Craig Kimbrel could return soon, and boy, do the Cubs need him

August 16, 2019

Chicago Cubs — It all unraveled so quickly for the Cubs on Thursday. They held a 5-1 lead entering the ninth, but could not hold serve, allowing six runs in a crushing defeat. Rowan Wick and Pedro Strop played key roles in the disaster; Wick got the last two outs in the eighth, then ran into trouble in the ninth and was lifted for Strop, who allowed two baserunners without recording an out. Everyone came home when Derek Holland coughed up a walkoff grand slam to Bryce Harper. This leads us to Craig Kimbrel, who “felt fine” after a bullpen session Thursday and could be activated as soon as Friday — or later, if he gets a rehab assignment. After Thursday’s debacle, we’d bet on the former.

Hierarchy remains: *Strop | Wick | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee

New York Mets — It didn’t look like the Mets would need a closer Thursday, but things got scary in the ninth. With a 10-4 lead, Drew Gagnon gave up three homers, and it was ol’ Edwin Diaz called on to rescue the Mets at 10-8. After walking the first hitter on four pitches, Diaz managed to get a K for the one-out save, his first since July 31. Justin Wilson could get some shots and Seth Lugo will be the relief “ace,” but the Mets are apparently going to give Diaz yet another chance to keep the closer role.

Updated hierarchy: *Diaz | Lugo | Wilson.
* = closer-by-committee

Cincinnati Reds — Jared Hughes was claimed off waivers by the Phillies, ending his tenure in Cincinnati. The Reds then called up highly touted youngster Joel Kuhnel, who has triple-digit heat and “the potential to be a power arm in the back end of the bullpen,” according to manager David Bell.

Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Garrett.

Minnesota Twins — Normally a starter, Devin Smeltzer pitched the final four innings of the Twins’ win over the Rangers, earning the vulture save.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Romo | Dyson.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Luke Jackson/Shane Greene — Mark Melancon probably gets a second day off.
2. Jose Quijada/Ryan Stanek — Jarlin Garcia has gone in two of three and four of six.
3. Blake Treinen — Liam Hendriks has pitched two nights in a row.

Saturday:
1. Ty Buttrey — Hansel Robles has gone in two straight.
2. Matt Barnes — If Brandon Workman goes Friday, it’ll be three of four.
3. Andres Munoz — Same with Kirby Yates.
4. Zack Britton — Aroldis Chapman will be rested Saturday if he pitches Friday, which would be his fourth appearance in six days.