August 7, 2020
Houston Astros – Ryan Pressly, who has been battling blister issues lately, was…not great in a save situation Thursday, coughing up two runs without recording an out to take the loss. After the game, manager Dusty Baker said Pressly hadn’t had much work lately but was “confident to pitch.” Assuming he can get his blister situation under control, Pressly is the best bet for Astros saves for now. Meanwhile, closer Roberto Osuna is on the IL and was recently recommended to have Tommy John surgery, according to a report, but he is seeking a second opinion first.
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Taylor | Scrubb.
Chicago Cubs – Craig Kimbrel got some work in the eighth inning of a 12-0 game Thursday. He allowed a triple, a walk, and an RBI single before getting two groundouts and a punchout. The appearance dropped his ERA to 23.63. He has allowed at least one run in every appearance this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Kimbrel | Wick | Jeffress.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — Will Smith was activated from the 10-day IL Thursday after he missed all of summer camp because of a COVID-19 diagnosis. He should work his way quickly into the back end of Atlanta’s bullpen. Mark Melancon (4 IP, 0 ER, 2 SV, 1 W) has been very good and should hold onto the closer’s role for now.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Greene | Smith.
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman is scheduled for another bullpen session Saturday. If that goes well, he should face live hitters at the team’s alternative training site next week.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Ottavino | Green.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Blake Taylor/Andre Scrubb – Ryan Pressly is battling blister issues and did not pitch well in a blown save Thursday.
2. Brad Boxberger – Brandon Kintzler has pitched in three straight days.
3. Rowan Wick – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in two of three and hasn’t looked right at all this season.
4. Joakim Soria – Liam Hendriks has gone in four of six.
Tomorrow
1. Adam Morgan/Jose Alvarez – A Friday outing would be three straight for Hector Neris.
2. James Karinchak – If Brad Hand pitches today, that will be three outings in four days.
3. Adam Ottavino – A Zach Britton appearance today would be four of six for him.
4. Carlos Estevez – Same as above for Jairo Diaz.
5. Greg Holland – If Ian Kennedy goes today, he’ll have pitched in three of the previous five days. A taxing outing could require some rest.
