June 16, 2019

Atlanta Braves – Luke Jackson didn’t help himself out at all last night as his throwing error led to two unearned runs and a blown save.  It was Jackson’s sixth blown save of the season and he has allowed at least one run in his last four appearances, although two of those appearances had no earned runs.  Anthony Swarzak has been pitching well and AJ Minter had a perfect inning with 2 Ks yesterday.  Manager Brian Snitker said it was the best Minter has looked since spring training.  Jackson’s numbers on the season are still pretty good (49 strikeouts to just 9 walks in 35 innings) but he can’t afford any more slip-ups.

Hierarchy remains: Jackson | Swarzak | Minter.

Los Angeles Angels — Hansel Robles picked up his tenth save of the season yesterday. Cam Bedrosian got the 7th inning ahead of Ty Buttrey and Robles just a couple days after recording a save while Robles and Buttrey were rested.  We will drop the asterisk from Robles (probably long overdue) and slide Bedrosian into the hierarchy.  In other Angels bullpen news, the team designated Cody Allen for assignment.  Maybe they could sign the man who saved 62 games for them back in 2008 to replace Allen as Francisco Rodriguez still wants to pitch in the majors.  

Updated hierarchy: Robles | Buttrey | Bedrosian.

Seattle Mariners — Brandon Brennan has been placed on the IL with a sore shoulder.  Austin Adams should see more time in the later innings while Brennan is out.  Also, Hunter Strickland had an MRI that revealed no new damage and he should start throwing again in the next few days.

Updated hierarchy: *Elias | Bass | Adams.
* = closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies — After blowing his first save in over a year, Hector Neris promised it wouldn’t happen again if he got the chance on Saturday.  Neris made good on his promise with an uneventful 7 pitch ninth inning for his 15th save of the season.  And since it’s father’s day, here is a nice article on Phillies’ reliever JD Hammer and his father.  

Hierarchy remains: Neris | Velasquez | Hammer.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Anthony Swarzak/AJ Minter – Luke Jackson has pitched in three of four and could get the day off after blowing the save yesterday
2. Steve Cishek – Pedro Strop has pitched in two straight and the Cubs might be cautious with him since he recently returned from injury.
3. Blake Parker – Taylor Rogers might get Sunday off after pitching in two straight and recently battling back stiffness.
4. Robert Gsellman – Edwin Diaz and Seth Lugo have both pitched in three straight.
5. Tony Watson – Will Smith has pitched in two straight and four of five.

Monday
1. Ty Buttrey/Cam Bedrosian – If Hansel Robles pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row. Same for Ty Buttrey.
2. Pedro Baez/Julio Urias – An appearance Sunday would be three in a row for Kenly Jansen. Same for Pedro Baez.
3. Vince Velazquez – If Hector Neris pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.