PT TOMORROW: AL Central—Feasts and famines in the bullpens

Cleveland Indians

With Cody Allen (RHP, LAA) and Andrew Miller (LHP, STL) gone, Brad Hand (LHP, CLE; pictured above), is fully solidified as the Tribe’s closer for 2019. Since converting to a full-time reliever in 2016, he’s posted a 12.0 Dom fully supported by a 14% SwK, and his ABA Reliability profile makes him a solid closer investment in all formats. 

The rest of the bullpen is a bit of a work-in-progress at this stage. The most frequently used returnees—Dan Otero (RHP, CLE), Oliver Pérez (LHP, CLE), and Neil Ramírez (RHP, CLE)—are all competent relievers, but each has something that could keep them from locking down regular 8th inning duty and the “backup closer” designation.

For Otero, that problem is the .337 opposing BA by LH...

Almost!

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