Cleveland Indians: The long-awaited return of the Bullpen Mafia

Who is the ‘Tony Sipp’ of 2020? Answer: Nick Wittgren

During the 2011 season Tony Sipp provided a very important role to the bullpen. He wasn’t exactly a setup-man or middle-reliever, but more of a situational, do-it-all type pitcher. He wasn’t the best member of the Bullpen Mafia, but he knew his role and did it well. That is Nick Wittgren in 2020.

Wittgren can be used in the seventh inning as needed, but he isn’t always the best option in that situation. Outside of the closer, Wittgren has the highest ERA of those we talk about here at 2.19 and also the highest WHIP at 0.97. These numbers are still solid, but with such a strong bullpen, his role can be slightly undefined on the surface, as was Sipp’s in 2011.

In 2011, Sipp also had the highest ERA outside of the closer and the second-highest WHIP as well, but he served a purpose. He was called upon for 62.1 innings that year and was effective when needed.

Wittgren has been in a similar position so far this season. Tossing 12.1 innings already, the second-most of the bullpen, Wittgren has found a niche that he can control in the game. When certain situations arise, he’s the one that comes on, playing a very key role in the team’s success.