June 16, 2018
Texas Rangers – Chris Martin was placed on the 10-day DL retroactive to Tuesday with a right calf strain. Jake Diekman and Jose Leclerc should be the ones to get the ball to Keone Kela when the Rangers are actually in line to win a game. We may also see Alex Claudio pick up an occasional hold as well in Martin’s absence.
Updated hierarchy: Kela | Diekman | Leclerc.
Los Angeles Angels – Jim Johnson has landed on the 10-day DL with a lower back strain. The most likely candidate to take his place in the hierarchy is Jose Alvarez, who picked up a couple of holds last week. However, look for Cam Bedrosian, who pitched the 8th inning last night, to also see an increased role.
Updated hierarchy: Parker | Anderson | Alvarez.
Kansas City Royals – The Royals sent Jason Adam down to AAA, paving the way for the return of Brandon Maurer. Maurer has been bad this year (12.46 ERA) and his overall numbers in Omaha aren’t inspiring (5.48 ERA), but he is riding a 10-game scoreless streak, which helps to explain his call up. Maurer will try to right the ship in this stint, and he may hold some trade value for the floundering Royals if he can show real improvement.
Updated hierarchy: Herrera | McCarthy | Maurer.
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera pitched a clean 9th inning on Friday and now has the last four saves for the Blue Jays. Tepera has been solid during the last few weeks and should continue to get any save chances when he is available.
Hierarchy remains: Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Joe Jimenez — Shane Greene has pitched in three straight games while Joe Jimenez had the day off yesterday.
2. Drew Steckenrider — Kyle Barraclough has pitched in back-to-back games and four of the last five.
Sunday:
1. Archie Bradley –If Brad Boxberger pitches today it will be three in a row.
2. Josh Fields — If Kenley Jansen pitches today it will be two straight and three of four.
3. Kyle Crick — Same for Felipe Vazquez.
4. Seung Hwan Oh — And Ryan Tepera.
