Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
A little over two weeks later, the Giants have not gotten too burnt.
There have been times an inexperienced bullpen has let them down, but the Giants’ 3.69 ERA from relievers in August is eighth best in the majors. Sam Coonrod is a major find, Jandel Gustave has been great and no one has looked overmatched.
The organizational depth is the major reason they could afford parting with relievers who had formed the strength of the team. And the fact that the bullpen pieces they dealt have not dominated makes the trades, at least for the moment, easier to stomach. (Although, with the Giants’ rotation struggles, perhaps Drew Pomeranz and Derek Holland would be nice to have right about now.)
Sam Dyson
Since the trade to the Twins: 2 2/3 innings, six runs, seven hits, four strikeouts.
It’s better than it looks. Dyson imploded in his first two outings following the deadline and was quickly placed on the injured list with right biceps tendinitis. Since coming back, though, the sinker specialist has regained form and pitched back-to-back clean innings.
Taylor Rogers has been solid as Minnesota’s closer, though he hasn’t pitched since blowing a save Sunday. For now, Dyson is a valuable setup man.
Mark Melancon
Since the trade to the Braves: 5 1/3 innings, six runs, 10 hits, eight strikeouts.
Melancon started well enough to separate himself in a muddled Atlanta bullpen, grabbing the closer role and pitching a perfect ninth Tuesday.
Wednesday was a step back, though, and he let up four hits and two runs while trying to close out the Mets. He had to be pulled, with Jerry Blevins getting the final out.
Derek Holland
Since the trade to the Cubs: Seven innings, two runs, four hits, four strikeouts.
Though not technically a deadline deal, Holland was DFA’d in late July and dealt for cash. Chicago badly needed bullpen help and he’s provided it, serving as both a lefty-on-lefty and a multi-inning weapon, depending on the situation.
Of course, his latest matchup did not end well, entering a bases-loaded jam Thursday and allowing the winning home run to Bryce Harper.
Holland on Harper’s slam: “he got all of that one” pic.twitter.com/HgyBlx7Doc
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 16, 2019
Drew Pomeranz
Since the trade to the Brewers: Six innings, four runs, five hits, nine strikeouts.
After starting out well, surrendering a single run in his first five innings, Pomeranz hasn’t come through in his past couple outings. He took the loss Tuesday, when he got one out and allowed two runs as part of a three-run Minnesota eighth inning.
Ray Black
Since the trade to the Brewers: One inning, no runs, one hit, no strikeouts.
The fireballer was called up this week and threw a clean sixth inning Wednesday.
The trade deadline was a long day for Black.
New #Brewers reliever Ray Black tells his crazy trade day travel story. pic.twitter.com/PBAvt4FXIu
— Tom (@Haudricourt) August 14, 2019