RELIEVERS: What spring stats can tell us

This week's column looks at what spring training can tell us about relief pitchers. Relievers so far have around 10-15 innings in games. Clearly there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes as well and a lot of the evaluation happens against scrubs and minor leaguers, so reliance on the results can be quite a bit uneven. So what can we learn?

Let's look at some players, starting with Raul Valdes (LHP, PHI):

                   IP    H   Cmd HR  WHIP  Opp.BA
==============    ==== ==== ==== ==  ====  ======
R.Valdes (PHI)    14.1  13  17/1  5  0.98   .232

Valdes is pitching regularly, so we learn that his knee surgery in the off-season went well and that it is not a problem for him pitching in March. We learn that his mechanics are...

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

Checking in on the Twins, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and Athletics pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:10am
Checking in on the Nationals, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Rockies pens for Opening Day.
Mar 20 2026 3:09am
These relievers are the ones with the best chance at profit after the first 30 relievers are taken (and after the first 125 pitchers overall) in NFBC 15-team mixed leagues.
Mar 15 2026 3:05am
This column covers relievers who might cost you a lot chasing saves but then fizzle out because of skills or injury risk.
Mar 8 2026 3:07am
This is the annual sleepers column, but let's be honest: There are no sleepers. There are relievers with great skills who are cheaper than they should be ... and that's what you want anyway.
Mar 1 2026 3:03am

Tools