May 21, 2017
Seattle Mariners — Edwin Diaz had a positive outing on Friday night and could return to the closer’s role soon. The Mariners will likely use Diaz in a non-save situation for his next appearance, but if he responds well, he could be back as closer after that. We will leave Nick Vincent and James Pazos at the top of the committee for now, but we don’t expect that to last.
Updated hierarchy: *Vincent | Pazos | Diaz.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — Ryan Dull has been placed on the DL with an injury to his right knee. John Axford has returned, and the veteran should take over Dull’s role in the later innings. In other injury news for the A’s bullpen, Sean Doolittle may be back sooner than originally expected.
Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Madson | Axford.
San Diego Padres — Brandon Maurer got some work last night with the Padres getting blown out, and his struggles continued. He gave up an earned run on a hit and two walks. Maurer has now given up at least one run in four of his past five appearances. The Padres haven’t indicated that they are ready to make any changes, but if Maurer continues to pitch like this, they might not have a choice.
Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Hansel Robles – Addison Reed has gone in two straight and three of four, throwing a total of 72 pitches over that span.
2. Derek Law – Mark Melancon has pitched in two in a row, including 22 pitches yesterday, and the Giants could be cautious with Melancon since he just returned from injury.
3. Michael Lorenzen – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in two straight and three of four.
Monday:
1. Arodys Vizcaino/Jose Ramirez – Jim Johnson has pitched in two straight and four of the past five. Arodys Vizcaino and Jose Ramirez have also pitched two in a row so whoever is rested between those two would likely get the call on Monday if Johnson goes again today.
2. Darren O’Day – It will be three in a row for Brad Brach if he pitches on Sunday.
3. Andrew Miller/Bryan Shaw – Cody Allen has pitched in two straight and will get the day off Monday if he pitches again today. Andrew Miller has also pitched in two straight so if he used on Sunday, that would leave Shaw for Monday.
