MLB: Power Ranking the Top Ten Major League Bullpens

Apr 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Wade Davis (17) celebrates with catcher Erik Kratz (19) after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the game 6-5. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 10, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Luke Gregerson (44) throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Houston beat Texas 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

. 1st. AL West. Houston Astros. 4. player. 135

Yet another surprising club included in our top ten Major League bullpens is the Houston Astros, and a case could be made that the unit should be ranked even closer to the top.

Through the first 14 games of the 2015 season, the ‘Stros relievers have posted a 1.98 ERA and have held opponents to a tiny .158 batting average in 50 innings of work. That ERA ranks third in the Major Leagues and first among the 20 teams that have 43 innings or more of work out of the pen.

Longtime setup man Luke Gregerson won the closer’s job in spring training and he’s been nearly perfect so far. The 31-year old right-hander has yet to surrender a run in seven innings, and has allowed only three men to reach base (two via hit and one walk). Gregorson has three saves and has struck out 7 of the 24 hitters he’s faced.

In addition to Gregerson, the Astros have relied on a veteran group including Chad Qualls, Pat Neshek, Tony Sipp, Samuel Deduno, Will Harris and Joe Thatcher. None are dominant and none are flashy, but they’ve all gotten the job done so far.

Next: Washington Nationals

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