April 18, 2018
Houston Astros — After Will Harris kept the Astros ahead, 4-1, through the eighth inning, it was Chris Devenski who got the ball for the ninth. Devenski converted the save and now leads Houston with a whopping two saves this season. AJ Hinch will always look for the best matchup, and Devenski has been terrific against left-handed hitters, two of which were due up in the ninth. Ken Giles owners have every right to be frustrated, as Hinch’s committee appears to be here to stay.
Hierarchy remains: *Giles | Devenski | Peacock.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals – Mike Matheny called on Greg Holland to protect a 5-1 lead in the eighth inning. A walk, a two-run homer and another walk ended Holland’s night early, however, and Bud Norris came on to convert a five-out save. Norris now has four saves this season and should be the team’s closer. However, with Matheny insistent on easing Holland into that role, Norris’ grasp on the ninth inning remains tenuous. For now though, Norris is the man to own in St. Louis. Meanwhile, Matheny expects Luke Gregerson to be part of the setup mix in what is becoming a crowded bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: *Holland | Norris | Hicks.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen now has as many blown saves as he does converted saves after he allowed the Padres to tie Tuesday’s tilt in the ninth. Jansen got off to a rough start to the season, and a combination of low velocity and poor command of his cutter was once again on display Tuesday. After the game, manager Dave Roberts said that Jansen wasn’t right, but also said that he’d run Jansen back out there again. Jansen said he’d figure it out, and he’s earned a longer leash than others. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for Pedro Baez, who earned his first hold of the season on Tuesday thanks to four strikeouts. He has 12 strikeouts against just two walks in 8.2 IP and a 1.04 ERA.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. AJ Minter – Arodys Vizcaino has thrown 43 pitches over back-to-back games.
2. Matt Albers – Josh Hader threw 29 pitches in a two-inning save on Tuesday, and Craig Counsell wants to make sure Hader gets the proper rest.
Tomorrow
1. AJ Minter – If Vizcaino gets the ball today, he’ll almost certainly get Thursday off.
2. Matt Albers – If Hader does get a second straight save chance on Wednesday, he’ll get that rest on Thursday.
