June 1, 2018
Miami Marlins — To no one’s surprise, Brad Ziegler lost his job as the Marlins’ closer. Manager Don Mattingly announced the move before the game, but waited until after the game — an 8-3 loss to the Padres — to confirm our assessment that Kyle Barraclough has earned the job outright. “This is his chance to show he can be that guy,” Mattingly said. The manager also made sure to mention that, like Barraclough, Drew Steckenrider has closer potential. Ziegler, 38, will be a free agent next year and could be nearing the end of a successful professional career that began in 2003 with the Batavia Muckdogs.
Updated hierarchy: Barraclough | Steckenrider | Wittgren.
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez continued his scoreless start in the major leagues Thursday, securing his second save and making it look easy. He has faced 43 batters to start his career, fanning 15 while allowing just two hits. Wow. He’s the guy to own for the Phillies, who find themselves just one game out of first place in the NL East. Save chances should be plentiful this year.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — The Nationals activated Ryan Madson from the disabled list Thursday. He may be eased back at first, but he should contend for vulture saves when Sean Doolittle needs rest.
Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Kintzler | Madson.
San Francisco Giants — According to Mark Melancon himself, he’s headed back to the big league club on Friday. Where he’ll fit in at first remains a mystery. Expect him to be eased in, though. Manager Bruce Bochy has said he would mix Melancon in and see how he feels. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Michael Feliz — Felipe Vazquez has pitched in three straight and four of the last five, and had a disastrous outing in a blown save on Thursday. Buyer beware, though — Feliz has struggled lately himself, allowing nine runs over his last four appearances. Edgar Santana and (especially) Kyle Crick have been more reliable.
2. Edubray Ramos — Gabe Kapler may not want to go to Dominguez again immediately after a two-inning save.
Saturday:
1. Joe Jimenez/Buck Farmer — Shane Greene has pitched in two straight. Jimenez, meanwhile, has gone in four of five entering Friday. Farmer is better rested, so if Greene pitches Friday, the ninth on Saturday may be Farmer’s. Bum bidda bum, bum bum BUM bum.
2. Chris Martin — An appearance for Keone Kela would be three out of four.
3. Brandon Kintzler — Same for Sean Doolittle.
