July 16, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera returned from the disabled list yesterday, and pitched a scoreless 7th inning with the Jays trailing by three. There’s not much to read into here, usage-wise, since it was the day before the All Star Break and Tepera was just getting some work in, but he was getting the lion’s share of save chances before he got hurt, so we’ll place him in the middle of the committee right now, and potentially move him up as usage dictates. This bullpen is highly unsettled, though, and any of the top three guys could be used for saves after the break.
Updated hierarchy: *Oh | Tepera | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles – Here’s a guy to watch as the Orioles continue to shop all of their veteran relievers: Paul Fry. Yesterday, Fry got his first big league hold, firing a perfect 1.2 innings ahead of Zach Britton. A 6-foot-tall lefty, Fry always had good strikeout numbers in the minors, but struggled with his control. He seems to have figured something out, though, having started his major league career with 10 strikeouts and 0 walks in his first 9 innings (1.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP). Look for him to contribute in the second half, especially as other Baltimore relievers start getting dealt.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | Givens.
St. Louis Cardinals – With Bud Norris getting a day off with some sort of injury concern, Jordan Hicks picked up his second save of the season. He allowed a run, but remains the clear handcuff in case Norris’s injury is more serious than it seems.
Hierarchy remains: Norris | Hicks | Tuivailala.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Steve Mandanda – Just a hunch that the Marseille keeper might be in line for more Les Bleus saves after this nonsense from Hugo Lloris.
