Kelvin Herrera pulled with forearm tightness; Brandon Maurer could close

August 23, 2017

Kansas City Royals — Kelvin Herrera got two quick outs with a one-run lead in the ninth but, after a bloop triple, he walked the bases loaded, then left with an injury on a 2-0 count. Lefty Scott Alexander got the unenviable task of converting the super-high-leverage save, and he rose to the occasion with a groundout to short. If Herrera’s injury — which Ned Yost described as “forearm tightness” — causes him to miss time, Brandon Maurer has the experience to take over, but his 20 saves come with a gross 6+ season ERA and a whopping 2.34 WHIP since the trade. Two factors potentially working in Maurer’s favor: his three major competitors — Mike Minor, Ryan Buchter, and Alexander — are all lefthanded, and Yost isn’t exactly known for progressive bullpen management. We will monitor the news today and alert you if Herrera hits the DL but, for now, we think it’ll be Maurer.

Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Maurer | Minor.

Cleveland Indians — Andrew Miller’s knee injury will require some time on the disabled list and some rehab tips from the Cavs. No word on a return date, but Terry Francona expects Miller to “get after” rehab.

Updated hierarchy: Allen | Smith | Shaw.

Seattle Mariners — Tony Zych has a forearm strain and will be sidelined for at least 10 days. Lefty Marc “Scrabble” Rzepczynski will hold down the seventh until David Phelps can return — possibly as early as Wednesday.

Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Vincent | Rzepczynski.

Pittsburgh Pirates — George Kontos (right groin strain) and Joaquin Benoit (left knee inflammation) each hit the DL on Tuesday. Although A.J. Schugel was unavailable on Tuesday due to a heavy recent workload, we expect him to pick up the bulk of the seventh-inning load for the Pirates, with Daniel Hudson another option.

Updated hierarchy: Rivero | Nicasio | Schugel.

Los Angeles Dodgers — One night after being used for only one out in the eighth, Tony Watson was summoned in the fifth inning on Tuesday. He earned the win, but seems to have lost his role as Kenley Jansen’s handcuff.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Brandon Maurer — Kelvin Herrera left last night with an apparent injury, and is likely to at least get Wednesday off.
2. Tommy Hunter — Alex Colome has gone in three of four. If Hunter (two of three) can’t go, we might learn which of Steve Cishek, Dan Jennings, Sergio Romo, and Brad Boxberger is really second in line for Tampa.
3. Santiago Casilla — Blake Treinen has pitched multiple innings in two of the last three games.
4. Pedro Baez — Kenley Jansen has gone in two straight and four of five.

Thursday:
1. Archie Bradley — Fernando Rodney has pitched in two straight games.

Yes, Bud Norris is still the Angels’ closer

August 9, 2017

Los Angeles Angels — Keynan Middleton overcame a solo home run to pick up his first career save. Bud Norris hadn’t pitched since Sunday, but after Tuesday’s win Mike Scioscia said that he wanted to give Norris and Blake Parker a night off because they’ve pitched so much. Norris has struggled lately, but it looks as though his job is safe for now. Scioscia was quick to praise Middleton as well, saying that his stuff is “electric.” If the Angels do go back to a committee at some point, expect Middleton to be an important part of it.

Updated hierarchy: Norris | Parker | Middleton.

Texas Rangers – Keone Kela is back on the DL for the second time in five weeks thanks to shoulder soreness. Jeff Banister said that if Kela does return this season, it most likely won’t be as the team’s closer. Banister also said that he wants flexibility with when and where he deploys Alex Claudio, so expect him to continue pitching in a variety of situations.

Updated hierarchy: *Claudio | Leclerc | Bush.
* = closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates – The Pirates picked up George Kontos off waivers from the Giants, and Clint Hurdle plans on using Kontos in many different situations. So far, he’s earned two holds in two tries for Pittsburgh, retiring all six hitters he’s faced on just 16 total pitches. And just like that, Joaquin Benoit is off another hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Rivero | Nicasio | Kontos.

