April 24, 2017
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels took a 1-0 lead to the 8th inning, but Deolis Guerra gave up a go-ahead home run and Brooks Pounders allowed considerably more damage, as the Blue Jays rallied to win 6-2. Blake Parker remains our favorite arm in this bullpen, but he was used rather curiously in this game, striking out the side in the 6th inning. That gives him 15 Ks against only 2 BBs (and 0 HRs allowed) in 9.1 innings this year, but given his early usage, we’ll push Bud Norris to the top of the committee. Lefty Jose Alvarez, who got his second hold of the season on Sunday with a clean 7th, slots in behind them for now.
Updated hierarchy: *Norris | Parker | Alvarez.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – Though he only picked up his first save of the season on Sunday, it’s probably safe to remove the asterisk on Matt Bush. Since the Rangers put Sam Dyson on the DL, Bush has pitched the 9th inning three times — twice in tie games, and then last night’s appearance, in which he pitched a clean 9th.
Updated hierarchy: Bush | Jeffress | LeClerc.
Washington Nationals – Sunday marked two saves in two days for Koda Glover, though it’s worth mentioning that he was not tasked with starting the 9th inning on either occasion. Yesterday this actually made his job harder, as Oliver Perez allowed a hit to the only batter he faced, meaning Glover started his outing with nobody out and a man on. But with a three-run lead, Glover closed the door, striking out one batter in the process. Shawn Kelley remains at the top of this committee, having picked up three saves in three outings earlier this week, but the Nationals appear to have two players capable of doing this job.
Hierarchy remains: *Kelley | Glover | Treinen.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jeremy Jeffress – Matt Bush has gone back to back and three of four.
Tuesday
1. Daniel Hudson/Felipe Rivero – Tony Watson pitched Sunday (27 pitches) and Friday (16 pitches).
