bullpen, despite recent acquisitions, continues to underperform, impacting their playoff push amid a recent losing streak.
The Dodgers suffered a 10-7 loss to the Twins, heavily impacted by sloppy relief pitching, defensive errors, and injuries, marking one of their worst performances in recent months.
Devin Williams, after a rough start to his closing role, managed to secure a save for the Yankees in a tense game, demonstrating resilience despite struggles, and highlighting the challenges of closing in high-pressure situations.
The New York Mets are considering trading veteran outfielder Starling Marte for relief pitching help, as they aim to strengthen their bullpen. This move comes after signing Juan Soto to a record deal, which has reshaped their outfield. Marte, who had a solid postseason but was limited by injuries in 2024, could be traded with the Mets willing to cover part of his salary. The team is in need of experienced relievers, with several bullpen members now free agents, and is exploring trade options to address this weakness.
The Atlanta Braves have placed pitcher Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow UCL sprain and recalled Allan Winans to provide reinforcement for the relief corps. With several bullpen members likely unavailable for the upcoming game, Winans' ability to provide bulk innings and keep teams off balance with his pitching style will be crucial as the Braves face the Diamondbacks in their series finale, with Chris Sale set to start.
New York Yankees reliever Jonathan Loaisiga will undergo season-ending UCL surgery, marking the latest setback in his injury-plagued career. The surgery comes with a shorter recovery timeline of 10-12 months, and with Loaisiga set to become a free agent after the season, his future with the Yankees remains uncertain. The team is also dealing with other pitching injuries, including Scott Effross and Lou Trivino, while keeping an eye on Gerrit Cole's health. Despite the challenges, the Yankees are expected to continue pursuing bullpen options as they navigate their pitching concerns.
Mariners reliever Matt Brash may face a lengthy absence due to arm troubles, potentially jeopardizing his entire 2024 season. His breakout performance in 2023 was a significant contribution to the team's bullpen, and his absence would be a major blow. The team is exploring options to compensate for his potential loss, but the impact of a notable Brash injury at this stage of the offseason is significant.
The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a $9 million contract with reliever Matt Moore for the second consecutive offseason. Moore, who had a successful stint with the Angels in 2023, has been performing well since transitioning to the bullpen. The Angels' recent signings, including Moore, reflect a focus on bolstering their relief corps. With payroll commitments still below last year's mark, the Angels may continue to pursue additions to their lineup and starting rotation in the coming weeks.
The San Diego Padres have traded first baseman/designated hitter Matt Carpenter and left-handed reliever Ray Kerr to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league outfielder Drew Campbell. The move frees up financial space for the Padres and clears two roster spots. However, it leaves the team with a greater need for relief pitching, as several key pitchers have departed. The Padres are also still in search of a potent lefty bat and additional outfielders.
Houston Astros General Manager Dana Brown has dismissed rumors of trading star third baseman Alex Bregman, emphasizing his importance to the team. Brown also discussed the team's need for bullpen help and a backup catcher. He mentioned that there have been no recent extension discussions with Bregman, Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, and Framber Valdez, who will be free agents after next season. Brown highlighted the potential of Forrest Whitley, a former top prospect, to contribute in the bullpen. He provided updates on the recovery timelines of Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia, who are targeting a July return, and mentioned that Kendall Graveman has started throwing after a shoulder injury.
The Chicago Cubs are facing important decisions regarding their starting rotation, particularly with struggling pitcher Drew Smyly. Smyly's recent performances have been subpar, with a 7.22 ERA since May 28. It is suggested that Smyly be replaced in the rotation by one of the three other starting options on the roster, while Smyly could be utilized in long relief. The Cubs also have young relievers to evaluate and may consider bringing up pitching prospect Ben Brown. The team needs reliable pitching, especially with the strong performance of their offense. Additionally, a scoring change will lower Kyle Hendricks' ERA, and there is discussion about the strike zone and its impact on player performance.
The Houston Astros, currently chasing the Texas Rangers in the American League West, are considering their options ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. While the Rangers have made significant trades to strengthen their roster, the Astros' general manager, Dana Brown, stated that they are not actively seeking a starting pitcher but are open to acquiring another relief pitcher. The Astros' bullpen is ranked 12th in the Majors, and they aim to bolster their relief corps. Although Houston's starting pitching has slipped in recent weeks, the return of José Urquidy from the injured list may provide some reinforcement. However, it is unlikely to match the impact of the Rangers' acquisitions.