Jake Barrett to see more saves for Arizona

July 31, 2016

Arizona Diamondbacks – Jake Barrett got the final four outs of the game last night to record his third save of the season.  The young right hander has impressed manager Chip Hale, who says that Barrett has earned more save chances.  We will move Barrett to the head of the committee for now, and if he is successful in his next couple save chances, he could drop the asterisk and get a chance at the full time closer’s job for the rest of the season.

Hierarchy remains: *Barrett | Clippard |  Hudson. 
* = closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals — Closer Wade Davis went back to Kansas City on Saturday night for an MRI on his sore right arm.  He has not been placed on the DL but this is not a good sign for Davis, who just returned from the DL a few weeks ago.  We will continue to monitor his status.

Hierarchy remains: Davis | Herrera | Soria.

Washington Nationals — Newly acquired Mark Melancon has been confirmed as the new closer for the Washington Nationals. The Nationals former closer Jonathan Papelbon was reportedly on board with the trade, but this is the first time Papelbon will not be closing games since 2005.  Papelbon has really struggled recently, and he is going to need to pitch better if he wants to see some save chances when Melancon is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Papelbon | Kelley.

Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates traded Mark Melancon to Washington for multiple players, including reliever Felipe Rivero. GM Neal Huntington has named Tony Watson the closer, with Neftali Feliz spelling him if necessary and Rivero pitching the seventh.

Updated hierarchy: Watson | Feliz | Rivero.

Los Angeles Angels – Joe Smith, who has been the subject of trade rumors, pitched 1.1 scoreless innings ahead of Bedrosian and Street on Saturday.  Smith hasn’t allowed a run since the All-Star break and should continue to be used in the later innings if he stays in LA.

Updated hierarchy: Street | Bedrosian | Smith.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH:
1. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals – Wade Davis is having an MRI on his right arm.
2. Tyler Thornburg/Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers – Jeremy Jeffress has pitched in three straight.  Thornburg will likely get the call unless match-ups dictate a need for lefty Will Smith to finish the game.
3. Trevor May, Minnesota Twins – Brandon Kintzler and Fernando Abad have both appeared in three straight.
4. Hector Rondon/Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Aroldis Chapman blew his first save yesterday and has pitched in 3 of the last four.  Rondon has also pitched in three of the last four, but has thrown less than 10 pitches in each appearance.
5. Dan Otero, Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen has pitched in two straight, and three of the past four.  Brian Shaw has also pitched in two straight, and four of the past five.
6. Xavier Cedeno, Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome has pitched in two straight, and three of the past four.