Fernando Abad and Brandon Kintzler will share Twins’ closer role

June 9, 2016

Minnesota Twins — As we told you last night, Brandon Kintzler and Fernando Abad will be “mix and match” closers for the woeful Twins going forward. Lefties are batting .111 against Abad, while Kintzler is equally effective against lefties and righties. With Glen Perkins still at least two weeks away from returning, owners can expect as many as one or even two saves from the new guys.

Updated hierarchy: *Kintzler | Abad | May.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros — Will Harris converted his second straight save opportunity since Luke Gregerson’s demotion. Harris hasn’t allowed a run since April 7, his first appearance of the season; that’s a 26-game streak. If he gets the next chance too, this probably isn’t a committee anymore.

Hierarchy remains: *Harris | Giles | Gregerson.
* = closer-by-committee

San Francisco Giants — When David Ortiz came on to pinch-hit with a runner on second, closer Santiago Casilla was pulled for LOOGY Javier Lopez — who had surprisingly mediocre numbers against lefties (.333 BAA, 5.14 ERA). Lopez walked Ortiz, then struck out Travis Shaw, and Bruce Bochy called on Hunter Strickland for what turned out to be a one-pitch save. Casilla did not appear pleased with the move (again), and the whole affair is likely to encourage those rooting for Strickland to get the ninth full-time.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.

Chicago White Sox — Chicago has lost 12 of their last 14, and David Robertson has suffered from a lack of regular use. In his first action since last Wednesday, he came in with the Sox down seven in the eighth, and immediately boosted the lead into double digits. If the team keeps struggling, there could be another summer of Robertson trade rumors ahead.

Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Jones | Duke.

Baltimore Orioles — Up four in the eighth, the Orioles called on Brad Brach with two on and one out. After Brach escaped, he went back out and finished the ninth to earn a unique save.

Hierarchy remains: Britton |  Brach | Givens.

New York Mets — A timely double play helped Jeurys Familia overcome three walks to extend his franchise-record regular season save streak to 35.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | Reed | Henderson.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Fernando Abad, Minnesota Twins — Paul Molitor says that he’ll choose his closer based in part on matchups.
2. Ken Giles, Houston Astros — If Will Harris doesn’t keep the job all for himself, Ken Giles should get the next chance.