June 15, 2019

Minnesota Twins — Taylor Rogers made his first appearance since June 6, completing a 1-2-3 ninth inning in a 2-0 win over the Royals. Rogers, who had been dealing with back stiffness, revealed after the game that he was good to go almost the entire time despite the injury and could have pitched Thursday if necessary.

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

Boston Red Sox — We mentioned yesterday that Heath Hembree was unavailable Thursday due to forearm tightness, and the Sox officially placed Hembree on the 10-day IL on Friday. Alex Cora is confident that Hembree should be back once the 10 days expire. Look for Marcus Walden to pick up the slack while Hembree is gone. 

Updated hierarchy: *Barnes | Workman | Walden.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros – With the Astros ‘pen stretched thin, they called up Rogelio Armenteros, who pitched three scoreless innings to earn his first career save. Armenteros joins the Diamondbacks’ Jon Duplantier and Taylor Clarke as pitchers who recorded a save in their major league debut this season. Armenteros will likely be sent back down soon, but he couldn’t have asked for a better debut. 

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Pressly | Rondon.

Texas Rangers – With the Rangers up by seven, they turned to Drew Smyly in the seventh inning. He stuck around for the final two innings as well, only giving up one run to earn his first save since 2013 (also of the three-inning variety). Smyly has been a disappointment in the rotation this year, but was a solid reliever early in his carees and perhaps some time in the bullpen will help him right the ship. He isn’t a normal part of the late innings for Texas.

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

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Bryan Shaw — Wade Davis and Scott Oberg have pitched in back-to-back games. Shaw has gone in three of four but only threw three pitches last night. 
2. Robert Gsellman — Edwin Diaz and Seth Lugo have also gone in two straight.
3. Tony Watson — Will Smith has pitched in three of the last four.

Sunday:
1. Wander Suero — Sean Doolittle threw 23 pitches last night, so if he goes today he will likely get Sunday off.