The Orioles entered last night’s game against San Diego with the fifth best bullpen ERA in baseball. Félix Bautista has led the charge all season, but the Cy Young candidate has not done it alone. Yennier Cano and Danny Coulombe emerged as tremendous surprises, and several other pitchers have had their moments.
The Orioles’ propensity for close games rarely leaves a margin for error. Guys like Mike Baumann, Shintaro Fujinami and Cionel Pérez have pitched under scrutiny. Bryan Baker, Nick Vespi, and Joey Krehbiel have helped keep a fresh arm around. Cole Irvin, Austin Voth, and even Bruce Zimmermann have provided length, but no pitcher has worked with a “low-leverage” label.