Another Phillies reliever hits the IL

May 30, 2019

Washington Nationals — Kyle McGowin did something amazing on Wednesday. Entering with an 14-run lead in the seventh, he gave up three straight singles and a grand slam to make things a bit more sporting, then retired 9 of the next 10 batters (six by strikeout) to earn the “save.” Per the Baseball-Reference Play Index, this was only the fourth save of the Closer Monkey era (2011-present) to include four or more earned runs (Jerome Williams, Eddie Butler, and Sergio Romo complete Mount Runsmore). And no one had done it with six strikeouts since the legendary . . . Kevin Gregg.

Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Barraclough | Suero.

Philadelphia Phillies — Adam Morgan (left forearm strain) joins David Robertson and Pat Neshek on the sidelines in the Phillies’ beleaguered bullpen. 22-year-old rookie Edgar Garcia and his killer slider will see more high-leverage looks.

Updated hierarchy: Neris | Dominguez | Garcia.

San Diego Padres — Over his last three appearances, Adam Warren has allowed seven runs and retired seven batters, not the ratio you want in a middle reliever. He’s fallen behind Trey Wingenter — back from the IL with three straight scoreless outings — and former top prospect Matt Wisler.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.

Texas Rangers — Over a three-day period, Jose Leclerc experienced shoulder stiffness and calf soreness, but the Rangers still used him as the opener on Wednesday afternoon. This left Shawn Kelley to pick up his sixth save in the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: *Kelley | Leclerc | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Robert Gsellman — Edwin Diaz has gone in four of five, including last night’s brutal blown save, and Jeurys Familia has gone in three of four.
2. Carlos Estevez/Chad Bettis — Scott Oberg and Bryan Shaw have each pitched in three of four.
3. Emilio Pagan — Jose Alvarado has gone in three of four and Diego Castillo two straight (39 pitches).
4. Kelvin Herrera/Evan Marshall — Alex Colome was used for the second straight day (including two innings on Tuesday), and Herrera struggled through 23 pitches last night.

Friday:
1. Nick Wittgren — An appearance on Thursday would be three straight for Brad Hand.
2. Adam Conley — If Sergio Romo pitches Thursday, it’ll be three out of four.