RELIEVERS: 2023 Week 1 insights

It's been a little over one full week. One week is only a few days in a long regular season, and yet it has been a week for relievers. 34 relievers converted one save. Only four converted more than one. The Royals, Phillies, Cubs and strangely, the Rays, didn't get one. Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen (RHP, BOS) got one the day after the first week ended. Saves come in bunches and then there is a drought. You just have to roll with it and resist the temptation to throw all your hard off-season work out the window because of what happened the first week.

This column is going to run through the 38 relievers who converted at least one save the first week, and point out some rather obvious differences and hopefully some helpful observations....

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Teams are moving relievers and this column has early impacts, starting with Paul Sewald's demotion and A.J. Minter (LHP, MIN) to the surging Twins, where he will pair with Yoendrys Gómez (pictured).
Aug 2 2026 3:07am
Skills always matter. Here are five more pens as we head towards August.
Jul 26 2026 3:05am
Buyers and sellers at the deadline always disrupt bullpens. Here are some potential teams to watch.
Jul 19 2026 3:06am
The relievers in this article are the ones most likely to have 20 or more holds at the end of the season.
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
This column examines the RPs who have at least a 20% K%-BB%, no more than a 1.0 HR/9, and no more than a 3.50 xERA as of July 1.
Jul 5 2026 3:09am

Tools