The evolution of pitching has resulted in an increased importance on relievers. So it’s no wonder why seven of the eight teams represented on this list as the best so far this season are at or near the top of the standings in their respective divisions.
8. Chicago Cubs
What aren’t they good at? Relatively speaking, this might be the weak spot on a team that entered Thursday 25-8. You wouldn’t know it when you looked at some of the stats. Pedro Strop, who leads the club in appearances, has eight holds. Adam Warren and Travis Wood combine to allow 14 hits in 23.1 innings. Hector Rondon is spectacular at the back end: seven saves, a 0.69 ERA and a WHIP of 0.31. In 13 innings of work, he’s fanned 21 batters without a walk.
7. Washington Nationals
For a club that saw many games in 2015 go by the wayside in the later innings, the Nationals have successfully retooled. Jonathan Papelbon, acquired this past July, doesn’t nailing down a save with as much efficiency as he did in Boston or Philadelphia, but the 35-year-old is much better than who they had before. He’s supported well by two fellow veterans: Yusmeiro Petit and Shawn Kelley — each with a WHIP under 1.00. Kelley, a Padre last year, is already at 16 strikeouts after 11.2 innings…without a run.
6. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are quite good at holding leads…if they can ever have leads. At 13-21, signs are pointing to a wasted season. Don’t tell that to someone like Huston Street. Before heading onto the 15-day disabled list, the 32-year-old right-hander was five-for-five in save opportunities. Thanks to a starting staff that has an ERA above 5.00, the Halos bullpen has been summoned more often than preferable. L.A. relievers have logged 122 innings so far (third in MLB), but are still holding batters to just a .219 average.
5. Kansas City Royals
Some relief staffs have a mixture of power and finesse. Some simply have a fleet of arms aimed to overpower the hitters. Kansas City possesses the latter. This is virtually the same cast that was so tremendous during the run to the AL pennant in 2014 and the World Series title in 2015. The one key piece missing is Derek Holland, recovering from Tommy John surgery. But Wade Davis has filled in brilliantly in that closers role — not yet scored upon through his first 10 outings this year.
4. New York Mets
It’s not enough that the Mets have, arguably, the best starting pitching staff in baseball. A group that includes Addison Reed, Hansel Robles, unheralded Jim Henderson, as well as lefties Jerry Blevins and Antonio Bastardo collectively post an ERA of 2.58 and a strikeout rate of 10.41 per nine innings. Closer Jeurys Familia has converted all of his 12 save opportunities (to lead the NL) – even though the ride to get to the finish line isn’t always a smooth one.
3. Chicago White Sox
Everything is coming up roses for the first place White Sox so far. The offense is balanced, starting pitching (led by Chris Sale) is outstanding, and the relief pitching (when the starters give way) is quite reliable. Robin Ventura shuffles through a variety of set-up men — all to great results — in front of David Robertson. The former New York Yankee has given up only eight hits and two runs (while tallying 10 saves) in 14 appearances. Collectively, the Sox own the third-best bullpen ERA.
2. Baltimore Orioles
Not many are better at bullpen management than skipper Buck Showalter. It also helps that he’s quite familiar with the makeup of this group. For a part of the roster that fluctuates with great frequency, the O’s bullpen has stability. Zach Britton, who averaged 36.5 saves over the past two seasons in Baltimore, is on his way to other solid campaign. Darren O’Day, an Oriole since 2012, is one of four relievers who have more than 14 appearances and still hold an ERA of less than 2.60.
1. Seattle Mariners
Just as much of a surprise at the top of the American League West as they are at the head of these rankings, the Mariners are holding opponents to a MLB-low batting average of .181. Former Miami Marlin Steve Cishek leads Seattle in saves (11), WHIP (0.82) and ERA (0.98). He’s set up nicely by 40-year-old Joel Peralta and his 10 holds. Over 104 innings, the M’s bullpen has struck out 119 with an ERA of 2.34. These numbers present a formula for success – and a 21-13 record is proof of that.