April 29, 2018
Miami Marlins — With Brad Ziegler not 100%, the Marlins turned to Kyle Barraclough to protect a three-run lead. Barraclough responded by striking out the side for his first save of the season. Ziegler has not pitched particularly well so far this season and this could be a preview of things to come if his struggles continue.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.
Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino converted his second straight save opportunity since AJ Minter got the save on Wednesday. Vizcaino struck out the side yesterday and has now put together seven straight scoreless appearances.
Hierarchy remains: *Vizcaino | Minter | Carle.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants — The Giants gave up 15 runs in game 1 of their doubleheader against the Dodgers yesterday, but there was one “pitcher” who had a good game. Pablo Sandoval was the only Giant to pitch a 1-2-3 inning. He hit 88-mph with his fastball and threw this nice little curve for a strike.
Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.
Kansas City Royals – Brad Keller pitched the eighth inning ahead of closer Kelvin Herrera for the second straight game. The Royals are still figuring out the best way to get the ball to Herrera, but we will move Keller back onto the hierarchy based on his recent usage.
Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Keller | Flynn.
Cleveland Indians — Andrew Miller, who has been placed on the 10-day disabled list, was able to play catch on Saturday. It looks like Miller shouldn’t be out much longer than the required 10 days, but while is out, fellow lefty Tyler Olson should help set-up closer, Cody Allen.
Updated hierarchy: Allen | Goody | Olson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. AJ Ramos – Jeurys Familia will not be with the team today after his father-in-law passed away.
2. Brad Keller/Brian Flynn – Kelvin Herrera has pitched in three straight. Brad Keller has pitched in two straight and three of four so it could be Flynn if both Herrera and Keller are rested on Sunday.
3. Drew Steckenrider – Kyle Barraclough has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing a total of 40 pitches, so if Brad Ziegler is unable to go again today, it could be Drew Steckenrider’s turn.
4. Chris Martin – Keone Kela has pitched in two straight and three of four.
5. Archie Bradley – Brad Boxberger has gone in two in a row. Bradley has also pitched both days but has thrown fewer pitches so he could still be available.
Monday
1. Tony Watson – Hunter Strickland has pitched in two straight
2. George Kontos – If Felipe Vazquez pitches on Sunday, it will be four out of five.
3. Ryan Madson/Brandon Kintzler – Sean Doolittle has pitched in two straight. Ryan Madson has also pitched in two straight so if both are used on Sunday, that could leave Brandon Kintzler for any save opportunities on Monday.
