Sean Doolittle aiming to return this weekend

August 28, 2019

Washington Nationals – Hunter Strickland flew home for the birth of his second child and is on the paternity list. He will return for the Nationals’ weekend series with the Marlins. Meanwhile, Sean Doolittle said he is progressing well and is hoping to be activated this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: *Hudson | Strickland | Rodney.
* = closer-by-committee

Baltimore Orioles — Hunter Harvey maintained his 0.00 ERA on Tuesday, but his fourth big-league appearance was a little less smooth than the 1-2-3 eighth we wrote about a week ago. Facing the top of the Nationals’ order, Harvey induced a ground out, allowed a triple, recorded a strike out and then walked the next two batters to load the bases. He maintained his composure, however, and fanned Asdrubal Cabrera to end the threat and protect a 2-0 lead. Harvey has great stuff and should continue to see more high-leverage work whenever the Orioles can provide it for him.

Updated hierarchy: *Givens | Harvey | Fry.
* = closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates – Kyle Crick nearly got out of the sixth inning without any trouble, but he allowed a two-out solo shot that tied the game. Crick has not been great during the second half of the season, posting a 7.56 ERA since July 12. Meanwhile, Keone Kela has scattered five hits and given up just one earned run in 10 innings of work since his return from the IL on July 24.

Updated Hierarchy: Vazquez | Kela | Crick.

Los Angeles Angels — Former closer Keynan Middleton is finally back on the Angels’ active roster after a 15-month rehab from Tommy John surgery. Brad Ausmus said that Middleton won’t close and is a candidate to open some games. However, while Ausmus prefers to keep Middleton in low-leverage spots, the Angels’ manager also said that it wouldn’t bother him to put Middleton in a close contest.

Hierarchy remains: Robles | Buttrey | Bedrosian.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today

1. Michael Lorenzen – Raisel Iglesias has thrown 39 pitches over the last two days.
2. Andrew Miller/Giovanny Gallegos – Carlos Martinez threw 35 pitches last night. Miller has gone in two straight and thrown 30 pitches in that stretch, so while the Cardinals do have Thursday off, they may go to Gallegos.
3. Mike Morin/Jose Alvarez – The Phillies are off on Thursday, so maybe Gabe Kapler will run Hector Neris out for a third straight day. However, if not, Morin and Alvarez are among the options to pitch the ninth.
4. Keone Kela – Felipe Vazquez threw 27 pitches last night and has tossed 45 pitches over the last three days.
5. Andres Munoz – The Padres may give Kirby Yates a second straight night of rest following three consecutive days of work.

Tomorrow
1. Joakim Soria/Blake Treinen – If Liam Hendriks pitches tonight, that will be two straight and three of four. Soria may also get a day off if he has a lengthy outing tonight.