Reliever Rankings, August 27
Welcome to the August 27 edition of (clutch) Reliever Rankings! There has been some shuffling in the team rankings since the last edition. This is largely due to the amount of back-end reliever movement at the trade deadline. Consequently, all reliever rankings from here until the end of the season will be based on who is on each team’s active roster or 60-day injured list.
A reminder that these are clutch reliever rankings. Mop-up duty or pitching while behind, while important, is not what makes a bullpen earn its keep. Pitching scoreless innings in tie games or with a narrow lead is what does it. Another way to look at this is which back ends of bullpens are most trustworthy.
Reliever Rankings ranks teams by league in the following categories: Goose Egg percentage (GE%), Broken Egg percentage (BE%), and GE per BE (GE/BE). These ranks are averaged to get their overall ranking. The reason we are looking at Goose Eggs — a clutch relief stat invented by Nate Silver — and not saves is that Goose Eggs give a better indication of clutch performance. Plus, they go inning-by-inning instead of game-by-game. (The short version: A Goose Egg is a scoreless inning of relief in the seventh inning or later of either a tie game or one where his team holds a narrow lead. When the pitcher allows an earned run in that situation, it is a Broken Egg. If he allows an unearned run or an inherited run, it is a Meh. In chess terms, that’s akin to a stalemate.)
This week, we will look at the National League first. Statistics are up to and including August 27.
NL Reliever Rankings (Active Roster & Injured List Only)
NL Individual Leaders
| Goose Eggs | |||
| 1 | Tyler Rogers | SF | 34 |
| 2 | Jake McGee | SF | 32 |
| 3 | Blake Treinen | LAD | 30 |
| 4 | Mark Melancon | SD | 30 |
| 5 (T) | Kenley Jansen | LAD | 29 |
| Devin Williams | MIL | 29 |
| Broken Eggs | |||
| 1 (T) | AJ Minter | ATL | 10 |
| Daniel Bard | COL | 10 | |
| 3 | Giovanny Gallegos | STL | 9 |
| 4 (T) | Will Smith | ATL | 8 |
| Yimi Garcia | MIA | 8 |
| GE/BE Ratio (Min. 10 GE) | |||
| 1 | Tejay Antone | CIN | 14.0 |
| 2 (T) | Craig Kimbrel* | CHC | 12.0 |
| Jhoulys Chacin | COL | 12.0 | |
| 4 | Josh Hader | MIL | 9.3 |
| 5 | Tyler Rogers | SF | 8.5 |
* = Kimbrel is now with the Chicago White Sox of the American League; this ratio is from his time with the Chicago Cubs only.
NL Notable Performers
Here are notable performers from each National League team.
Arizona Diamondbacks
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Taylor Clarke | 9 | 4 | 0 | 69.2% | 30.8% | 2.3 |
| Noe Ramirez | 8 | 2 | 0 | 80.0% | 20.0% | 4.0 |
| Tyler Clippard | 6 | 1 | 1 | 75.0% | 12.5% | 6.0 |
| Caleb Smith | 3 | 1 | 0 | 75.0% | 25.0% | 3.0 |
| Matt Peacock | 2 | 2 | 0 | 50.0% | 50.0% | 1.0 |
| Joe Mantiply | 2 | 5 | 2 | 22.2% | 55.6% | 0.4 |
| Tyler Gilbert | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| JB Wendelken | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.0% | 50.0% | 1.0 |
| Brett de Geus | 1 | 2 | 1 | 25.0% | 50.0% | 0.5 |
| Jake Faria | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0% | 0.0% | — |
