Arizona Diamondbacks: The bullpen was a mess
Archie Bradley: B-
Bradley came into the closer’s role late in the season and did okay. He had a 3.52 ERA and was 18 for 21 in save opportunities. The problem is he could be so much better. That is too many blown saves for one closer especially with the fact he wasn’t the closer the whole season.
Greg Holland: C-
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The Holland experiment was a failed one, much akin to the Leake one. He had a 4.54 ERA and was 17 of 22 in save opportunities. Combined with Bradley they went 35 for 43 in save chances. That is an extra 8 games the team could have won. That is why he was released in August by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Yoan Lopez: B
Lopez was pretty good throughout the season. He was 2-7 but carried a 3.41 ERA in 70 appearances. He is a good young player who should develop nicely for the team.
Hirano struggled this season after pitching really well last season. He carried a 4.75 ERA in 62 games. Compare this to 2.44 ERA last season and you’ll understand the letter grade here.
Chafin was a stalwart in the pen. He went 2-2 with a 3.76 ERA and only 18 walks in 77 games. He should continue this production moving forward.
Andriese went a palsy 5-5 with a horrible 4.71 ERA in 54 appearances. Not exactly the kind of ERA you want from one of your relievers.
McFarland also struggled with a 4.82 ERA in 51 games. Again really struggled when it really mattered.
Kevin Ginkel: A
Ginkel, a rookie emerged as a star in the bullpen. He only appeared in 25 games, but had a 1.48 ERA and ended with 2 saves throughout the year. If he can cut down on his walks, he will be a major contributor at the end of games.
Crichton, in his first action since 2017 went 1-0 with a 3.56 ERA in 28 games. Given this was his first time back, I’d say that was pretty good.
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