April 26, 2018
Atlanta Braves — After the Braves scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth, lefty AJ Minter was called upon for his first career save. Two lefthanders, Joey Votto and Scooter Gennett, started off the ninth for the Reds, and after the game, Brian Snitker confirmed that Minter could get additional opportunities to close if the matchups are right. Sounds like a brand new committee to us.
Updated hierarchy: *Vizcaino | Minter | Carle.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — Andrew Miller left Wednesday night’s game after two pitches with discomfort in his left leg. After the game, Terry Francona said that Miller had experienced similar issues in the past and might be okay after a few days of rest. For now, Miller stays in the hierarchy, but Thursday morning’s MRI might lead to a stint on the disabled list and an interim setup man for the Indians.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Miller | Goody.
Houston Astros — Don’t look now, but Ken Giles is on his way back, closing out the Angels with a 1-2-3 ninth after Chris Devenski pitched the eighth. Justin Verlander was impressed, even if Mike Trout almost did hit one out. If Devenski gets the next chance, we’ll keep calling this a committee; otherwise, Giles likely has the job back.
Updated hierarchy: *Giles | Devenski | Peacock.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — The woeful Marlins may have picked up their seventh win of the year last night against LA, but 38-year-old Brad Ziegler’s struggles continued with a three-run ninth. The closer has converted both his save chances, but with those in short supply, he’s thrown in some other situations as well. And he’s been really bad in those, running up a 10.39 ERA over seven non-save appearances. With two strikeout machines behind him in Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider, Ziegler needs to start living every week like it’s Shark Week, or he may find himself set adrift.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.
Oakland A’s — Good news for Oakland fans and Blake Treinen owners, as his bruised shin doesn’t seem to be particularly serious. Treinen thought he could have pitched on Wednesday if needed, so he should be at full strength for Friday’s game.
Hierarchy remains: Treinen | Casilla | Buchter.
St. Louis Cardinals — John Brebbia turned in an impressive performance Wednesday night, striking out four through three scoreless innings to pick up his first career save. Did you start Brebbia in your league? Be the first to prove it to us, through Twitter or email, and you’ll win Closer Monkey Premium through the rest of the season!
Hierarchy remains: *Norris | Holland | Hicks.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Nick Goody — Cody Allen hasn’t thrown a lot of pitches (33), but he’s pitched in three of four games. With Miller ailing, Goody might get a shot — if not Thursday, then possibly Friday.
Friday:
1. Juan Nicasio — Edwin Diaz has pitched in two straight.
2. Luis Garcia — Hector Neris needed 29 pitches on Wednesday and probably won’t go in a third straight if he pitches Thursday.
3. Joe Kelly — Craig Kimbrel’s gone in two straight.
4. Nick Goody — See above.
