Kenley Jansen’s velocity rebounds, but he still blows the save

April 3, 2018

Cincinnati Reds – For the second straight day, Wandy Peralta pitched the 8th inning ahead of Raisel Iglesias. Peralta was one of the more reliable relievers in the Cincinnati pen last year, particularly in the first half of the season, and for now, he looks to be among the relievers who will benefit, holds-wise, until Michael Lorenzen returns.

Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Hughes | Peralta.

Colorado Rockies – Jake McGee got his second hold of the year on Monday, pitching the 8th inning in a 3-run game. The season is only a few days old, but early usage suggests McGee is the clear handcuff for offseason acquisition Wade Davis.

Updated hierarchy: Davis | McGee | Shaw.

St. Louis Cardinals – In making the ballclub out of spring training this year, Jordan Hicks skipped over AA and AAA entirely, and the Cardinals have shown no reluctance to use him in big spots. Yesterday, he closed out the 8th inning with a gross diving slider followed up by a front-door offering, and stayed on for the 9th with the Cardinals up four runs, upping his season line to 3.1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks. Hicks is ascending fast.

Updated hierarchy: Holland | Leone | Hicks.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen, who turned heads with both his low velocity and reluctance to even discuss said velocity after his season debut on Friday, was throwing a little bit harder on Monday night. The results were still bad, though — he got two quick outs, but then walked back to back hitters and surrendered a 3-run home run. Dave Roberts doesn’t seem concerned at all, calling Jansen “our guy” after the game. And of all the closers in baseball, Jansen has earned perhaps the longest leash of anyone. But if you have roster space, Josh Fields isn’t the worst guy in the world to own right now — he posted three clean 8th innings thus far. Tony Cingrani is also off to a good start.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.

Pittsburgh Pirates – With Felipe Rivero pitching both ends of the doubleheader on Sunday, George Kontos was summoned for the save chance on Monday night, and he responded with a clean inning. To all our little Monkeymaniacs out there, say your prayers, take your vitamins, and read your Vulture Save Watch every day.

Hierarchy remains: Rivero | Kontos | Feliz. 

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today/Tomorrow
1. Liam Hendriks – Blake Treinen threw 29 pitches over 1.2 innings last night. He’s probably fine today since his workload has been light, but there’s an outside chance he gets the day off. (And if he goes today, he’ll definitely be off tomorrow.)

Tomorrow
1. Seung-Hwan Oh – If Osuna (and Tepera) appear today, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
2. Jake McGee – If Davis goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
3. Josh Fields – If Jansen goes today (24 pitches yesterday), it’ll be two straight.
4. Archie Bradley – If Boxberger (27 pitches yesterday) goes tonight, it’ll be two straight.