| Chris Devenski | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.0% | 100.0% | 0.0 |
| Humberto Castellanos | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.0% | 100.0% | 0.0 |
Atlanta Braves
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Will Smith | 28 | 8 | 3 | 71.8% | 20.5% | 3.5 |
| Tyler Matzek | 14 | 2 | 3 | 73.7% | 10.5% | 7.0 |
| Chris Martin | 14 | 5 | 2 | 66.7% | 23.8% | 2.8 |
| Luke Jackson | 14 | 5 | 2 | 66.7% | 23.8% | 2.8 |
| AJ Minter | 14 | 10 | 2 | 53.8% | 38.5% | 1.4 |
Chicago Cubs
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Dan Winkler | 5 | 2 | 1 | 62.5% | 25.0% | 2.5 |
| Keegan Thompson | 3 | 1 | 5 | 33.3% | 11.1% | 3.0 |
| Adam Morgan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Justin Steele | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Tommy Nance | 2 | 0 | 2 | 50.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Rex Brothers | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50.0% | 25.0% | 2.0 |
| Manuel Rodriguez | 2 | 2 | 0 | 50.0% | 50.0% | 1.0 |
| Alec Mills | 2 | 1 | 2 | 40.0% | 20.0% | 2.0 |
Cincinnati Reds
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Tejay Antone | 14 | 1 | 2 | 82.4% | 5.9% | 14.0 |
| Lucas Sims | 14 | 4 | 4 | 63.6% | 18.2% | 3.5 |
| Michael Lorenzen | 9 | 0 | 1 | 90.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Brad Brach | 9 | 3 | 3 | 60.0% | 20.0% | 3.0 |
| Amir Garrett | 7 | 4 | 3 | 50.0% | 28.6% | 1.8 |
| Mychal Givens | 5 | 0 | 1 | 83.3% | 0.0% | INF |
| Josh Osich | 2 | 2 | 4 | 25.0% | 25.0% | 1.0 |
Colorado Rockies
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Daniel Bard | 16 | 10 | 3 | 55.2% | 34.5% | 1.6 |
| Jhoulys Chacin | 12 | 1 | 0 | 92.3% | 7.7% | 12.0 |
| Carlos Estevez | 11 | 6 | 2 | 57.9% | 31.6% | 1.8 |
| Tyler Kinley | 6 | 2 | 2 | 60.0% | 20.0% | 3.0 |
Los Angeles Dodgers
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Blake Treinen | 30 | 5 | 8 | 69.8% | 11.6% | 6.0 |
| Kenley Jansen | 29 | 7 | 5 | 70.7% | 17.1% | 4.1 |
| Phil Bickford | 7 | 1 | 3 | 63.6% | 9.1% | 7.0 |
| Corey Knebel | 5 | 2 | 1 | 62.5% | 25.0% | 2.5 |
Miami Marlins
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Dylan Floro | 24 | 6 | 1 | 77.4% | 19.4% | 4.0 |
| Anthony Bass | 13 | 7 | 3 | 56.5% | 30.4% | 1.9 |
| Richard Bleier | 10 | 5 | 5 | 50.0% | 25.0% | 2.0 |
| Anthony Bender | 6 | 1 | 1 | 75.0% | 12.5% | 6.0 |
Milwaukee Brewers
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Devin Williams | 29 | 5 | 2 | 80.6% | 13.9% | 5.8 |
| Josh Hader | 28 | 3 | 2 | 84.8% | 9.1% | 9.3 |
| Brad Boxberger | 24 | 6 | 1 | 77.4% | 19.4% | 4.0 |
| Brent Suter | 10 | 3 | 3 | 62.5% | 18.8% | 3.3 |
New York Mets
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Edwin Diaz | 28 | 6 | 2 | 77.8% | 16.7% | 4.7 |
| Seth Lugo | 14 | 3 | 2 | 73.7% | 15.8% | 4.7 |
| Miguel Castro | 13 | 5 | 1 | 68.4% | 26.3% | 2.6 |
| Trevor May | 11 | 3 | 2 | 68.8% | 18.8% | 3.7 |
| Aaron Loup | 11 | 2 | 8 | 52.4% | 9.5% | 5.5 |
| Jeurys Familia | 7 | 3 | 4 | 50.0% | 21.4% | 2.3 |
Philadelphia Phillies
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Jose Alvarado | 17 | 5 | 3 | 68.0% | 20.0% | 3.4 |
| Hector Neris | 17 | 7 | 2 | 65.4% | 26.9% | 2.4 |
