Examining Cubs, Reds, Tigers, Royals, and Blue Jays

This week, the column visits the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Toronto Blue Jays bullpens to determine what is going on and where each of these teams might go from here.  We start in Wrigley.

With the Chicago Cubs Opening Day closer Adbert Alzolay (RHP, CHC) on the 60-day IL with a flexor strain, and Julian Merryweather (RHP, CHC) also out for the foreseeable future, Craig Counsell has been patchworking together the middle innings between starters and Hector Neris (RHP, CHC). It has not been great. Here are the skills to-date:

CHCSVHDIPERAxERAWHIPK%K-BB%HR/9
Neris, Hector8323.02.744.931.5220%3%0.4
Leiter Jr., Mark0823.13.473.011.2432%24%0.4
Alzolay, Adbert IL4117.14.674.721.4417%9%3.2
Miller, Tyson02

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Relievers projected for saves with weaker skills typically don't pay out.
Mar 9 2025 3:03am
What even is a sleeper anymore? You will know about these relievers—but each of them could bring rewards at discount.
Mar 2 2025 3:08am
A LIMA (Low Investment Mound Aces) strategy relies on relievers to keep costs down and provide ERA/WHIP excellence. The relievers in this column provide that list of relievers.
Feb 23 2025 3:02am
Last week this column looked at five murky pens. This week, five more pens--Reds, Tigers, Dodgers, Angels, and Rays.
Feb 16 2025 3:02am
An early look at Red Sox, Rangers, Marlins, Nationals, and Diamondbacks pens.
Feb 12 2025 3:05am

Tools