Seattle Mariners – David Phelps was placed on the DL Tuesday morning and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with an elbow impingement.

Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Vincent | Zych.

Colorado Rockies — Jake McGee is no longer on the DL, but he has still yet to pitch since July 25. It was a bit curious that McGee wasn’t summoned at all in a 1-0 game last night, especially when the Rockies twice played the matchups against left-handed hitters, but perhaps Bud Black is hoping to ease McGee back into the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: Holland | Neshek | McGee.

Chicago Cubs — Koji Uehara left Tuesday’s game with a stiff neck. The injury is not considered serious, and Uehara is targeting a Friday return. In the meantime, expect C.J. Edwards to see any seventh-inning opportunities should the Cubs have a lead.

Updated hierarchy: Davis | Wilson | Edwards.

Cleveland Indians – Andrew Miller is eligible to activated from the 10-day DL on Aug. 12, but he may need a little longer to recover from knee tendonitis. Once activated, Terry Francona expects to use him right away. We’ll see if that activation happens this weekend or early next week.

Hierarchy remains: Allen | Smith | Shaw.

Philadelphia Phillies – While Jesen Therrien may still get a look down the stretch of a lost season, the last couple days suggest that Edubray Ramos will be the most likely seventh-inning option in Philadelphia when the Phillies have a lead. Hoby Milner is one of just two lefties in the Phillies’ bullpen, and he earned an eighth-inning hold on Tuesday against a lefty-heavy Braves lineup. Expect Milner to also get some more late-inning chances as matchups dictate.

Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Ramos. 

Minnesota Twins – The Vulture Save Watch predicted a night off for Matt Belisle, but it somehow missed out on foreseeing Dillon Gee tossing four scoreless innings to close out an 11-4 win and earn his first career save. Can’t win ’em all!

Hierarchy remains: *Belisle | Rogers | Hildenberger.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Pat Neshek – Greg Holland threw 31 pitches en route to a blown save Tuesday. The Rockies are off Thursday, but Holland may still get Wednesday off.

Tomorrow
1. Junichi Tazawa – If Brad Ziegler pitches today, it will be two straight and three of four.
2. Santiago Casilla – It will have been two straight and four of five for Blake Treinen if he pitches on Wednesday.
3. Luis Garcia – Same goes for Hector Neris.
4. Kirby Yates – And Brad Hand.
5. Ryan Tepera/Danny Barnes – And Roberto Osuna. Ryan Tepera threw 29 pitches Tuesday, so he may also get Thursday off if he has a heavy workload Wednesday.

Amidst trade deadline chaos, Blake Treinen quietly taking over in Oakland

August 1, 2017

[EDITOR’S NOTE: We’re running our Donation Drive this week. As always, we are extremely grateful for your support!]

Oakland A’s – Blake Treinen picked up his first Oakland save last night, putting him firmly at the front of the team’s closer-by-committee. He’s allowed only one earned run and seven total baserunners (4 H, 3 BB) in 9.1 IP since joining the team, and is clearly the best reliever in the bullpen right now. If he converts his next opportunity, that might be enough for us to shed him of his asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: *Treinen | Casilla | Dull.
* = closer-by-committee

Texas Rangers – We thought Alex Claudio had seized control of the closer role in Texas, but last night he was summoned in a tie game in the 7th inning, which isn’t exactly the place you’d use your full-time closer. Claudio ended up pitching 2.2 innings and taking the loss after a balk-filled 9th. We’re slapping the committee tag back on here and will watch to see how Texas proceeds the next few days.

Updated hierarchy: *Claudio | Kela | Leclerc.

Cleveland Indians – Joe Smith is returning to the place where he enjoyed five years of success, as Cleveland reacquired him late Monday afternoon. Smith joins Bryan Shaw behind Cody Allen and Andrew Miller, giving the Indians an enviable group of late game relievers for their stretch run.

Hierarchy remains: Allen | Miller | Shaw.

Toronto Blue Jays – With Joe Smith gone, Roberto Osuna’s new handcuff is Ryan Tepera. Look for Joe Biagini to get a few more chances in the late innings as well.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Biagini.

Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers picked up Tony Watson and Tony Cingrani at the deadline, giving them plenty of flexibility in the late innings. Watson is the more likely of the two to get late inning work, though we won’t bump Pedro Baez or Brandon Morrow out of their hierarchy positions yet.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

Cincinnati Reds – With Tony Cingrani gone, Drew Storen returns to the Cincinnati hierarchy. Storen hasn’t been great lately (4.82 ERA in July), but the Reds aren’t exactly swimming in late-inning options right now.

Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Storen.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Despite moving on from Tony Watson, the Pirates weren’t selling by any stretch, as they also moved to acquire Joaquin Benoit from the Phillies. Benoit will take over Watson’s 7th inning role.

Updated hierarchy: Rivero | Nicasio | Benoit.

Philadelphia Phillies – With Joaquin Benoit gone, the Phillies don’t really have any major league caliber relievers left other than Hector Neris and Luis Garcia, so we’ll take our best guess and give Jesen Therrien the 7th inning job for now. The righty has only been in the bigs for a few days, but he had 9 saves in the minors.

Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Therrien. 

Arizona Diamondbacks – Longtime fan favorite David Hernandez returned to the Diamondbacks on Monday, where he will likely serve as a late-inning option along with Archie Bradley. Hernandez has enjoyed a fine year with the Angels to this point, sporting a 2.23 ERA over 38 appearances.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Bradley | Hernandez.

Los Angeles Angels – David Hernandez is now a Diamondback, meaning in the rare instances that the rebuilding Angels have a lead, they’ll probably look to Blake Parker more often.

Updated hierarchy: Norris | Bedrosian | Parker.

Milwaukee Brewers – In one of the more minor moves of the day, the Brewers reacquired Jeremy Jeffress prior to the trade deadline. Jeffress doesn’t figure to supplant Jacob Barnes as the primary set-up man, but he’ll join Anthony Swarzak in bridging the gap in the 6th and 7th innings.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Swarzak.

Houston Astros – For a time, the Astros seemed like the leaders in the Zach Britton sweepstakes, but they ended up standing pat. They did, however, have to put Will Harris back on the DL before he’d even made an appearance in the big leagues, meaning we welcome Luke Gregerson back to the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Devenski | Gregerson.

Colorado Rockies – The Rockies already made their bullpen-bolstering move, adding Pat Neshek a few days ago, and as it turned out, the move couldn’t have come at a better time, as Jake McGee felt his back tighten up over the weekend and will need a short DL stint. Lefty Mike Dunn has settled in as of late (only 1 ER in 10 July appearances) and might get some matchup-based looks in the 7th and 8th in McGee’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Holland | Neshek | Dunn.

Minnesota Twins – The Twins shipped Brandon Kintzler off, leaving the cupboard pretty bare when it comes to 9th inning options. The team hasn’t said much, and beat writers don’t have a good guess, so we’ll make split our bets on veteran Matt Belisle and 26-year-old righty Trevor Hildenberger. Belisle has been pitching the best as of late, with 13 straight scoreless outings, but durability is an issue, while Hildenberger had a strong outing Sunday and averages more than a strikeout per inning. Taylor Rogers seemed the best option as recently as a week ago, but he’s been hit around as of late (his last five appearances: 3 IP, 9 ER) and is probably in third place at the moment; however, if the Twins do employ a full committee, he could get the 9th when a lefty-heavy part of the lineup is due.

Updated hierarchy: *Belisle | Hildenberger | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals – Brandon Kintzler adds to a cadre of veterans the Nationals have assembled over the last few weeks. Sean Doolittle has done a great job so far — nabbing another save last night before Kintzler got to town — but GM Mike Rizzo wouldn’t name a full-time closer after the trade. We think Doolittle keeps the job and Kintzler is first in line for chances if the lefty falters, but will leave the committee tag on until things are certain.

