Miller debuts for the O’s in big spot while Peralta has impressive outing

August 2, 2014

Baltimore Orioles — One day after trading for Andrew Miller, the Orioles threw their new big lefty reliever out there in the 8th inning to protect a one run lead.  He was brought on after a walk to Austin Jackson put the tying run on base and two lefties were due up next.  Miller has the ability to get out both righties and lefties but with right-handers O’Day and Hunter already in the back end of the O’s bullpen, Miller should get the call mostly against lefties in the later innings.  That being said, if anything were to happen to closer Zach Britton, Miller would likely be in the mix for saves.

Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Hunter.

Tampa Bay Rays – In his second appearance since coming off the DL, Joel Peralta  struck out the side on only 10 pitches.  McGee seems to have established himself as the Rays’ closer, but Joel Peralta could work his way back towards the set-up role with more outings like that.

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland and Wade Davis have both pitched in three straight.
2. Ronald Belisario, Chicago White Sox – Jake Petricka has pitched in two straight and three of the last four
3. Sam LeCure, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Broxton have both pitched in two straight and four of the last five.

Two middle relievers get shipped to contenders; Qualls’ quandries continue

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.