Regarding relief pitchers, closers get all of the love for saving games and ensuring victory. In turn, they also tend to get all of the blame for a blown save. The fact is, nearly all of the attention falls on the closer. However, some relief pitchers never get any awareness, or really, appreciation for that matter. These are the guys who chew up innings when the starter can’t, earn holds by maintaining the status quo, or pitch well enough to make the win for their team. Sometimes they will even earn the save if there’s no need to bring in the closer. Without these essential, unheralded middle or late-game relievers, teams would have much less success winning ball games. That said, here’s some recognition for a few of the best key relievers this year.
Recognition for Key Relievers
Games-Entered Leverage Index
First, only some relief situations are equal. Some pitchers enter games with little or no pressure, and others with intense pressure. Interestingly enough, there is a statistic for that. The “game-entering Leverage Index” or gmLI measures the pressure a pitcher faces depending on their situation. The statistic places the average pressure rating at 1.0, meaning there are no runners on, and the batters faced are hitting at the league average. Below 1.0 is considered low pressure, and above 1.0 is considered high pressure. The idea of this statistical category is to put a value on what type of situation pitchers enter into based on the number of outs, runners on base, inning, and quality of batters faced.
Tim Mayza, Toronto Blue Jays
Tim Mayza deserves recognition for what he has done in Toronto. In 52 appearances, Mayza is 2-1, with 40 innings pitched and a lowly 1.13 ERA. He has a 1.08 WHIP, 18 holds, and one save. He may only have 38 strikeouts, but his excellent control has been reflected in a 4.22 K/BB ratio. Mayza has a 1.49 gmLI, meaning he enters games at a higher pressure rate than most other non-closer relievers. In short, Mayza has been solid for an otherwise struggling Blue Jays bullpen.
Hector Neris, Houston Astros
Hector Neris is quietly helping Houston toward another postseason run. In 50 games, Neris is 6-2 with a 1.52 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched. He has 23 holds, ranking third in the American League, and two saves. His 55 strikeouts in so few innings have helped him post a 10.5 SO/9 ratio. Neris also boasts a 2.1 WAR, a number typical of a starting pitcher, not a reliever. His overall performance is much more impressive, considering his gmLI stands at 1.46 for the season.
Joel Payamps, Milwaukee Brewers
Joel Payamps has been an integral part of Milwaukee’s success this year. With injuries and uncharacteristic performances from their starters, the Brewers have relied heavily on their bullpen. Payamps is 4-2 in 51 appearances and 53.1 innings pitched. His 1.86 ERA and measly .844 WHIP have helped the Brewers stay in contention in the NL Central. Payamps has tallied 23 holds, second in the National League, and three saves. He further deserves recognition due to his 59 strikeouts and only eight walks. This has resulted in an eye-catching 7.38 SO/BB ratio. His 1.56 gmLI further shows his success has been smooth.
Jennifer Cano, Baltimore Orioles
Jennifer Cano has proven to be the best set-up man in baseball this year. Cano leads the AL in holds with 26 and has added four saves to his stat line. He has a 1.82 ERA in 50 appearances, but his 54.1 innings pitched reflects longer relief outings than most set-up men. Cano has tallied 50 strikeouts in those games and only allows 0.5 HR/9. He has posted a 2.4 WAR, one of the best of any reliever in baseball, and was selected to his first All-Star game in July. Cano has faced brutal pressure with a 1.89 gm. Baltimore has the best one-two punch in all of baseball this year, with Cano setting up for the dominant closer, Felix Bautista.
Main Photo Credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Tim Mayza, Hector Neris, Joel Payamps, Yennier Cano, Félix Bautista
