September 16, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Dave Roberts told Kenley Jansen that he would pitch the eighth inning on Sunday, and Jansen came through with a solid 1-2-3 frame to keep the game tied at 2-2. After the Dodgers took the lead in the top of the ninth, Adam Kolarek got the first out of the bottom of the frame before Kenta Maeda notched the final two outs to pick up the save. Pedro Baez had already faced the top of the order in the sixth inning and Joe Kelly was presumably off following two straight days of work. The Dodgers have the luxury of only needing to clinch home field advantage for the playoffs at this point, so you could see a lot of different names get save chances over the next two weeks. The good news for Jansen owners is that the embattled closer has put together two straight strong outings.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.
Cleveland Indians – With Brad Hand still unavailable and the rest of the bullpen either tired or struggling, Cleveland turned to James Hoyt for five of the final six outs of its win over Minnesota. Hoyt, a September call-up, rewarded Terry Francona’s faith by holding the Twins hitless, striking out two and issuing just one walk. Francona went to lefty Oliver Perez for the final out, which Perez recorded to earn his first save of the season. Hand played catch yesterday and we’ll see if the team offers any updates prior to Tuesday’s tilt. Meanwhile, we’ll also keep an eye on which setup men Francona trusts the most in the final two weeks.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Goody | Clippard.
Oakland A’s – Pitching in just his second big-league game, Jesus Luzardo tossed the final three innings of Oakland’s 6-1 win to pick up his first career save. Luzardo, who notched a three-inning hold in his MLB debut on Sept. 11, has impressed the A’s but won’t factor into their usual late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Soria | Petit.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Junior Guerra – Josh Hader has pitched two straight and four of five.
2. Aaron Bummer/Evan Marshall – Alex Colome, Bummer and Marshall all got a day off yesterday. Colome may get a second straight day of rest after three straight appearances, while the same could be true for the busy Bummer. Marshall, like Bummer, had pitched in two straight entering Sunday but had thrown fewer pitches.
3. Edwin Diaz – Seth Lugo (37 pitches) and Justin Wilson (35 pitches) have both pitched in two straight. Mickey Callaway claims to still have faith in Diaz. Monday may be a test of that faith.
Tuesday
1. Michael Lorenzen – If Raisel Iglesias pitches today that will be two straight and three of four.
