Joe Biagini benefits as Drew Storen falls

May 28, 2016

Toronto Blue Jays — Joe Biagini was the bridge to closer Roberto Osuna yesterday, finishing the seventh inning and starting the eighth before giving up the tying run and eventually vulturing a win. Drew Storen (7.80 ERA) hasn’t pitched since May 20th and is reportedly on the trading block. A change of scenery may do Storen wonders, but it seems unlikely that he could wind up closing.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Floyd | Biagini.

New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was brought in to get the final out after Kirby Yates gave up a homer to make it a three-run game. Chapman did his job twice, getting the rare stat line that has more strikeouts than outs recorded. The last pitcher to do this was the immortal Jerry Blevins, who did it in the bare minimum of six pitches. The last guy to do it in a full inning was Mr. July himself, Will Smith, who should be back with the Brewers next week.

Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Gavin Floyd, Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna has pitched in the last three games (39 pitches).
2. Michael Blazek, Milwaukee Brewers — Jeremy Jeffress and Tyler Thornburg have each seen action in three of four (four of six for Jeffress).
3. Addison Reed, New York Mets — Jeurys Familia gave up a four-run lead in the ninth on Friday night (32 pitches).
4. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees — Chapman threw only nine pitches to earn that otherworldly 54 K/9 ratio, but you know Joe Girardi tries to avoid using his big three on back-to-back-to-back nights.