Given the way the game is played these days, bullpens are dynamic entities constantly changing shape. Though longer injured list stints and option limits were intended to somewhat slow this ebb-and-flow of arms moving in and out, the game of musical chairs continues. Let’s check in on some of the changes being made in bullpens around the game today…
- The Marlins have placed Louis Head on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder impingement, recalling Zach Pop from Triple-A, per Christina De Nicola of MLB.com (via Twitter). Head’s contributions on the year haven’t necessarily been additive, as the 32-year-old reliever owns a 7.23 ERA/5.29 FIP across 23 appearances totaling 23 2/3 innings. The injury is a bit peculiar as well since it’s not his throwing arm. Pop was a Rule 5 pick from the Orioles by the Diamondbacks, whom the Marlins then acquired via trade. He appeared in 50 games for the Fish last season, pitching to a 4.12 ERA/3.77 FIP across 54 2/3 innings.
- The Cubs have placed veteran southpaw Daniel Norris on the 15-day injured because of a finger strain. To take his roster spot, they have recalled Adrian Sampson from Triple-A, per Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). Norris hasn’t had a great season, but if he’s healthy, he made draw some trade interest simply as a veteran southpaw. Currently, however, he owns a 7.24 ERA/5.73 FIP in 24 appearances covering 27 1/3 innings. Sampson has been up and down, designated for assignment, and brought back. Despite his frequent travels, he has tossed just 5 2/3 innings with the Cubs this season without giving up an earned run.
- The Guardians have optioned Anthony Castro to Triple-A and recalled right-hander Yohan Ramirez, per Paul Hoynes of cleveland.com (via Twitter). Castro, 27, with his third team in three years, has slogged through eight appearances, surrendering eight earned runs in eight innings on 11 hits and seven walks to 10 strikeouts. The Guardians acquired Ramirez from the Mariners via trade for cash and a player to be named later. He made seven appearances with the Mariners, posting a 7.56 ERA across 8 1/3 innings of work.
Oh no! Not Daniel Norris!
Strained Finger? How’d he do that? Picking his nose? Wow Hoyer really dug deep for that excuse for being crappy. Next stop, DFA City. All aboard!!!!!!!
Wow! Insane Clown Posse! Over the top Uncle Mike, but it keeps the site interesting. Look forward to your next Hoyer opinion
I don’t mean to be harsh but how is Daniel Norris still in the bigs? Since 2017 he’s posted a 5.17 ERA, 4.55 FIP, 3.5 BB9…. I just don’t see any redeeming qualities.
I heard he has good “stuff”…. I haven’t seen it and apparently hitters have no either but that’s what I’ve heard.
He’s left – handed. Only reason!
“I don’t mean to be harsh but how is Daniel Norris still in the bigs?”
KingZeke8;
Because of expansion, overmanaging (at the direction of FO’s and analytics), and players getting hurt due to playing every game like the 7th game of the WS; MLB is a terribly watered down product that keeps players in ML uniforms that have long passed their time….or should never have been promoted in the first place…..
And the Commissioner and fans here want them to expand some more.
You’re right about all those things. Organizations approach every game as if it’s an elimination game all year long. Managers burn through bullpens game in and game out. Everyone marvels at the “revolutionary” way TB handles its staff and their seemingly endless supply of fresh arms shuttling back and forth from the minors. That’s not working out too well this year – injuries galore most of which can be attributed to the over management of games.
I read the LA Times article a few months ago that covered the Dodgers’ release of Don Sutton in August 1988. GM Fred Claire complained that Sutton was only giving them 5-6 innings per start and was wearing out their bullpen. Times have changed dramatically, and not for the better.
“I don’t mean to be harsh but, the Guardians??!!??
I have a binder full of Cleveland Indians BB cards from the 80’s & 90’s, from when I lived in Ohio. Every time I open that binder I get nauseous, “Guardians”. The only time I felt worse was when Art Modell moved the Browns back in 1995. Same sick feeling.
The name change from Indians to Guardians is minor compared to Art Modell. Whether you like the name Guardians or not, they still are Cleveland which is the most important name.
Isn’t Meghan Montemurro working for the Chicago Tribune these days?
Yes.
“Pop life, everybody wants a thrill”. — Prince
That finger strain will get you everytime!
Norris has experienced hand and finger issues in the past so this is nothing new. Between his performance and occasional health issues, not much to like except the beard and his Microbus.
It came to a Head so naturally they had to Pop it!
Brad Hand asked if he could help out. Seeing how Klobosits was unavailable.
What exactly is “Shoulder Impingement” anyway?
Honestly great question
Did Head just implode recently? His numbers looked pretty good not that long ago.
Just looked…19.96 ERA this month will do it.
Might be the single worst month I’ve ever seen from a pitcher. Dude was a launching pad every time he came in. I can’t believe this took as long as it did.
2007 Jorge Julio checks in…
A bunch of earth shattering moves. Like it.