May 17, 2017
Seattle Mariners — Edwin Diaz was demoted from the closer role Tuesday, replaced by a committee that will include Nick Vincent, Tony Zych, newly returned Steve Cishek, and Mark Rzepczynski. Two of those guys – Vincent and Zych – were unavailable for Tuesday night’s game, having pitched both three straight. That left former closer Steve Cishek, fresh off the DL, to try and close out the 9th. Cishek was not good, allowing a single and a two-run homer to blow a 5-4 lead. Cishek was one of just two righties available to pitch last night as part of a depleted bullpen and may eventually get a chance at the 9th again, but expect one of the other committee members to get the next save chance depending on matchups.
Updated hierarchy: *Vincent | Zych | Cishek.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – Koda Glover got the 9th inning on Tuesday with a four-run lead, though he was warming in the 8th with the Nats ahead by two. Glover got two quick outs before laboring a bit, but he eventually closed out the win after 29 pitches. When asked after the game if Glover was the closer, Dusty Baker said, “We’ll see.” We’ll move Glover to the top of the committee given tonight’s events, though don’t be surprised if Kelley gets a look on Wednesday thanks to Glover’s lengthy outing.
Updated hierarchy: *Glover | Kelley | Albers.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles — Brad Brach’s struggles continued on Tuesday as he gave up a grand slam in the 7th inning to blow a 7-4 lead. It was the biggest moment of the game at the time, so Brach’s usage there makes sense, but what does Buck Showalter do now with a closer that saw his ERA move to 4.05 after allowing an earned run in a third straight appearance? Showalter was mum on the situation after Tuesday’s 13-inning win, but don’t be shocked if Darren O’Day gets a turn as closer soon with Brach faltering.
Hierarchy remains: Brach | O’Day | Givens.
San Francisco Giants — Derek Law cruised to another save and he looks like a lock to be the closer until Mark Melancon returns from the DL. The good news for the Giants is that Bruce Bochy announced Tuesday that Melancon will be activated on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: Law | Strickland | Osich.
Oakland A’s — Oakland’s bullpen struggles continued on Tuesday, but some good news came before the game as Bob Melvin said that John Axford, who began the season on the DL, could be back by Sunday’s series finale with the Red Sox. Sean Doolittle, meanwhile, is still about a month away from returning.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Madson | Dull.
Tampa Bay Rays — Jose Alvarado pitched two 1-2-3 innings over the 7th and 8th frames, including a clean trip through the heart of Cleveland’s order, to help maintain a 6-4 lead on Tuesday. It was his second straight hold, and Kevin Cash praised the 21-year-old lefty after the game. Alvarado has not allowed a run since a rough debut on May 3, allowing just two hits and zero walks over his last 6.2 innings. He does only have two strikeouts during that span, but he will be worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses and his confidence grows.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Farquhar | Ramirez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Anthony Swarzak – After two days off, David Robertson threw 32 pitches over two innings yesterday, blowing a save in the 11th after pitching a clean 10th. Bad teammate Tommy Kahnle has pitched in two straight and three of four, so Swarzak, who had last night off, may get Wednesday’s save chance.
Tomorrow
1. Tommy Kahnle/Anthony Swarzak – If Robertson does pitch today, it will be doubtful that he pitches Thursday.
2. Ryan Madson/Ryan Dull – Both Madson and Santiago Casilla threw 20 pitches on Tuesday. If Casilla has another lengthy outing and Madson doesn’t, then Madson may get the 9th on Thursday.
3. Hector Rondon – Wade Davis hasn’t pitched in awhile, but he did throw 21 pitches on Tuesday and the Cubs may avoid going to him on Thursday if he has another long outing Wednesday.