| Archie Bradley | 11 | 3 | 4 | 61.1% | 16.7% | 3.7 |
| Connor Brogdon | 7 | 2 | 4 | 53.8% | 15.4% | 3.5 |
| Ranger Suarez | 6 | 4 | 4 | 42.9% | 28.6% | 1.5 |
| Sam Coonrod | 5 | 4 | 3 | 41.7% | 33.3% | 1.3 |
| Bailey Falter | 3 | 1 | 0 | 75.0% | 25.0% | 3.0 |
| Ian Kennedy | 3 | 0 | 2 | 60.0% | 0.0% | INF |
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Chris Stratton | 8 | 1 | 1 | 80.0% | 10.0% | 8.0 |
| David Bednar | 8 | 2 | 0 | 80.0% | 20.0% | 4.0 |
| Kyle Crick | 5 | 1 | 1 | 71.4% | 14.3% | 5.0 |
| Sam Howard | 3 | 1 | 1 | 60.0% | 20.0% | 3.0 |
| Duane Underwood Jr. | 3 | 2 | 1 | 50.0% | 33.3% | 1.5 |
San Diego Padres
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Mark Melancon | 30 | 5 | 5 | 75.0% | 12.5% | 6.0 |
| Emilio Pagan | 19 | 4 | 2 | 76.0% | 16.0% | 4.8 |
| Tim Hill | 12 | 6 | 1 | 63.2% | 31.6% | 2.0 |
| Drew Pomeranz | 8 | 2 | 1 | 72.7% | 18.2% | 4.0 |
| Pierce Johnson | 7 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Austin Adams | 6 | 1 | 4 | 54.5% | 9.1% | 6.0 |
San Francisco Giants
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Tyler Rogers | 34 | 4 | 4 | 81.0% | 9.5% | 8.5 |
| Jake McGee | 32 | 6 | 2 | 80.0% | 15.0% | 5.3 |
| Dominic Leone | 9 | 1 | 3 | 69.2% | 7.7% | 9.0 |
| Zack Littell | 8 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Jarlin Garcia | 5 | 1 | 3 | 55.6% | 11.1% | 5.0 |
| Tony Watson | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
St. Louis Cardinals
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Giovanny Gallegos | 28 | 9 | 1 | 73.7% | 23.7% | 3.1 |
| Alex Reyes | 23 | 6 | 2 | 74.2% | 19.4% | 3.8 |
| Genesis Cabrera | 13 | 3 | 6 | 59.1% | 13.6% | 4.3 |
| Ryan Helsley | 6 | 3 | 0 | 66.7% | 33.3% | 2.0 |
| T.J. McFarland | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
Washington Nationals
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Kyle Finnegan | 15 | 6 | 3 | 62.5% | 25.0% | 2.5 |
| Austin Voth | 7 | 2 | 0 | 77.8% | 22.2% | 3.5 |
| Sam Clay | 3 | 4 | 0 | 42.9% | 57.1% | 0.8 |
| Andres Machado | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.7% | 33.3% | 2.0 |
Top Three
Tyler Rogers (SF), Josh Hader (MIL), Jake McGee (SF)
AL Reliever Rankings (Active Roster & Injured List Only)
AL Individual Leaders
| Goose Eggs | |||
| 1 | Chad Green | NYY | 30 |
| 2 | Jonathan Loaisiga | NYY | 29 |
| 3 | Raisel Iglesias | LAA | 28 |
| 4 | Aroldis Chapman | NYY | 27 |
| 5 | Jose Cisnero | DET | 26 |
| Broken Eggs | |||
| 1 | Jake Diekman | OAK | 8 |
| 2 | Seven Tied | 7 |
The seven are Matt Barnes (BOS), Liam Hendriks (CHW), Aaron Bummer (CHW), Bryan Shaw (CLE), Ryne Stanek (HOU), Alex Colome (MIN), and Lou Trivino (OAK).
| GE/BE Ratio (Min. 10 GE) | |||
| 1 (T) | Steve Cishek | LAA | INF |
| Ian Kennedy* | TEX | INF | |
| 3 | Ryan Pressly | HOU | 12.5 |
| 4 | JP Feyereisen | TB | 12.0 |
| 5 | Kendall Graveman | SEA/HOU | 10.5 |
* = Kennedy is now with the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League, where his ratio is still infinite. These numbers are from his time with the Texas Rangers only.
AL Notable Performers
Here are notable performers from each American League team.
