July 13, 2018

Washington Nationals — Manager Dave Martinez surprised some by going with recent acquisition Kelvin Herrera in the eighth inning and the struggling Ryan Madson in the ninth. Before the game, Martinez informed Herrera that he’d face the top of the Mets order in the late innings, even if that came before the ninth. Herrera — who has been a bit wild since joining the Nats —  allowed a home run, another hit and a walk but escaped the eighth with just the one run allowed. Madson pitched a clean ninth for the save. With Sean Doolittle out, Herrera is still the most likely save-getter, but it appears he’s entering more of a bullpen ace role, which may mean some opportunities for Madson and Brandon Kintzler, too.

Updated hierarchy: *Herrera | Madson | Kintzler.
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers — Dylan Floro returned to LA in a trade with the Reds and has picked up back-to-back eighth-inning holds in front of Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers’ hierarchy behind Jansen has been murky all year long — so we won’t make a setup move just yet — but Floro and Daniel Hudson are certainly strong holds candidates alongside Scott Alexander and Erik Goeddel.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

Oakland A’s — Closer Blake Trienen got the night off Thursday after pitching in two of the previous three games, and the A’s handed the ball to Lou Trivino, who converted the vulture opportunity for his fourth save.

Hierarchy remains: Treinen | Trivino | Buchter.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Victor Arano — Seranthony Dominguez has worked in three of four and four of six.
2. Kyle Crick — Felipe Vazquez has pitched in two straight and five of six!
3, Diego Castillo — Even though Sergio Romo was off Thursday, he has still pitched in four of the last six days.
4. Anthony Swarzak — Jeurys Familia has gone in three of four.

Saturday:
1. Joe Kelly — Entering Friday, Craig Kimbrel has gone in two straight.
2. Erik Goeddel et al. — The same is true for Kenley Jansen.
3, Ryan Madson/Brandon Kintzler — Madson and Kelvin Herrera have each worked in two of three entering Friday.
4. Kyle Crick/Edgar Santana — In addition to Vazquez’s heavy workload, the Bucs have a doubleheader on Saturday.