Updated hierarchy: *Doolittle | Kintzler | Madson.
* = closer-by-committee

New York Mets – Addison Reed  is headed to the Red Sox in exchange for three minor leaguers. AJ Ramos takes over as closer for the Mets, while Jerry Blevins and Paul Sewald continue to be the team’s main source of holds.

Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Blevins | Sewald.

Boston Red Sox – Addison Reed fills a big need for the Red Sox, who have struggled to bridge the gap to Craig Kimbrel on several occasions this year (including their last game). Reed still retains a good deal of value in Holds leagues, as he’s likely to rack up 8th inning chances in Boston.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Reed | Barnes.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Brad Brach – Zach Britton, who is still an Oriole, has gone three straight.
2. Brandon Kintzler – Sean Doolittle has gone in back to back games and has yet to pitch in three straight all season.
3. Jesen Therrien – Hector Neris and Luis Garcia have gone three straight. Buy us a coke if we actually get this one right.

Tomorrow
1. Brandon Kintzler – See above. If Doolittle does go today, he’ll be off tomorrow.
2. Santiago Casilla – If Blake Treinen gets a save today, we’ll probably give him the full time job, but it’ll be three straight appearances.

Brad Ziegler may be ready to return from the DL and close for Miami

July 29, 2017

Miami Marlins — We told you last night that A.J. Ramos had been traded to Miami, that Junichi Tazawa was next in line for saves, and that Brad Ziegler would also be an option when he returned from the disabled list. In the wee hours of the morning, Marlins executive Michael Hill said that the 37-year-old Ziegler would be activated prior to Saturday’s game, making him the #1 option for saves going forward. Behind him are Tazawa and Drew Steckenrider, who has five saves at AAA this season. Kyle Barraclough is probably the best long-term bet once he returns from a shoulder injury.

Updated hierarchy:  Ziegler | Tazawa | Steckenrider.

New York Mets — Addison Reed’s days as a Met are numbered; the latest sign was the team’s acquisition of A.J. Ramos on Friday. Reed is a free agent at the end of the season, while Ramos is under team control through 2019 and could be a solid setup man for Jeurys Familia next season. Reed, who picked up his 19th save last night, will likely continue to close for the next few days. Familia recently began a throwing program, and manager Terry Collins said that he will be back this season. Expect another day or two of Reed, then a month or so of Ramos closing, before Familia finishes the year.

Updated hierarchy: Reed | Ramos | Blevins. 

Detroit Tigers — Bruce Rondon took the loss last night after giving up three runs in one-third of an inning. This was his third straight multi-run appearance, inflating his ERA to 12.41. Rondon still sports elite stuff, but his struggles can’t be ignored. With Justin Wilson likely to leave town, Shane Greene may be most likely to take over the closer’s role.

Updted hierarchy: J. Wilson | Greene | Rondon.

San Diego Padres — Brad Hand picked up his fourth save of the year and ordinarily would kick the committee asterisk. We’re going to keep it just a little longer, though, to account for the uncertainty that could follow if he’s traded. Both Phil Maton and Kirby Yates have been pitching very well and getting late-inning holds ahead of Hand. Maton is younger and could be the team’s closer of the future, while Yates has a better strikeout rate, but could be traded himself. Saturday’s game could be a useful signal, as Hand has gone in three straight. Note that Carter Capps will also be an option when he returns from AAA. If there’s a clear successor anointed, we’ll let you know, but for now, it looks like a continuing committee — unless Hand stays a Padre.

Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Maton | Yates.
* = closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s — Bob Melvin seems to be committed to the committee approach, indicating before Friday’s game that Santiago Casilla would likely get the ninth inning with a lead. He also mentioned Ryan Dull and Frankie Montas — who gave up four walks in a two-inning outing last night — as contenders for the late innings. This competition seems to be wide open, so the next week could be crucial. We still like Treinen as the best arm, but there’s not a lot of clarity in the Bay Area right now.

Hierarchy remains: *Treinen | Casilla | Dull.
* = closer-by-committee

Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays acquired Steve Cishek in a trade that sent Erasmo Ramirez to Seattle. Cishek has been okay for the Mariners this year (3.15 ERA, 15:7 K/BB ratio), but we’re not ready to slot him above Tommy Hunter (1.93 ERA, 10.5 K/9) or Dan Jennings just yet.

