April 22, 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon had another rough outing on Tuesday in what has been a less than stellar year for the Pirates closer. His velocity has been down all season and his ERA moved to 8.53 after he allowed three runs on Tuesday. Melancon doesn’t “pay attention” to the drop in his fastball and manager Clint Hurdle was quick to point out that even with a slight dip, “there’s no injury.” But something doesn’t seem right with Melancon, and fantasy owners should look for him to be added to the hot seat in this week’s column.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Hughes.
Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan is eligible to return from the DL on Wednesday after he completes a rehab assignment in Toledo. If everything goes as planned, he could be ready as early as Friday, though Brad Ausmus was less sure of that timetable than Nathan.
Hierarchy remains: Soria | Chamberlain | Krol.
Philadelphia Phillies – Luis Garcia has been terrific for the Phillies this season and he picked up his second hold of the year on Tuesday. Garcia has not allowed a run since Sept. 10, 2014, and has struck out seven batters in his last six innings of work, including two on Tuesday. With Jake Diekman’s ERA a robust 13.50, Garcia is the safer bet in the seventh inning going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Garcia.
Kansas City Royals – Kelvin Herrera was suspended five games for Sunday’s nastiness, and he will appeal that suspension, a process that is estimated to take two weeks to complete. Herrera will be available during the appeal, which is good news for the Royals as they try and get Greg Holland back off the DL.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Herrera | Frasor.
Houston Astros – Chad Qualls chalked another one up for the Vulture Save Watch with a clean ninth inning.
Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Qualls | Neshek.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen has thrown 48 pitches over the last two games; Bryan Shaw does have three straight appearances under his belt, but has been extremely efficient over the last two.
2. Roberto Osuna/Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays – John Gibbons has mixed and matched relievers for the past week.
