April 29, 2016
Miami Marlins — Hard-throwing righty Kyle Barraclough, acquired by the Marlins in the Steve Cishek trade, is off to a torrid start this season (6.2 innings, 0 ER, 11 Ks), and yesterday picked up his third consecutive hold, pitching the seventh inning ahead of David Phelps and A.J. Ramos. He’s only 25 years old, his fastball averages 96 mph, and the correct pronunciation of his name is wonderful. What’s not to love?
Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Phelps | Barraclough.
Atlanta Braves — When wins are as rare as they’ve been for the 5-17 Braves so far this season, you tend to make sure that your best pitchers are pitching when you actually have a chance to win a game. And with the Braves actually holding a lead late in Thursday’s game, Jason Grilli was nowhere to be found. Instead, for the second straight time, Jim Johnson picked up the eighth-inning hold ahead of Arodys Vizcaino. The Braves are still probably hoping they can get a prospect for Grilli midseason, but his poor start has kept him out of high-leverage chances since the season’s first week.
Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Johnson | Grilli.
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris, who has been among the biggest surprises in any bullpen this season (13 IP, 1 ER, 20 Ks) needed a night off after pitching two games in a row. Despite the need for a bridge to closer Jeanmar Gomez, the Phillies still stayed away from veteran David Hernandez, instead allowing Elvis Araujo and Dalier Hinojosa to navigate the eighth inning. Much of what Hernandez has done this year has been positive — he has 16 strikeouts in just 9.1 innings. But he’s also had two particularly tough outings, and yesterday is an indication that he needs to do a little more if he’s ever going to push Gomez for the closer role again.
Updated hierarchy: Gomez | Neris | Hernandez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox — David Robertson will miss at least three games on the bereavement list.
2. Hector Neris, Philadelphia Phillies — Jeanmar Gomez has pitched in three straight.
