August 1, 2014
Chicago Cubs — Lefty reliever James Russell will have a chance to pitch for a contender after he was shipped to Atlanta as the trade deadline expired. Brian Schlitter, who picked up an eighth-inning hold on Thursday, his team-leading 12th of the season, is the likely candidate to pitch in front of Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon until Kyuji Fujikawa completes his rehab stint next week.
Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Schlitter.
Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles acquired lefty Andrew Miller from the Red Sox on Thursday as GM Dan Duquette added depth to an already strong Baltimore bullpen. Miller, who is effective against batters on both sides of the plate, is expected to help Tommy Hunter and Darren O’Day set up closer Zach Britton. After Hunter threw 25 pitches in Thursday’s 13-inning loss, Miller may get called upon on Friday in a high-leverage spot.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Hunter.
Atlanta Braves — The Braves added a lefty to their bullpen on Thursday when they brought over James Russell from the Cubs. Russell will add a veteran presence to the bullpen and will be more than a lefty specialist, according to manager Fredi Gonzalez.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Walden | Varvaro.
Houston Astros — After Josh Fields allowed the tying run in the eighth inning, Chad Qualls suffered his second loss in as many days by allowing the game-winning home run in the ninth. Qualls isn’t in any danger of losing his job, but fantasy owners will be hoping he gets back to his consistent form as quickly as Nolan Reimold’s homer left Minute Maid Park on Thursday night.
Hierarchy remains: Qualls | Fields | Sipp.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon has pitched in each of the last two games while Strop has had the last two days off.
2. Wade Davis/Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has tossed 42 pitches over his last two appearances, while Davis has thrown 30 over that same two-day stretch.
