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August 10, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen will miss at least a month with a recurrence of an irregular heartbeat — the same problem that sidelined him in 2011 and 2012, eventually leading to offseason surgery. With Jansen out, Scott Alexander should see the bulk of any save chances, including the one he converted Thursday night.
Updated hierarchy: Alexander | Floro | Chargois.
Minnesota Twins — Like we told you in last night’s alert, the Twins traded closer Fernando Rodney to the A’s, leaving a committee situation in his wake. We expect Trevor Hildenberger and Addison Reed to lead that committee to start, though both have pitched poorly as of late, leaving things wide open for some of the Twins’ younger arms (subscription). For what it’s worth, Reed got the ninth in a tie game Thursday night, and picked up the loss. Taylor Rogers may get a shot down the stretch — he’s been impressive lately, allowing no runs or walks (and just two hits) over his last seven appearances. Trevor May and Gabriel Moya also have legitimate chances.
Hierarchy remains: *Hildenberger | Reed | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel melted down again on Thursday, failing to record an out, putting four guys on base, and inciting more angry tweets from pseudocelebrities. In relief of Knebel, Joakim Soria gave up a grand slam before leaving with a mild groin strain. After the game, Craig Counsell promised to give Knebel a lower-leverage outing next time, although he added that he expected Knebel to reclaim the ninth before long. For now, we’ll slide him behind Josh Hader and Jeremy Jeffress, each of whom have been phenomenal this season.
Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Jeffress | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies — Wade Davis’s days as Rockies closer are numbered — or they should be, after Thursday night’s loss sent his ERA soaring to 5.51 and turned the Rockies’ official Twitter account into a group therapy session. Adam Ottavino has been dynamite this year and would likely have the job all to his lonesome if Davis is removed from the role.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Ottavino | Oh.
Oakland A’s — The A’s acquired Fernando Rodney from Minnesota, but he doesn’t break into their late-inning hierarchy at this point. Consider him fourth or fifth in line in this strong bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Treinen | Familia | Trivino.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Josh Hader — Corey Knebel needs some time off and Jeremy Jeffress has gone in two straight.
2. Jose Alvarado/Ryne Stanek — Sergio Romo has pitched in three straight, and Alvarado has gone in two in a row. Although Stanek has been the team’s designated “opener” lately, he might get a shot at the ninth again.
3. Ryan Tepera — Ken Giles has gone in two of three, and has given up runs in five of his last six outings.
4. Cody Allen — Brad Hand has pitched in two straight and these two are splitting opportunities.
Saturday:
1. Justin Miller — Ryan Madson has gone in two of three.
