April 10, 2018
Los Angeles Angels – With the major caveat that this is Mike Scioscia, recent usage suggests something we’ve alluded to in our last two Angels updates: that Keynan Middleton looks like the guy to own in the Angels bullpen right now. The latest example comes from last night’s game, which played out like this: The Angels were up four runs in the 7th, and they went to Jim Johnson. He gave up a run and Blake Parker started getting loose for the 8th. The Angels tacked on three runs in the top half, turning it into a 6-run game and making it a lower-leverage spot for Parker (who would probably benefit from a few more such outings). Parker pitched a clean 8th and then gave way to Cam Bedrosian in the 9th with the lead still at 6; Bedrosian proceeded to give up a run before closing things out. Inconspicuous in his absence was Middleton, who was never asked to get loose once the game got out of hand. As such, we’re cautiously moving him to the top of the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Middleton | Bedrosian | Parker.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – Matt Albers got the save chance in a 1-run-game last night and blew it, but stayed on for the 10th after the Brewers had regained the lead. Jacob Barnes and Josh Hader had both pitched earlier, so even though Albers didn’t have a perfect outing, the fact that the Brewers held on to win suggests he’s a decent bet for the next opportunity. But should that opportunity come tonight, the veteran may not be available, and if Barnes or someone else converts, then this situation will remain quite clouded going forward. Still, for the time being, we’ll inch Albers to the top.
Updated hierarchy: *Albers | Barnes | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates was placed on the disabled list yesterday with a right ankle injury. Holds in this bullpen will likely be few and far between, but look for Jordan Lyles to benefit. Craig Stammen moves up as the likely handcuff Hand-cuff.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Stammen | Lyles.
Philadelphia Phillies – Hector Neris finally got his first save of the season last night, and for Neris’s second straight appearance, it was Luis Garcia who pitched the 8th before him. He’s the most likely to get a save for the Phillies on nights where Neris is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Morgan.
Cleveland Indians – Andrew Miller picked up his first save of the season yesterday in the Indians 2-0 victory. This isn’t the result of any type of committee taking shape; rather, it’s that Tito Francona has the luxury of two stud relievers, and Allen (4 IPs in previous 5 days), had been used a little more often recently than Miller.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Miller | Goody.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Archie Bradley got his first save of the season last night. Brad Boxberger remains the closer; Arizona is just being cautious about his usage in the early going. Look for Bradley to snag a few more saves now and again as a result.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Bradley | Hirano.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today/tomorrow
1. Sergio Romo – Alex Colome has gone back to back games.
Tomorrow
1. Chris Devenski – If Ken Giles goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
2. AJ Ramos – If Jeurys Familia goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
