Given the bullpen is in a state of flux. It doesn't seem that anybody outside of Nunez' role has been cemented due the struggles thus far. But I find it interesting that the Hopper was chosen to close out the game yesterday. I've imagined him being used as a long reliever (5th or 6th inning). But considering the fact that he has been pretty solid, other than the loss the other day, could it be that the Fish will consider using him later in the game in our ever important 7th and 8th innings? Your thoughts?

The only reason that he was used last night in that situation is because Nunez has pitched 3 games in a row.

 

As for using him later in the game, I could see him getting an appearance here or there if we are short on arms but he excels for us as a long relief guy.

Hopper deserves accolades. He has been just plain solid and consistent. While Nunez appears to be settling in, Hopper has kept the pen from being a disaster. His three innings against the Mets, saturday night after the two plays at second to then get another grounder and last night. He just goes out and trusts himself.

Not saying it would or should happen but if Vandenhurk or someone else in AA or AAA forces the front office to bring them up you could see Badenhop moving closer to that job, perhaps setting up in the eighth and occasionally closing in situations like last night.

 

He's obviously a much more confident and polished pitcher now, and knows the league so much better, it shouldn't be surprising that his excelling at his craft leads to bigger and better things. As I said above though, he may not be the driver of such a move rather because of some other event(s) his role evolves into what's being discussed.

Job well done by the Hopper. Did a nice job filling in for Nunez. Content with the job he is doing coming out as the long man or in middle relieft giving us those 2 to 3 innings when we really need them.

I really like Hopper and while I don't know about putting him as the closer I'd love to see him as a 7th-8th guy who can come into games and get us out of jams, plus put in 2 inning holds when we really need him too. Give his usage so far this year that might be exactly what they plan for him.

No, the last thing we need is for him to make enough in arbitration so that we have to trade him. Keep him where he is since it doesn't even matter when he pitches, as long as he keeps on pitching as well as he has so far.