Hierarchy remains: Colome | Boxberger | Hunter.

Kansas City Royals — Joakim Soria pitched the eighth inning ahead of Kelvin Herrera last night. This was his fourth straight eighth-inning appearance and his sixth straight scoreless appearance. While Brandon Maurer is still in the late-inning mix, it appears that Soria remains the primary setup man in KC.

Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Soria | Maurer.

Minnesota Twins — Matt Belisle grabbed a four-out hold on Friday ahead of Brandon Kintzler, and has been used more often in high-leverage spots of late.

Updated hierarchy: Kintzler | Rogers | Belisle.

Philadelphia Phillies — Up 8-3 in the eighth inning, the Phillies called on Joaquin Benoit with two outs and the bases loaded. After Benoit induced a flyout, he stayed on for the ninth to earn his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Neris | Garcia | Benoit. 

Houston Astros – Will Harris has come back from the disabled list and should return to high-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Devenski | Harris.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Phil Maton/Kirby Yates — As noted, Hand has appeared in three straight games.
2. Taylor Rogers — Brandon Kintzler has gone in two of three (59 pitches).

Sunday:
1. Pedro Baez — Kenley Jansen has pitched in two of three.

Pat Neshek traded to the Rockies; Kyle Barraclough placed on the DL

July 27, 2017

Colorado Rockies — The Rockies added some much-needed bullpen depth with the acquisition of Pat Neshek from the Phillies. Neshek brings an impressive resume (1.12 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 10.04 K/9) to Coors Field, where he will immediately see high-leverage work and potentially a save chance with Greg Holland on paternity leave. Holland will be back sometime during the Rockies’ series against the Nationals, and Bud Black was mum on who would close in Holland’s absence before the Neshek deal. We’ll see how Black plays the new-look bullpen when that series begins on Friday.

Updated hierarchy: Holland | Neshek | McGee.

Miami Marlins — The Marlins placed Kyle Barraclough on the 10-day DL Wednesday. Junichi Tazawa will become the team’s primary setup man ahead of AJ Ramos, with left-handed rookie Jarlin Garcia likely to see some more late-inning work. If Barraclough remains on the shelf for an extended period of time and Ramos is traded, Tazawa could end up as the Marlins’ closer. Another name to keep an eye on in that scenario is Brad Ziegler, whose return is imminent if a rehab appearance on Thursday goes smoothly.

Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Tazawa | Garcia.

Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies traded Pat Neshek to Colorado on Wednesday, which means even more chances for Joaquin Benoit and Luis Garcia to get the ball to Hector Neris.

Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Benoit. 

Oakland A’s – Santiago Casilla blew his fourth save in 16 games on Wednesday. He is still the closer, but his hold on the job has become even more tenuous with Blake Treinen now on the team. Treinen has four holds and a 0.00 ERA since joining the A’s.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Treinen | Hendriks.

San Diego Padres – Brad Hand got the first post-Brandon Maurer save chance and converted. Hand has been sensational of late and should be traded to a contender by Monday. In the meantime, he should continue to be the favorite for saves in San Diego, though Andy Green has said that matchups may dictate that Hand pitch earlier in games.

Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Maton | Yates.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox — The White Sox activated Jake Petricka from the DL on Wednesday. Rick Renteria said that Petricka could be an option in the late innings. Petricka hasn’t pitched since a disastrous outing on June 28, so we’ll see just how quickly Renteria throws Petricka into the fire.

Hierarchy remains: *Clippard | Jennings | Minaya.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Ryan Madson — Sean Doolittle needed 28 pitches to get through a rough outing (3 H, 3 ER) on Wednesday.

Friday:
1. Pat Neshek/Jake McGee — As mentioned above, Greg Holland is on paternity leave.
2. Ryan Madson — If Doolittle pitches again on Thursday it will be two straight games with a potential high pitch count.