Bullpen Use

[jorgenswest]

At the quarter pole the Minnesota Twins bullpen has 2.3 WAR which is first in the major leagues. That isn’t the same as saying they have had the best bullpen. I don’t think WAR is a great measure for a bullpen but is way better to be first in WAR than last.

The Twins bullpen ranks 13th in innings pitched and in a tie for 4th through 8th in games pitched. The teams ahead of the them in games pitched include the first place Dodgers and the Cubs. The Guardians and Mariners also have pitched 140 games with a few more innings from their bullpen. The Dodgers use of the bullpen both last year and this year is very extreme. The Dodgers bullpen has thrown 28.2 innings more than the Twins excluding opener starts. Including those it would be 34.2 more innings for the Dodgers.

Individually Louis Varland leads the majors in appearances with 22. Jax and Duran have 20 appearances. The Dodgers also have three pitchers with 20 or more games. The Dodgers top 6 have 116 appearances. The Twins top 6 have 110 appearances. This includes opener starts. The Twins don’t have anyone near the leaders for innings pitched individually. Duran and Varland at have 19.1.

They appear to always have an 8th man in the bullpen that they don’t use at times for days. They eventually get used for length to save the rest of the arms and then are DFA’d or optioned. We have seen Dobnak, McCaughan, Blewett and Funderburk have been in that role. Alcala moved into that role when Stewart returned. Jax and Sands have both been in that 8th man spot in previous seasons and performed their way out of it.

 

 

[stringer bell]

Nice analysis. It seems the bullpen usage is on a par with most other teams and I don't think overuse has been an issue. I almost hate to bring it up, but health has been a positive for this group. The Twins don't have a significant starter or reliever on the IL at this point, although they have several on the IL in the minor leagues. 

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

At the quarter pole the Minnesota Twins bullpen has 2.3 WAR which is first in the major leagues. That isn’t the same as saying they have had the best bullpen. I don’t think WAR is a great measure for a bullpen but is way better to be first in WAR than last.

The Twins bullpen ranks 13th in innings pitched and in a tie for 4th through 8th in games pitched. The teams ahead of the them in games pitched include the first place Dodgers and the Cubs. The Guardians and Mariners also have pitched 140 games with a few more innings from their bullpen. The Dodgers use of the bullpen both last year and this year is very extreme. The Dodgers bullpen has thrown 28.2 innings more than the Twins excluding opener starts. Including those it would be 34.2 more innings for the Dodgers.

Individually Louis Varland leads the majors in appearances with 22. Jax and Duran have 20 appearances. The Dodgers also have three pitchers with 20 or more games. The Dodgers top 6 have 116 appearances. The Twins top 6 have 110 appearances. This includes opener starts. The Twins don’t have anyone near the leaders for innings pitched individually. Duran and Varland at have 19.1.

They appear to always have an 8th man in the bullpen that they don’t use at times for days. They eventually get used for length to save the rest of the arms and then are DFA’d or optioned. We have seen Dobnak, McCaughan, Blewett and Funderburk have been in that role. Alcala moved into that role when Stewart returned. Jax and Sands have both been in that 8th man spot in previous seasons and performed their way out of it.

 

 

I always appreciate these posts from you. 

You consistently compare and contrast against other. I never doubt that you are not just watching the Twins.  

[jorgenswest]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Nice analysis. It seems the bullpen usage is on a par with most other teams and I don't think overuse has been an issue. I almost hate to bring it up, but health has been a positive for this group. The Twins don't have a significant starter or reliever on the IL at this point, although they have several onn the IL in the minor leagues. 

Good point. Not a single reliever has been placed on the IL since the start of the season. I should have added that. How many teams can make that claim?

I am certain that as soon as someone is injured there will be debate about whether it falls on the Twins use of the bullpen.