April 28, 2018
St. Louis Cardinals — Just as Greg Holland seemed to be ascending to the closer’s role, he fell apart while protecting a three-run lead. He was victimized by an error, but he also left without recording an out. After the game, Mike Matheny said it may take some more time for Holland to be ready, while also praising Bud Norris, who pitched a clean eighth. Matheny’s comments — and Holland’s salary — point to Holland as the future closer, but we think Norris is probably still in line for the next save chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Norris | Holland | Hicks.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies — Adam Ottavino has remained lights-out this season (0.60 ERA; 0.47 WHIP; 28 K in 15 IP), and the Rockies are using him to set up Wade Davis, with Jake McGee relegated to the seventh-inning role.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Ottavino | McGee.
Oakland A’s — Shortly after a Blake Treinen injury scare, Ryan Buchter has been sent to the DL with shoulder stiffness. Bob Melvin expects his role to be filled primarily by Danny Coulombe and Yusmeiro Petit.
Updated hierarchy: Treinen | Casilla | Petit.
Los Angeles Angels — 25-year-old rookie Justin Anderson has been thrown right into tight spots since getting called up to the bigs earlier this week, and he’s risen to the occasion, earning three holds in three games against the Astros and Yankees. Anderson replaces Blake Parker in the LA hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Middleton | Bedrosian | Anderson.
Philadelphia Phillies — Tommy Hunter pitched a clean eighth inning ahead of Hector Neris, and has not given up a run since his return from the DL last week. Until last night, he had not pitched with a lead; his first hold of the year gets him back into the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Hunter.
Tampa Bay Rays — Chaz Roe got the last two outs of the eighth inning to pick up his sixth hold of the year, putting him among the league leaders on the season, alongside teammate Jose Alvarado. Roe has been good in the early going, earning himself late-inning looks since starting the season in mop-up duty, and if Sergio Romo continues to struggle, Roe may crack the hierarchy soon. Either way, he’ll stay a good source of holds as long as he keeps getting situational chances.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Romo | Alvarado.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Bruce Rondon — Joakim Soria has pitched in three in a row and Nate Jones has gone back-to-back (50 pitches), leaving Rondon very well rested by comparison.
2. George Kontos — Felipe Vazquez has pitched in three straight games.
Sunday:
1. CJ Edwards/Steve Cishek — Brandon Morrow and CJ Edwards have each pitched in back-to-back games. They haven’t thrown a lot of pitches, but if either pitches today, they likely won’t be available Sunday.
2. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias threw 32 pitches last night, and will likely get Sunday off if he has to go again today.
3. Brian Flynn/Tim Hill — Kelvin Herrera has pitched in two straight and Tim Hill threw 41 pitches last night and may not be ready by Sunday.
