June 14, 2018

Chicago White Sox — Nate Jones is headed to the disabled list with a mild forearm strain that Rick Renteria says is not code for an elbow problem. 24-year-old Jace Fry will ascend to the setup role, with perpetual would-be closer Bruce Rondon also in the mix for high-leverage work. In Detroit, Rondon struggled with his weight, his effort levels, and a general propensity for drama, but he could be remaking himself, and reaping the rewards of his considerable talent, in Chicago.

Updated hierarchy: Soria | Fry | Rondon.

Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino has been the only guy sniffing conventional save chances for Atlanta, so we’re going to drop his asterisk again. Behind him, Dan Winkler has been phenomenal, allowing an earned run in only 2 of his 29 appearances and striking out 12.5 guys per nine innings. Add Shane Carle and lefty A.J. Minter, and the Braves have had a surprisingly effective bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Winkler | Minter.

Baltimore Orioles — Brad Brach appeared in the eighth on Wednesday night down five runs, but it was as an injury replacement for Richard Bleier, who hurt his shoulder. Don’t read too much into it, especially considering Zach Britton’s three-walk outing on Tuesday.

Hierarchy remains: Brach | Britton | O’Day.

San Diego Padres — Keep an eye on Jose Castillo, who struck out all four batters he faced last night — he’s a big 22-year-old lefty with a nasty slider, who sped through AA and AAA this season.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Bruce Rondon — Joakim Soria and Jace Fry have each pitched in three of four and four of six.
2. Craig Stammen — Like we told you yesterday, Wednesday’s work by Brad Hand and Kirby Yates gave them each four outings in five games. Stammen was held out, possibly for a save chance on Thursday.
3. Joe Kelly/Matt Barnes — Craig Kimbrel might need a second day off after throwing 56 pitches in two days.

Friday:
1. Joe Kelly/Matt Barnes — If Kimbrel pitches Thursday, he’ll be off Friday.
2. Drew Steckenrider — A Kyle Barraclough appearance would be three out of four.
3. Alex Colome — Edwin Diaz pitched in three straight from Sunday to Tuesday.
4. Chaz Roe/Jose Alvarado — Same with Sergio Romo.