A quick, nasty investigation of a fairly minor issue.
We've seen a few comments noting Roberto Osuna's tendency to pitch worse when there isn't a save on the line. Why would this happen? Is the adrenalin not flowing? Is he taking the opportunity to try out a few things? And, perhaps more to the point, does this really happen?
In a word, yes. Here are your AL closers, ranked in order of how much their ERA increases when he's not pitching in a save situation.
Pitchert Team ERA Gain tt
Kimbrelt BOSt 3.84
Robertson CWSt 3.