Baltimore Orioles
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Paul Fry | 12 | 5 | 4 | 57.1% | 23.8% | 2.4 |
| Tanner Scott | 9 | 4 | 5 | 50.0% | 22.2% | 2.3 |
| Travis Lakins | 4 | 3 | 1 | 50.0% | 37.5% | 1.3 |
| Dillon Tate | 4 | 3 | 2 | 44.4% | 33.3% | 1.3 |
| Tyler Wells | 3 | 2 | 1 | 50.0% | 33.3% | 1.5 |
| Cole Sulser | 3 | 2 | 2 | 42.9% | 28.6% | 1.5 |
Boston Red Sox
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Matt Barnes | 24 | 7 | 2 | 72.7% | 21.2% | 3.4 |
| Adam Ottavino | 21 | 6 | 2 | 72.4% | 20.7% | 3.5 |
| Garrett Whitlock | 12 | 5 | 2 | 63.2% | 26.3% | 2.4 |
| Josh Taylor | 9 | 1 | 1 | 81.8% | 9.1% | 9.0 |
| Darwinzon Hernandez | 6 | 2 | 5 | 46.2% | 15.4% | 3.0 |
Chicago White Sox
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Liam Hendriks | 23 | 7 | 4 | 67.6% | 20.6% | 3.3 |
| Aaron Bummer | 13 | 7 | 6 | 50.0% | 26.9% | 1.9 |
| Garrett Crochet | 11 | 3 | 4 | 61.1% | 16.7% | 3.7 |
| Michael Kopech | 10 | 3 | 4 | 58.8% | 17.6% | 3.3 |
| Evan Marshall | 8 | 1 | 3 | 66.7% | 8.3% | 8.0 |
| Ryan Tepera | 3 | 2 | 0 | 60.0% | 40.0% | 1.5 |
| Craig Kimbrel | 2 | 3 | 0 | 40.0% | 60.0% | 0.7 |
Cleveland Indians
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Emmanuel Clase | 25 | 5 | 3 | 75.8% | 15.2% | 5.0 |
| James Karinchak | 24 | 5 | 3 | 75.0% | 15.6% | 4.8 |
| Bryan Shaw | 15 | 7 | 2 | 62.5% | 29.2% | 2.1 |
| Nick Wittgren | 12 | 4 | 2 | 66.7% | 22.2% | 3.0 |
| Nick Sandlin | 4 | 1 | 0 | 80.0% | 20.0% | 4.0 |
| Blake Parker | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
Detroit Tigers
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Jose Cisnero | 26 | 4 | 5 | 74.3% | 11.4% | 6.5 |
| Gregory Soto | 25 | 4 | 4 | 75.8% | 12.1% | 6.3 |
| Michael Fulmer | 15 | 5 | 5 | 60.0% | 20.0% | 3.0 |
| Kyle Funkhouser | 10 | 2 | 3 | 66.7% | 13.3% | 5.0 |
Houston Astros
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Ryan Pressly | 25 | 2 | 4 | 80.6% | 6.5% | 12.5 |
| Ryne Stanek | 15 | 7 | 4 | 57.7% | 26.9% | 2.1 |
| Brooks Raley | 7 | 3 | 3 | 53.8% | 23.1% | 2.3 |
| Cristian Javier | 6 | 2 | 0 | 75.0% | 25.0% | 3.0 |
| Bryan Abreu | 5 | 2 | 0 | 71.4% | 28.6% | 2.5 |
| Kendall Graveman | 4 | 1 | 0 | 80.0% | 20.0% | 4.0 |
Kansas City Royals
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Scott Barlow | 22 | 6 | 8 | 61.1% | 16.7% | 3.7 |
| Greg Holland | 13 | 6 | 0 | 68.4% | 31.6% | 2.2 |
| Josh Staumont | 11 | 2 | 1 | 78.6% | 14.3% | 5.5 |
| Jake Brentz | 11 | 6 | 4 | 52.4% | 28.6% | 1.8 |
| Kyle Zimmer | 5 | 1 | 1 | 71.4% | 14.3% | 5.0 |
| Richard Lovelady | 4 | 2 | 1 | 57.1% | 28.6% | 2.0 |
| Ervin Santana | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
Los Angeles Angels
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Raisel Iglesias | 28 | 5 | 4 | 75.7% | 13.5% | 5.6 |
| Mike Mayers | 16 | 5 | 7 | 57.1% | 17.9% | 3.2 |
| Steve Cishek | 11 | 0 | 5 | 68.8% | 0.0% | INF |
| Austin Warren | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Junior Guerra | 3 | 1 | 0 | 75.0% | 25.0% | 3.0 |
Minnesota Twins
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Taylor Rogers | 22 | 4 | 3 | 75.9% | 13.8% | 5.5 |
