June 9, 2018

New York Mets – Jeurys Familia landed on the 10-day DL with a shoulder injury. Mickey Callaway said that an MRI looked “pretty clean” and that he hopes that Familia will return as soon as he is eligible. Robert Gsellman will likely get the first crack at any gsave opportunities while Familia gsits out. Anthony (g)Swarzak, who was activated from the DL on June 5, will also be in the mix, with Callaway noting that the Mets will look to see who is available and who is coming up before deciding who will close. While this has the markings of a committee, we think Gsellman is clearly the best option, at least until Swarzak can get back into a rhythm.

Updated hierarchy: Gsellman | Swarzak | Sewald.

Seattle Mariners – The Mariners suffered a pair of injuries in the bullpen, as both Dan Altavilla and Juan Nicasio were placed on the 10-day DL. Nicasio’s injury isn’t expected to be serious, but In his absence James Pazos is likely to see an increased role. He has only given up one run in his last 22 appearances, although many of those have been in a LOOGY role. Another arm to watch is Chasen Bradford, who is riding an eight-game scoreless streak of his own. In addition, Nick Vincent is set to begin a rehab assignment this weekend and may be activated as early as Monday.

Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Colome | Pazos.

Chicago White Sox — Nate Jones pitched the 8th inning ahead of Joakim Soria for the third time in a row. The White Sox seem to be settling into regular bullpen roles again, as Soria has been excellent in the past couple of weeks. He is only a month removed from pitching in a mop-up role with an ERA close to 6.00, but three straight saves is hard to ignore. He’ll hold onto the asterisk for now, but Soria is clearly the guy to own on the South Side.

Hierarchy remains: *Soria | Jones | Fry.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs – Pedro Strop got the last out of the 8th inning in a two-run game and returned for the 9th to pick up his first save of the year. Both Brandon Morrow and Steve Cishek had pitched in back-to-back games, and Joe Maddon opted to rest them on Friday.

Hierarchy remains: Morrow | Cishek | Strop.

St. Louis Cardinals — Bud Norris couldn’t hold onto a two-run lead in the 9th but snatched a win after the Cardinals retook the lead in the 10th. With Jordan Hicks and Sam Tuivailala having already pitched, the Cardinals turned to John Brebbia, who converted for his second save of the year. Brebbia, whose other save this year was of the three-inning variety, is now second only to Norris in saves for the Cardinals despite not normally factoring in the Cardinals’ late-inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: Norris | Hicks | Tuivailala.

Los Angeles Angels – Blake Parker converted his third straight save opportunity and is now 6-for-7 on the year. Parker has run with the opportunity to lead the Angels bullpen, and while Mike Scioscia has a reputation for chaotic bullpen management, he does tend to stick with a player who is having a run of success. This is enough for Parker to kick the asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: Parker | Anderson | Johnson.

Oakland A’s — With a four-run lead, Oakland turned to Lou Trivino with two men on and two outs in the 8th inning. He got a groundout to end the threat and then stayed in for the 9th after Oakland extended the lead to five. He pitched a clean ninth inning, and because he entered the eighth with the tying run on deck, he earned his first save of the year. Trivino has put together an excellent start to the year, and this appearance cements his spot as the primary setup man for Blake Treinen.

Hierarchy remains: Treinen | Trivino | Petit.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias has pitched in three straight games and should get Saturday off.

Sunday:
1. Nate Jones/Jace Fry — Everyone in Chicago’s hierarchy has pitched in three of the last four, so whoever pitches on Saturday may not be available Sunday.
2. Dan Otero — If Cody Allen pitches on Saturday, that would be back-to-back and four of five.
3. Jake McGee — Wade Davis was rested on Friday, but if he pitches today it will be four of five for him.
4. Justin Anderson — If Blake Parker pitches today, it will be back-to-back and three of four.
5. David Robertson — Same for Aroldis Chapman.
6. Steve Cishek/Pedro Strop — Brandon Morrow got Friday off, but if he has a taxing outing on Saturday, he may get another day off Sunday since that will have been three of four.
7. Alex Colome/James Pazos — Edwin Diaz threw 20 pitches yesterday. He shouldn’t need a day off Sunday unless he has another truly taxing outing. If Colome pitches Saturday, that would be three straight appearances for him.
8. Josh Fields — An appearance today would be Kenley Jansen’s third in a row.
9. Jordan Hicks — Same for Bud Norris.
10. Alex Wilson — And for both Shane Greene and Joe Jimenez.