April 18, 2019
Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino underwent shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season. With Atlanta’s bullpen in shambles, AJ Minter will likely continue to get the bulk of the save chances — unless the team decides to sign Craig Kimbrel. If they’re interested in Kimbrel, the Braves may have to act quickly to stave off the Brewers.
Hierarchy remains: Minter | Sobotka | Biddle.
Kansas City Royals — KC is in true committee mode. Ian Kennedy came in with the score tied and got the sixth and part of the seventh. Jake Diekman spelled him, but loaded the bases with no one out in the eighth. Wily Peralta escaped with only one run allowed and stayed on for the ninth. When the Royals took the lead in the tenth, this left Scott Barlow to convert his first career save. Anything can happen with this group, but given today’s usage, we’ll edge Peralta ever-so-slightly ahead of Kennedy.
Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Kennedy | Diekman.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – Although it was no surprise to see Brad Hand get the day off after three straight games pitched, few expected a two-inning save from Nick Wittgren. Wittgren’s previous three appearances had been in low-leverage spots with the team trailing, but he set down six straight Mariners for his first career save. We’ll take this as a sign that Terry Francona prefers Wittgren to Dan Otero and Neil Ramirez.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Cimber | Wittgren.
Philadelphia Phillies — After inheriting two runners with a two-run lead, Hector Neris loaded the bases with an RBI infield single and a hit-by-pitch before getting a second strikeout to escape with his second save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Dominguez | Arano.
Boston Red Sox — Boston’s bullpen, till now the high point of a shockingly bad season, turned back into a pumpkin Wednesday night. Brandon Workman loaded the bases and Ryan Brasier gave up a grand slam, wasting a great start by Nathan Eovaldi.
Hierarchy remains: *Brasier | Barnes | Workman.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Yoshihisa Hirano — Greg Holland has pitched in three of four, and Archie Bradley threw 36 pitches last night.
2. Chad Sobotka — Sobotka struggled in his last appearance, but it’s not likely that AJ Minter will pitch for a fourth day out of five.
Friday:
1. Joe Kelly — Kenley Jansen has pitched in two of three.
2. Joe Jimenez — Shane Greene has gone in two straight.
