June 23, 2018
Arizona Diamondbacks — Brad Boxberger blew a save in the bottom of the 11th inning, but managed to keep the game tied. When Arizona retook the lead in the 13th, it was T.J. McFarland who closed the game out. This was McFarland’s first career save, with both Hirano and Bradley having pitched earlier in the game. McFarland is normally a long reliever for Arizona, and doesn’t usually see the late innings. Meanwhile, Boxberger has been awful in June, sporting a 9.95 ERA and as many blown saves as conversions. With Arizona holding onto first place in the NL West, they may have to look to Bradley or Hirano if Boxberger continues to struggle.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Bradley | Hirano.
Atlanta Braves — The Braves turned to Dan Winkler, not Arodys Vizcaino, to protect a two-run lead in the 9th inning. Winkler had a brutal outing, giving up four runs and paving the way for Zach Britton to create his own drama (see below). After the game, Brian Snitker indicated that Vizcaino was dealing with a sore shoulder and that he hoped Vizcaino would be available today. We will monitor this to be sure it isn’t worse, but any shoulder injury is worth taking seriously.
Hierarchy remains: Vizcaino | Winkler | Minter.
Los Angeles Angels — One day after Justin Anderson’s noteworthy save, Blake Parker pitched a perfect 9th inning in a one-run game to lock down his ninth save of the year. Parker had been going through a rough stretch, so this outing was badly needed to right the ship. Meanwhile, Cam Bedrosian recorded his second straight hold, and has only given up one earned run in June. This is one of the most unpredictable bullpens in the majors, and this past week keeps that designation alive.
Updated hierarchy: *Parker | Anderson | Bedrosian
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — For the first time since trading closer Kelvin Herrera, the Royals won a game. They took the lead in the 9th inning and called upon Tim Hill to close out the victory. He pitched a perfect inning to earn the first save of his career. Hill was set to face the bottom of the Houston lineup in a tie game, and Ned Yost liked the matchups that part of the lineup presented, as two lefties and a switch hitter were due up in the ninth for Houston. Still probably wise to stay away from this bullpen if you’re looking for saves.
Updated hierarchy: *McCarthy | Hill | Maurer.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Jesse Chavez was called on to protect a three-run lead in the 8th inning, and after the Rangers put up four more runs in the 9th, he stayed in to pick up his first save since April 2015. The other news for the Rangers is that Chris Martin was activated from the DL, and pitched a perfect 7th inning for his ninth hold of the year. He jumps right back into the hierarchy after Friday’s solid outing.
Updated hierarchy: Kela | Diekman | Martin.
Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton got the call to protect a four-run lead in Friday’s 9th inning, but he had a miserable outing. Five hits and a hit batter brought in four runs, and Britton’s only recorded out was Freddie Freeman getting thrown out at the plate after a Nick Markakis double. Darren O’Day cleaned up the mess, and the Orioles went on to win in extra innings. This was a concerning outing for fantasy owners, but this was the first time Britton had given up any runs this year. Britton is still likely to get save chances while he is in a Baltimore uniform because the Orioles are basically out of the playoff race already, and with Britton in a contract year, they will want to showcase him as a trade piece.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | O’Day.
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna has agreed to a 75-game suspension under the MLB domestic violence policy, which will keep him out until August 5th. It’s too soon to speculate how Toronto will handle Osuna when he finishes his suspension, but Ryan Tepera has seized control of the closer’s role for now and may keep that spot upon Osuna’s return.
Hierarchy remains: Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. AJ Minter –Dan Winkler is coming off a 20-pitch outing and Arodys Vizcaino is dealing with a sore shoulder. If both can’t go it would be Minter to get the chance today.
Sunday:
1. Dan Winkler/AJ Minter — If Arodys Vizcaino does pitch today, he may get held out of Sunday’s contest to try and rest his shoulder.
2. Jared Hughes — If Raisel Iglesias pitches today, it will be back-to-back and three of the last four.
3. Brad Brach — Same goes for Zach Britton.