July 31, 2017
Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson has lost his position at the top of the Atlanta bullpen, and will now share duties with a handful of other relievers. Arodys Vizcaino is the best reliever to own right now, as he would’ve gotten the save chance last night, had the Braves taken the lead. (Johnson was used in a tie game in the 8th.) Rex Brothers, who closed for a spell in Colorado earlier in his career, could also get a look when matchups are right.
Updated hierarchy: *Vizcaino | Johnson | Brothers.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – Taylor Rogers had another bad outing yesterday, and has now allowed runs in five straight appearances. This is huge fantasy news, as the lefty had seemed like a lock to take over in the event of a Brandon Kintzler trade. But now, our money is on veteran Matt Belisle, who has been one of the only consisent arms in the Twins bullpen as of late. Check out our Trade Deadline Preview for relievers like Belisle who are worth adding before 4 p.m. today.
Updated hierarchy: Kintzler | Belisle | Rogers.
St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal bagged his sixth save of the season last night, and has been an absolute hoss lately. In his last 11.2 innings: 4 hits, 1 BB, 1 ER, 19 Ks. Between those numbers, and the fact that he’s gotten the last two save chances, we’ll kick his asterisk. Welcome back to the 9th, Trevor.
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Oh | Cecil.
Chicago White Sox – Jake Petricka and Tyler Clippard had solid outings yesterday in a tie game, which is probably enough to cement them as the top two relievers in the White Sox bullpen right now. We’ll move Petricka up to right behind Clippard in the committee; keep an eye on Greg Infante and Juan Minaya to also pitch in.
Updated hierarchy: *Clippard | Petricka | Minaya.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers – The Tigers shipped Justin Wilson to the Cubs on Sunday night, pending a medical review. Shane Greene should be the first choice for saves now in Detroit, with Bruce Rondon and Alex Wilson behind him.
Updated hierarchy: Greene | Rondon | A. Wilson.
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs bolstered their bullpen Sunday night when they acquired Justin Wilson from the Tigers, pending a medical review. Wilson should become the primary setup man, with Koji Uehara and C.J. Edwards still in the mix for holds.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Wilson | Uehara.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Luis Garcia – Hector Neris has pitched three innings over the last two days. Garcia has also gone back to back but is better rested.
2. Brad Brach – Zach Britton has pitched in two straight; we’re not sure if he’s going three in a row yet.
Tomorrow
1. Juan Minaya/Greg Infante – If Tyler Clippard and/or Jake Petricka go today, it’ll be three straight.
2. Brad Brach – See above. If Britton does pitch again tonight, he’ll be off tomorrow.
