June 2, 2017
Colorado Rockies — Former closer Jake McGee has been really impressive lately, having not allowed a run since May 12 or a walk since May 4 (1.66 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 30 Ks). He picked up his fourth hold Thursday, pitching the eighth inning in Adam Ottavino’s absence. He’ll likely get any save opportunity when closer Greg Holland is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Holland | McGee | Rusin.
Oakland A’s — Since coming off the disabled list, John Axford has pitched in five games (all Oakland losses) and allowed seven runs (6 ER) on three walks and four strikeouts (11.57 ERA, 2.57 WHIP), including Thursday’s disastrous outing in which he allowed three runs (2 ER) in just one-third of an inning to put a 5-1 deficit out of reach. He’s probably a long way from closing, even in a pinch. This brings us to Sean Doolittle, who will start a rehab assignment Friday. For now, we like Aussie Liam Hendriks (3.38 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, four holds) to take Axford’s spot in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Madson | Hendriks.
Arizona Diamondbacks — It’s time for a status check on the game’s oldest closer, 40-year-old Fernando Rodney. Don’t look now, but Rodney did not allow an earned run in May and continued that streak on the first day of June, picking up his 14th save. It wasn’t all good – the one unearned run he allowed in that stretch came in Wednesday’s ninth inning, giving him his third blown save. Either way, his overall numbers are ugly (6.10 ERA, 1.45 WHIP), but he’s hot and worth a look if he’s still available in your league.
Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Bradley | Hoover.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Trevor Rosenthal — Seung Hwan Oh has pitched in two straight, throwing 40 pitches. He has not pitched in three straight games yet this season. Rosenthal, however, is pretty well-rested.
Saturday:
1. Archie Bradley/JJ Hoover — Fernando Rodney has appeared in two straight days (38 pitches), and might pitch Friday if needed (he has gone in three straight once this season). This is assuming Archie Bradley gets a break Friday, as he has been busy himself (three of four heading into Friday with 50 pitches). A rest Friday would make Bradley available Saturday. However, if both need a rest, JJ Hoover is next up.
