June 24, 2017
Baltimore Orioles — Darren O’Day returned from the DL with a scoreless eighth inning in a blowout loss. The Orioles need bullpen reinforcements badly, and O’Day should immediately return to his setup role behind Brad Brach. Zach Britton pitched a scoreless inning in a rehab relief assignment and looks to be on track to return in early July.
Updated hierarchy: Brach | O’Day | Givens.
Los Angeles Angels — Huston Street made his return from injury in a low-leverage spot, pitching a scoreless seventh down three. This was likely a scheduled appearance to ease him back into things. Street stays atop the committee for now, but the next few save chances could provide a lot of clarity on how Mike Scioscia will deploy his suddenly healthy bullpen. In other news, Bud Norris’s rehab is progressing well, and he could return after the minimum 10-day stay on the DL.
Hierarchy remains: *Street | Hernandez | Bedrosian.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Joe Kelly pitched the eighth inning of a three-run game on Friday, and has seen the bulk of the highest-leverage spots ahead of Craig Kimbrel. No one is unseating Kimbrel, who is in the middle of a historic season, but Kelly has pitched well enough to earn the first crack when the closer cannot go.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.
Detroit Tigers — K-Rod is no longer a Detroit Tiger. The active saves leader lost the closer role in May, ripped the coaching staff last week, and gave up a grand slam Thursday night. Bruce Rondon will replace him on the roster, so it’s not like things are going to get any less frustrating for Tigers fans.
Hierarchy remains: J. Wilson | A. Wilson | Greene.
Arizona Diamondbacks — JJ Hoover has shoulder inflammation and could miss some significant time. Jorge de la Rosa should get some extra work in the seventh inning with Hoover on the DL.
Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Bradley | J. de la Rosa.
Atlanta Braves — Jim Johnson got a break after throwing a combined 39 pitches on Wednesday and Thursday, leaving Arodys Vizcaino to protect a one-run lead for the Braves. He shut the door with a clean inning to snag his first save of the year. Johnson should be ready to go tonight.
Hierarchy remains: Johnson | Vizcaino | Ramirez.
Tampa Bay Rays — Austin Pruitt pitched a scoreless three innings in a blowout to earn his first career save. You know the routine: first person to send us a screenshot with him in your fantasy lineup last night earns free Premium!
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Farquhar | Diaz.
Seattle Mariners — Yovani Gallardo also pitched the last three innings of a blowout win to pick up a save in his first relief appearance since July 14, 2007. Come back in another 10 years for his next one.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Vincent | Cishek.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Luis Garcia — Hector Neris, Pat Neshek, and Joaquin Benoit have each pitched in three of four.
2. Trevor Rosenthal — Seung Hwan Oh has pitched in three of the last four games.
3. Keone Kela — Matt Bush has struggled lately, including last night’s loss in a 31-pitch outing.
Sunday:
1. Arodys Vizcaino — Jim Johnson got Friday off, but an appearance on Saturday would be three of four.
2. David Phelps — Another appearance for A.J. Ramos will be his third in four games.
3. Jacob Barnes/Carlos Torres — The same is true of Corey Knebel.
4. Dellin Betances — And Aroldis Chapman.
5. Sean Doolittle — And Santiago Casilla.
6. Brad Hand/Phil Maton — And Brandon Maurer.
