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  "description": "Navigating the closer carousel is not easy. But guess what, we do it anyway. We aren't in the business of taking the easy way out, so Ray Kuhn takes a look at the recent bullpen news.",
  "path": "/bullpen-banter-there-some-situations-in-doubt/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-15T23:27:32.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.prospectslive.com",
  "tags": [
    "Bullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn",
    "Ryan Helsley",
    "Rico Garcia",
    "Pete Fairbanks",
    "Tyler Phillips",
    "Josh Ekness",
    "Emilio Pagan",
    "Tony Santillan",
    "Graham Ashcraft",
    "Pierce Johnson",
    "Subscribe now"
  ],
  "textContent": "Don’t blame me. I’m right there with you in the trenches, and the last thing I want to do is cause any drama or stress. But dare I say it, things appear to have settled down in bullpens across baseball. That doesn’t mean there isn’t uncertainty or situations we should simply pretend don’t exist, but this week was quieter on the news front. Now, let’s take a trip around the league and dig into the bullpen news you need to know.\n\nBullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn\n\n### Baltimore Orioles\n\nRico Garcia (Photo Credit: mlb.com)\n\nWe have clarity in Baltimore, which is great news. Ryan Helsley got off a strong start this season with seven saves and a 2.53 ERA before heading to the Injured List. He hasn’t resumed throwing yet, so that pushes his likely return closer to the end of the month at the earliest. But when he returns, Helsley will step back into the ninth inning. In the interim, Rico Garcia has been the clear replacement, and he’s up to three saves. Garcia continues to have success overall to the tune of a 0.47 ERA and 0.42 WHIP with 22 strikeouts in 19 innings. There could be a few more saves here before Helsley returns due to his strong production.\n\n### Miami Marlins\n\nPete Fairbanks (Photo Credit: mlb.com)\n\nWhile Pete Fairbanks was sidelined, we got to see some good things from both Tyler Phillips and Josh Ekness. But with Fairbanks returning this week, we have some real clarity. Fairbanks is the clear-cut closer in Miami, and there shouldn’t be any concerns about him holding down the role. With a 10.00 ERA and five saves, it’s been a rough start to the year for Fairbanks, but the sample size is small, and he also has a lengthy track record of success. He’s striking out 31.7% of hitters, and his 3.46 xERA should allow him to bounce back pretty quickly. And if not, we know where to look in Phillips and Ekness.\n\n### Cincinnati Reds\n\nPierce Johnson (Photo Credit: Katie Stratman)\n\nEmilio Pagan is expected to be out for an extended period of time, and that means the Reds have to look elsewhere to pitch the ninth inning. Initially, the thought was that Tony Santillan would step in, but he’s struggled as of late. And then, when the Reds had their most recent save chance, it was Graham Ashcraft pitching the eighth inning and Pierce Johnson coming in for the ninth inning. Johnson picked up the save, and he has prior experience in that role, recording 13 saves in 2023. So far this year, Johnson has a 3.71 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 17 innings. He’s not necessarily an overpowering option, but Johnson can be a solid pitcher if he’s picking up saves. Just don’t invest too heavily.\n\n## Sign up for Prospects Live\n\nYour one stop shop for Dynasty Fantasy Baseball, MLB Draft, Baseball Card & MiLB Baseball content. Blending Data & Scouting into our Player Evaluation\n\nSubscribe\n\nEmail sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.\n\nNo spam. Unsubscribe anytime.\n\n### This post is for subscribers only\n\nBecome a member to get access to all content\n\nSubscribe now",
  "title": "Bullpen Banter - There Some Situations in Doubt",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-15T23:27:33.221Z"
}