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Baltimore Orioles’ Bullpen Tops Great Staffs in AL East

By Nate Wardle

Sep 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The Orioles won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The Orioles won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Craig Kimbrel
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) prepares to deliver a pitch in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Boston Red Sox

Relief pitcher: Matt Barnes, Craig Kimbrel, Robbie Ross, Junichi Tazawa, Koji Uehara, Heath Hembree, Tommy Layne, Brad Ziegler, Fernando Abad, Clay Buchholz, Noe Ramirez, Joe Kelly

Preseason prediction – 3rd, Kimbrel, Uehara, Carson Smith, Tazawa, Ross, Brandon Workman, Layne, Barnes, Hembree, Carlos Marmol, Sean O’Sullivan

It wasn’t the best of seasons for Kimbrel and the Red Sox bullpen. Kimbrel finished with a 3.40 ERA and 31 saves, missing some time due to injury. He also suffered six losses, compared to only two wins. Uehara closed a few games as well. The Red Sox were hurt by not having a healthy Carson Smith, who was expected to play a key role.

Hembree and Ziegler both did a good job for the Red Sox, particular Ziegler after being acquired, who had a 1.52 ERA in 33 games.

The Red Sox won 25 games in relief, lost 27. They save percentage was 70 percent, all three numbers being middle of the road in the division. In other divisions this might be a top bullpen, but not in the AL East.

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