September 8, 2018
Washington Nationals — Although their game was rained out yesterday, the Nationals did activate Sean Doolittle from the DL. He hasn’t pitched since July 6, so he may not resume closing immediately, but we expect him to be back in that role sooner rather than later since the Nationals’ committee has been shaky since Doolittle’s injury.
Updated hierarchy: *Doolittle | Miller | Holland.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez pitched the 8th inning of a one-run game and Tommy Hunter pitched a perfect 9th to earn his fourth save of the year. Dominguez hasn’t gotten a save since August 16th, while both Hunter and Pat Neshek have two saves in that time. Dominguez hasn’t been bad over the last few weeks, but he appears to have fallen out of favor for now. Since August 15, Hunter has held opponents to a .088 batting average en route to a 1.64 ERA in 11.0 IP. This should remain a committee for the rest of the season with Hunter and Neshek as the current best bets for saves as the Phillies fight for a playoff spot.
Updated hierarchy: *Hunter | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Angels – With a three-run lead, the Angels turned to Jose Alvarez in the 8th and rookie Ty Buttrey in the 9th. Buttrey pitched a clean inning to pick up his first career save. Buttrey has made the most of his call-up, only giving up one run over 10 appearances (0.96 ERA). Blake Parker is still the most likely option to get saves, and he has two years of arbitration left so the Angels probably won’t be looking to replace him. However, the team may use the rest of September to see if the hard-throwing Buttrey can be their closer of the future.
Updated hierarchy: Parker | Buttrey | Anderson.
Los Angeles Dodgers — As we noted previously, Kenley Jansen did not make the trip to Colorado due to his heart condition. The Dodgers used five relievers to protect a three-run lead over the last three innings, which ended up with Kenta Maeda locking down his second save of the year. Jansen will rejoin the team when they leave Colorado, but in the meantime Maeda is well rested and will likely get any other save chances this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.
Arizona Diamondbacks – After back-to-back rough outings, Brad Boxberger had a clean inning last night, earning his 32nd save in the process. Boxberger had just gotten a vote of confidence from manager Torey Lovullo, and last night was an encouraging performance. However, this is the fifth straight appearance that Boxberger has not pitched a complete inning, as Andrew Chafin started the 9th with a strikeout last night. Boxberger is still the arm to own in Arizona, but don’t be surprised if Lovullo continues to play matchups with Arizona battling for a playoff spot.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Bradley | Ziegler.
Boston Red Sox – Matt Barnes is dealing with a hip injury, and will be shut down for some time. Alex Cora did not offer a timetable for Barnes’ return, saying that they will “get him right.” Barnes had a rough August, posting a 9.64 ERA, and the hip injury may explain his struggles. He may be back as soon as Monday, but in the meantime Ryan Brasier (who blew a lead last night) and Heath Hembree are most likely to pick up the slack in the late innings for a faltering Sox bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Kenta Maeda — Kenley Jansen is not with the team this weekend.
2. Archie Bradley — Brad Boxberger had a solid outing last night, but that is back-to-back games for him, and he has thrown 35 pitches in that span.
3. Cody Allen — Brad Hand threw 22 pitches last night in his third outing in four days, while Allen was held out of last night’s game.
4. Keone Kela — Felipe Vazquez has pitched in three of the last four, throwing 61 pitches in that time.
5. Justin Miller/Greg Holland — Sean Doolittle may get a low leverage appearance before stepping back into the closer’s role.
Sunday:
1. Ryan Tepera/Tyler Clippard — Today would be two straight and three of four for Ken Giles and Ryan Tepera.
2. Justin Miller/Greg Holland/Koda Glover — The Nationals play a doubleheader on Saturday and Doolittle may not pitch back-to-back days. Depending on usage, any of the above three may be in line for a save.