Wade Davis and Hunter Strickland are almost ready to return

June 7, 2019

Philadelphia Phillies — The MRI results on Seranthony Dominguez’s elbow have not been released but, assuming he is placed on the IL, Vince Velasquez is expected to step into a setup role, with JD Hammer behind him. We’ll have more information as soon as it’s available.

Updated hierarchy: Neris | Velasquez | Hammer.

Boston Red Sox — The Red Sox emptied the cupboard Thursday, using six relievers to cover the final 7 2/3 innings of a 7-5 win over the Royals. Fireman Matt Barnes rewarded owners’ patience by collecting his fourth save — his first since May 7! Another intriguing arm in this pen is Heath Hembree, who had earned a save more recently than Barnes and picked up holds in three straight appearances. There should be plenty of save opportunities this summer for the Sox, and Barnes and Hembree will be in the mix along with Marcus Walden, Brandon Workman, and Ryan Brasier.

Hierarchy remains: *Barnes | Workman | Hembree.
* = closer-by-committee

Colorado Rockies — Wade Davis is feeling good and could return to action as early as this weekend. Scott Oberg nailed down his third save Thursday and has filled in admirably, but will give the job back to Davis when the time comes.

Hierarchy remains: Oberg | Shaw | Estevez.

Minnesota Twins — Taylor Rogers picked up a six-out save Thursday, allowing a run but striking out three on 30 pitches. Blake Parker threw 50 pitches in two outings this week, including his first blown save on Wednesday, so perhaps some rest was needed — but this is a committee, after all, and manager Rocco Baldelli has showed he’s willing to mix and match for saves. The Twins are among the best teams in baseball, so Parker and Rogers are both worth owning, as chances should be plentiful moving forward. 

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

Seattle Mariners — Hunter Strickland should begin a rehab assignment next week after a bullpen session on Sunday. He was the closer before he was shelved, and not many M’s are standing in his way when he returns. 

Hierarchy remains: *Elias | Bass | Brennan.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Kyle Crick — Felipe Vazquez has pitched in two straight, throwing 43 pitches — including 25 in a four-out save on Thursday.
2. Jose Leclerc — Could this be Leclerc’s return to the ninth inning? Shawn Kelley bounced back after a blown save to pick one up on Wednesday, but he has thrown 40 pitches over the last two days, while Leclerc did not pitch on Wednesday. 
3. Wander Suero — Even though he was off Thursday, Sean Doolittle has pitched in four of six. 

Saturday:
1. Joe Biagini — A Friday outing would be three of four for Ken Giles.
2. Ty Buttrey — Same as above for Hansel Robles.
3. Nick Wittgren — Ditto for Brad Hand. 
4. Craig Stammen — Friday would be three in a row for Kirby Yates, though he did have a light workload in appearances Wednesday and Thursday (23 pitches).