Kenley Jansen can’t convert save chance with nine run lead

May 7, 2017

Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the last out of the eighth inning on Saturday night after he entered with the bases loaded and the Dodgers up four runs.  The Dodgers added five more runs in the top of the ninth, but Jansen still came back out for the bottom of the ninth to attempt the save in a 10-1 game.  Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Jansen was not able to get the job done and instead earned his first hold of the season after Chris Hatcher got the last out of the game.  Jansen was still in a playful mood post game as he jokingly told reporters, “I’m not getting sent down” after a closed door meeting between manager Dave Roberts and general manager Farhan Zaidi.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

Baltimore Orioles — Brad Brach got the day off yesterday and Darren O’Day recorded his second save of the season.  Hopefully you were paying attention to the Vulture Save Watch and stole a save in your fantasy leagues.

Hierarchy remains: Brach | O’Day | Givens.

Cincinnati Reds — Robert Stephenson pitched three scoreless innings to finish off a Reds’ blowout win, and he recorded his first career save in the process.  We don’t know if it’s more surprising that Stephenson got the save or that he didn’t give up a run (he had given up at least one run in six of his first seven appearances this season), but needless to say, he won’t factor into the Reds’ normal late inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Storen | Lorenzen.

Colorado Rockies — Chris Rusin picked up a three inning save on Saturday.

Hierarchy remains: Holland | Ottavino | Dunn.

Toronto Blue Jays — Joe Biagini will make his first Major League start today.  Joe Smith struck out the side in a perfect eighth inning on Friday night and should slide into the set-up role.  Jason Grilli might get a chance to reclaim a late inning role with Biagini in the rotation.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna |  Smith | Grilli.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Pedro Baez/Josh Fields – Kenley Jansen will likely be unavailable after throwing 33 pitches last night.  Baez might also rest since he has appeared in two straight and three of four.
2. Joakim Soria – Kelvin Herrera has pitched in three straight

Monday
1. Blake Parker – If Bud Norris pitches on Sunday, that will make it three straight.
2. Pedro Baez/Josh Fields – If Jansen does come back on Sunday after his 33 pitch effort yesterday, he will definitely get Monday off.