June 21, 2018
Chicago Cubs — As we told you yesterday, Brandon Morrow’s disrobing misadventures landed him on the disabled list. In the short term, we think Steve Cishek has the edge over Pedro Strop and Justin Wilson.
Updated hierarchy: *Cishek | Strop | Wilson.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles used Zach Britton to get four outs in the eighth and ninth, then turned to Brad Brach with one out in the ninth. Brach gave up two quick hits, a walk, and a line drive out, but managed to escape. The Britton-pimping doesn’t appear to have begun in earnest.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | O’Day.
San Francisco Giants — Sam Dyson went out for his second straight save chance, but after Dyson gave up two runs on four hits, Bruce Bochy turned to impressive 25-year-old rookie Reyes Moronta to get the final out and his first career save. With proven closers Tony Watson and Mark Melancon right behind him in the bullpen, another blown opportunity could be Dyson’s last.
Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Watson | Melancon.
Philadelphia Phillies — Phillies fans booed as Adam Morgan (15.75 June ERA) came in with the tying run on second and one out in the ninth, but the lefty retired Matt Carpenter and Tommy Pham to become the seventh different pitcher to earn a save for the team. We won’t add Morgan to the hierarchy at this point, but he could grab more platoon-based save chances down the road.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — We expected Keone Kela to get Wednesday off, and he did, but the Rangers went with Jake Diekman for a third straight day. Diekman converted the save.
Hierarchy remains: Kela | Diekman | Leclerc.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tony Watson/Mark Melancon — Sam Dyson has pitched in three straight, but Watson has gone in three of four himself. If Bochy isn’t ready to call on Melancon in a save chance, he’s shown that he trusts Reyes Moronta in tight spots.
2. Dellin Betances — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two of three and three of five.
3. Adam Ottavino/Jake McGee — All three members of the Rockies hierarchy have pitched in three of four. Maybe it’ll even be Bryan Shaw’s chance.
Friday:
1. Addison Reed/Trevor Hildenberger — Fernando Rodney has pitched in two straight.
