July 14, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles was unavailable yesterday after experiencing nerve inflammation in his elbow from a massage. Giles is considered day-to-day and no MRI is expected. With Giles out, it was Daniel Hudson who recorded the save. Joe Biagini recorded the win but he came on in the 5th inning and only recorded one out. We will move Hudson to first in line and continue to monitor this situation. Giles is likely to be traded at the deadline so one of these guys could be a source of saves for the last couple months of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Hudson | Biagini.
Philadelphia Phillies — On June 11th, Hector Neris had a 1.88 ERA and was 14 for 14 in save chances. Since then, he has blown 3 of his 6 save chances and his ERA has risen more than a run and a half to 3.52. Neris is not in danger of losing the job at this point but David Robertson hopes to return by the end of July and will challenge Neris for the job. Veteran Tommy Hunter pitched a scoreless 7th inning yesterday for his first hold of the season. Hunter has five scoreless appearances since joining the Phillies and could sneak on to the hierarchy with a couple more strong outings.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Hammer | Morgan.
St. Louis Cardinals – Carlos Martinez pitched 1.1 perfect innings with three strikeouts for his fourth save of the season. Martinez seems to be solidifying himself as the closer for the rest of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Martinez | Gant | Miller.
Boston Red Sox – Nate Eovaldi will throw on Monday and then head out on a rehab assignment. The Red Sox expect Eovaldi’s rehab to only last one or two outings and he could be back within a week. The Red Sox completed a trade for Andrew Cashner to solidify the back end of their rotation and allow Eovaldi to shift to the bullpen upon his return.
Hierarchy remains: *Barnes | Hembree | Workman.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Anthony Swarzak – Luke Jackson has pitched in two straight, throwing a total of 49 pitches.
2. Ryan Pressly/Hector Rondon – Robert Osuna has pitched in two straight, throwing a total of 51 pitches. Pressly has also pitched in two straight but has thrown a lot fewer pitches so he could still be available today.
3. Blake Parker – Taylor Rogers has pitched in two straight, including a two-inning outing on Friday.
4. Daniel Hudson – Ken Giles is day-to-day
5. Fernando Rodney – Sean Doolittle has pitched in back-to-back games.
Monday
1. Scott Oberg – The Rockies play a doubleheader on Monday.
2. Tony Watson – The Giants are the other team involved in that doubleheader.
3. Jake Diekman – If Ian Kennedy pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.
