Keynan Middleton heads back to the DL

May 14, 2018

Los Angeles Angels – Keynan Middleton is not on the active roster tonight and appears to be headed to the DL after he injured his right elbow on Sunday. The Angels will continue to rely on a committee of arms to close out games, with Jim Johnson the likely leader of a group that includes Justin Anderson, Cam Bedrosian, Noe Ramirez and even Blake Parker.

Updated hierarchy: *Johnson | Anderson | Bedrosian.
* = closer-by-committee

Phillies enter committee mode; Bruce Rondon and Jim Johnson could see more save chances

May 14, 2018

Philadelphia Phillies – Two days after Hector Neris blew a save against the Mets, Gabe Kapler declared that the Phillies will no longer have a consistent 9th inning approach. This was Kapler’s initial plan in spring training, but the first six weeks of the season saw Neris in the role; now, it seems that it’ll be full-on chaos theory in Philadelphia going forward. Sure to be in the mix is Edubray Ramos, who go the save on Sunday. Neris is still in, too — he was warming up while Ramos was pitching. Seranthony Dominguez, who pitched a clean 8th and has yet to allow a baserunner in 4 major league innings so far, could get a look. So could Tommy Hunter and Luis Garcia. We’re putting Neris and Ramos at the top for now, with the understanding that, if Kapler keeps his word, the 9th inning could truly belong to almost anyone on any given night.

Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox – Also entering committee mode are the Chicago White Sox, who turned to Bruce Rondon for the save yesterday afternoon. With Joakim Soria struggling and Nate Jones blowing his chance to seize the job earlier this week, Rondon seems like a good bet to take over if he can convert another save — though Rick Renteria isn’t calling him the new closer yet. For now, we’re slapping an asterisk on and will elevate the big righty to the top spot if he can do it again.

Updated hierarchy: *Soria | Rondon | Jones. 
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels – Keynan Middleton exited Sunday’s game with a sore right elbow and will have an MRI today. No one really seized on the role in his recent absence, though Jim Johnson did convert a save on Thursday and is probably the best guy to own if Middleton is going to miss time.

Hierarchy remains: *Middleton | Johnson | Anderson.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox – Craig Kimbrel was unavailable Sunday, having pitched in three of the past four days, so Joe Kelly closed out the win to earn his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Kirby Yates – Brad Hand has gone two straight (3 IP, 54 pitches).
2. Jared Hughes – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in four of the last five.
3. AJ Minter – Arodys Vizcaino has pitched in two straight and the Braves have a day game today.

Tomorrow
1. Joe Jimenez/Buck Farmer – Shane Greene, Jimenez, and Farmer have all pitched two straight; tonight’s usage will dictate who is available tomorrow.