Bud Norris should be okay and two NL relievers are off the DL

July 7, 2018

St. Louis Cardinals — After his injury scare, Bud Norris underwent an MRI on Friday. The results showed no structural damage. Norris believes he will be ready to go today, although the Cardinals may elect to rest him further.

Hierarchy remains: Norris | Hicks | Tuivailala.

Philadelphia Phillies — Edubray Ramos was activated from the DL and immediately saw action in the 5th inning last night, getting the last two outs of what was at the time a one-run game en route to earning his third win of the year. Ramos was a top arm in the Phillies bullpen before he got injured, and a solid outing last night puts him right back into the mix in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs — CJ Edwards returned from his DL stint and struck out the only batter he faced yesterday. Edwards may need a few more appearances to get up to speed after missing all of June. Pedro Strop and Steve Cishek have been very good as bridges to Brandon Morrow, but Edwards was getting the 8th inning before his injury and will likely work his way back there soon.

Updated hierarchy: Morrow | Strop | Edwards.

Houston Astros — Brad Peacock entered a three-run game in the 8th inning, and when the Astros scored seven in the bottom half, he stuck around for the 9th. It did not go smoothly for him, as he gave up three runs on two homers in the but with a 10-run cushion, he managed to close out the game for his second save of the year. Peacock has fallen out of favor a bit with the Astros, which has more to do with his competition than with him pitching particularly poorly.

Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Giles | Devenski.

Detroit Tigers — Some good news for Shane Greene, as tests on his shoulder showed no structural damage. He’ll hope to resume throwing in a couple of days.

Hierarchy remains: Jimenez | Wilson | Coleman. 

New York Mets — MLB has reinstated former closer Jenrry Mejia after his “lifetime” ban for PED use. Mejia was the first player to receive a lifetime ban, but now he could return in 2019. The Mets were non-committal in their response, saying they will “assess the situation and our options in the coming months.” While he won’t have any impact this year, Mejia was a major part of the Mets bullpen prior to the ban, and he did sign a contract with the Mets this year in case he was reinstated. Dynasty leagues may find him to be an interesting option.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | Swarzak | Gsellman.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias threw 35 pitches to pick up a five-out save on Friday.
2. Jordan Hicks — As we mentioned above, Bud Norris thinks he could be back today but Mike Matheny may elect to give him another day of rest.
3. Josh Hader — Corey Knebel threw 14 pitches last night and has now pitched in four of the last five games.
4. Erik Goeddel — Kenley Jansen threw 20 pitches last night and also had a 30-pitch outing on Wednesday.

Sunday:
1. Josh Hader — Knebel will have pitched in two straight and five of six with an appearance on Saturday.
2. Trevor Hildenberger — If Fernando Rodney pitches today that will be three straight for him.
3. Kelvin Herrera — Same goes for Sean Doolittle.
4. Justin Anderson/Cam Bedrosian — Today would be two straight and three of four for both Blake Parker and Justin Anderson.
5. Anthony Swarzak — Same goes for Jeurys Familia.
6. Erik Goeddel —  If Jansen does pitch today, a day off on Sunday seems likely.