Brad Boxberger out of a job; Josh Hader K’s everyone

September 11, 2018

Cleveland Indians – Andrew Miller returned from the DL yesterday, striking out two hitters in a clean inning of work. He figures to slot back in behind Cody Allen and Brad Hand, the latter of whom had maybe the most frustrating blown save of the season yesterday.

Updated hierarchy: *Hand | Allen | Miller.
* = closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – A slow news day gives us the chance to post this video of Josh Hader, who struck out all six Cubs (David Bote, Addison Russell, Daniel Murphy, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez) he faced yesterday, needing just 24 pitches (4 per hitter!) to do it. Jeremy Jeffress closed out the game and remains the best guy to own in this closer committee, but goodness, this was as dominant a relief outing as we’ve ever seen.

Hierarchy remains: *Jeffress | Hader | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee

Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Boxberger is out as the Diamondbacks closer and Torey Lovullo is planning to play matchups. We like Jake Diekman, Brad Ziegler, and Yoshihisa Hirano in that order to get the first shot, but it’s anyone’s guess at this point, and it may be that no one really “wins” the job for the next few weeks.

Updated hierarchy: *Diekman | Ziegler | Hirano.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jordan Hicks – Carlos Martinez has gone back to back and we’re guessing he’s not ready for three in a row yet.

Tomorrow
1. Jared Hughes – If Raisel Iglesias goes today, it’ll be three straight.
2. Kevin McCarthy – If Wily Peralta goes today, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
3. Hector Rondon – If Roberto Osuna goes today, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
4. Dan Winkler – If AJ Minter goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.