August 17, 2019
Chicago Cubs — The Cubs activated Brandon Kintzler from the IL yesterday, and after Kyle Ryan faced the first two batters in the ninth, Kintzler came on to finish the game. After getting one out he walked three straight batters, one intentionally, to give up the lead before giving up a walk-off single. Craig Kimbrel can’t return fast enough; he was eligible yesterday, but the Cubs are still weighing a possible rehab assignment for the big-money acquisition. After back-to-back blown saves from their patchwork bullpen, the Cubs may activate Kimbrel today.
Updated hierarchy: *Strop | Kintzler | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins — With Minnesota holding a one-run lead, Taylor Rogers took the eighth inning to face the lefty-loaded heart of the Rangers lineup. He gave up a couple hits, but got out unscathed, which left the ninth inning to Sergio Romo. Romo shut the door for his 3rd save as a Twin. This is certainly a committee, and Rogers arguably got the harder assignment yesterday, but both Rogers and Romo will continue to see save opportunities going forward. Yesterday shows that Rocco Baldelli won’t be afraid to play matchups in the final two innings.
Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Romo | Dyson.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias came in to protect a two-run lead in the seventh inning. He then stuck around for the final two frames after the Dodgers extended the lead to five to earn his fourth save of the year. Urias sees some longer relief appearances, but the Dodgers are not afraid to use him in higher-leverage spots.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.
San Francisco Giants — Will Smith came in to protect a two-run lead in the 10th inning, but blew the save after giving up a pair of solo homers. When the Giants retook the lead in the 11th, Smith came on try again, but ran out of gas after his 35th pitch, leaving the last out for Trevor Gott. Gott induced a groundout to earn his first career save. Gott normally doesn’t feature in the late innings for San Francisco.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Watson | Moronta.
Cincinnati Reds — The Reds were on the receiving end of a 13-4 beatdown yesterday, but one silver lining was the second relief appearance of Jose Peraza. Peraza is nominally a second baseman, but pitched a clean ninth inning, throwing 11 straight curveballs according to pitchf/x. This follows his other scoreless appearance, getting a single out in cleanup duty after the Pirates-Reds brawl on July 30. Despite Peraza’s dominance as an emergency option, he is blocked by fellow second baseman Kyle Farmer, who also sports a 0.00 ERA on the year.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Garrett | Farmer/Peraza.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Craig Kimbrel – If Kimbrel is activated today, he is the most likely option for a save from the Cubs. Brandon Kintzler threw 28 pitches last night.
2. Buck Farmer – Joe Jimenez has pitched in two of the last three, including a 29-pitch outing last night.
3. Scott Barlow – Ian Kennedy has also pitched in two of three, throwing a total of 38 pitches.
4. Adam Ottavino – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in four of six while Zach Britton has pitched in three of the last five.
5. Tony Watson – Will Smith threw 35 pitches last night.
Sunday:
1. Yoan Lopez – Archie Bradley is the best-rested option for today, but if he pitches it will be back-to-back and three of four.
2. Bryan Shaw – Today would be two straight and three of four for Scott Oberg
3. Seth Lugo – Today would be three in a row for Edwin Diaz.