| Tyler Duffey | 17 | 5 | 3 | 68.0% | 20.0% | 3.4 |
| Alex Colome | 16 | 7 | 2 | 64.0% | 28.0% | 2.3 |
| Caleb Thielbar | 9 | 0 | 5 | 64.3% | 0.0% | INF |
| Juan Minaya | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
New York Yankees
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Chad Green | 30 | 6 | 6 | 71.4% | 14.3% | 5.0 |
| Jonathan Loaisiga | 29 | 4 | 6 | 74.4% | 10.3% | 7.3 |
| Aroldis Chapman | 27 | 5 | 2 | 79.4% | 14.7% | 5.4 |
| Wandy Peralta | 8 | 1 | 3 | 66.7% | 8.3% | 8.0 |
Oakland Athletics
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Lou Trivino | 20 | 7 | 4 | 64.5% | 22.6% | 2.9 |
| Yusmeiro Petit | 16 | 2 | 5 | 69.6% | 8.7% | 8.0 |
| Jake Diekman | 14 | 8 | 1 | 60.9% | 34.8% | 1.8 |
| Sergio Romo | 11 | 1 | 2 | 78.6% | 7.1% | 11.0 |
| Andrew Chafin | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
Seattle Mariners
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Paul Sewald | 18 | 3 | 2 | 78.3% | 13.0% | 6.0 |
| Drew Steckenrider | 16 | 2 | 0 | 88.9% | 11.1% | 8.0 |
| Anthony Misiewicz | 14 | 4 | 2 | 70.0% | 20.0% | 3.5 |
| Diego Castillo | 7 | 1 | 0 | 87.5% | 12.5% | 7.0 |
| Casey Sadler | 6 | 2 | 0 | 75.0% | 25.0% | 3.0 |
Tampa Bay Rays
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Andrew Kittredge | 18 | 2 | 2 | 81.8% | 9.1% | 9.0 |
| Matt Wisler | 16 | 3 | 2 | 76.2% | 14.3% | 5.3 |
| Pete Fairbanks | 14 | 3 | 3 | 70.0% | 15.0% | 4.7 |
| Ryan Thompson | 14 | 6 | 5 | 56.0% | 24.0% | 2.3 |
| JP Feyereisen | 12 | 1 | 2 | 80.0% | 6.7% | 12.0 |
Texas Rangers
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Josh Sborz | 8 | 4 | 2 | 57.1% | 28.6% | 2.0 |
| Brett Martin | 6 | 1 | 7 | 42.9% | 7.1% | 6.0 |
| Joe Barlow | 5 | 1 | 0 | 83.3% | 16.7% | 5.0 |
| Taylor Hearn | 5 | 2 | 2 | 55.6% | 22.2% | 2.5 |
Toronto Blue Jays
| Name | GE | BE | M | GE% | BE% | GE/BE |
| Jordan Romano | 19 | 3 | 1 | 82.6% | 13.0% | 6.3 |
| Tim Mayza | 9 | 2 | 1 | 75.0% | 16.7% | 4.5 |
| David Phelps | 5 | 0 | 2 | 71.4% | 0.0% | INF |
| Julian Merryweather | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Trevor Richards | 4 | 3 | 0 | 57.1% | 42.9% | 1.3 |
| Anthony Castro | 4 | 3 | 1 | 50.0% | 37.5% | 1.3 |
| Adam Cimber | 3 | 2 | 2 | 42.9% | 28.6% | 1.5 |
| Trent Thornton | 2 | 2 | 1 | 40.0% | 40.0% | 1.0 |
| Joakim Soria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.0% | 0.0% | INF |
| Brad Hand | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0.0% | 50.0% | 0.0 |
Top Three
Ryan Pressly (HOU), Kendall Graveman (SEA/HOU), Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY)
Glossary
A Goose Egg is a scoreless inning of clutch relief (seventh inning or later; tie game, a lead of no more than two runs, or entering the game with the tying run on base or at bat). A Broken Egg is a failed Goose Egg situation — one where the pitcher allows an earned run. A Meh is a Goose Egg situation that did not result in a GE or BE. GE/BE is the ratio of GE to BE; the historical average is around 3-to-1. For a full explanation of the statistic, see this article by its inventor, Nate Silver.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
