Cody Allen, Jose Leclerc struggling

April 22, 2019

Minnesota Twins – With Blake Parker under the weather, Taylor Rogers pitched a clean 9th inning for his 3rd save of the season. Parker remains the preferred choice for saves here, but Rogers may continue to get an opportunity now and again. 

Hierarchy remains: *Parker | Rogers | Hildenberger.
* = closer-by-committee


Detroit Tigers – Joe Jimenez has struggled out of the gate this season, so bridging the gap to Shane Greene yesterday was a combination of Buck Farmer, Blaine Hardy, and Victor Alcantara. Jimenez’s last outing was his best of the season, but we’ll still drop him behind Alcantara for now, until he gets higher-leverage spots again.

Updated hierarchy: Greene | Alcantara | Jimenez.

Texas Rangers – Jose Leclerc allowed a leadoff home run, and then walked four of the next six hitters before being pulled for Shawn Kelley, who got the game’s last out for his first save of the year. Leclerc has an inflated ERA (7.88) after a few bad outings, but Chris Woodward is still giving him a little bit of leash. We’ll keep an eye on this one. 

Hierarchy remains: Leclerc | Martin | Kelley.

Los Angeles Angels – The Angels joined the “opener” trend, starting Hansel Robles on Sunday against Seattle, but the main news was another bad outing by Cody Allen, who allowed a home run and a walk to the two hitters he faced before being yanked for Luis Garcia, who picked up the save. After five scoreless outings to open the season, Allen has now given up runs in four consecutive outings. Brad Ausmus might not be worried, but we are.

Hierarchy remains: Allen | Buttrey | Robles.

Chicago Cubs – Brandon Morrow experienced some elbow soreness, so his rehab has been temporarily shut down. There is no timetable for his return as of yet. 

Hierarchy remains: Strop | Cishek | Kintzler. 

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today

1. Brandon Workman/Heath Hembree – Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes have gone three straight.

Tomorrow
1. Scott Oberg – If Wade Davis goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
2. Ty Buttrey – If Cody Allen goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
3. Alex Wilson/Junior Guerra – If Josh Hader goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.