Consider Daniel Hudson as Brad Hand insurance

May 13, 2021

Washington Nationals — A week ago, Brad Hand was humming along — 0 runs, 4 hits, 3 saves, and 9 Ks over 8.1 innings. But over his last three appearances, Hand has picked up two blown saves, two losses, and a very hot seat. Daniel Hudson wasn’t great as the closer last season, but he’s been effective in setup this year, and he’s most likely to inherit the job if Hand needs a break. Speculators take note.

Hierarchy remains: Hand  | Hudson | Harris.

Oakland A’s — Consider us inspired. A second save in two days for Jake Diekman, this one following a Lou Trivino eighth, means it’s time to swap the two heads of the Oakland save monster — likely guaranteeing a Trivino renaissance.

Updated hierarchy: *Diekman | Trivino | Petit.
* = closer-by-committee

Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano indeed got Wednesday off, but Tyler Chatwood was kept in the eighth inning, allowing A.J. Cole, fresh off the bus from AAA, to pick up his first save of the year. Since Cole was the choice over the rest of Toronto’s bullpen, we’ll slot him in at second in line for now.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Chatwood | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves — Chris Martin returned to Atlanta after about five weeks, and the recently signed Shane Greene will start building up arm strength at AAA as well.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Martin | Minter. 

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Chad Green (NYY) — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in four of five, meaning Mike Ford is more likely to pitch tomorrow than Chapman is. (Don’t laugh — last time we actually got this right.)
2. J.P. Feyereisen (MIL) — Josh Hader and Devin Williams have each pitched in two straight and four of five, although Williams threw only two pitches last night.
3. Chris Stratton (PIT) — Richard Rodriguez has pitched in two straight and three of four.
4. Sam Coonrod (PHI) — Hector Neris and Jose Alvarado have gone back-to-back.
5. Bryan Shaw (CLE) — James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase have each pitched in two straight.
6. Lou Trivino (OAK) — In addition to Bob Melvin just wanting to mess with us, Jake Diekman has appeared in two straight games.
7. Jose Cisnero (DET) — Gregory Soto has gone back-to-back.
8. Mychal Givens (COL) — Daniel Bard threw 29 pitches over 1.2 innings in a blown save on Wednesday.

Friday:
1. Greg Holland (KC)— The Royals have a doubleheader…
2. Aaron Bummer (CHW) — …against the White Sox.
3. Tyler Rogers (SF) — A Thursday appearance for Jake McGee would be three out of four.
4. Daniel Hudson (WAS) — If Brad Hand pitches again on Thursday, he’s not likely to go in three straight.
5. Tejay Antone (CIN) — Lucas Sims threw 32 pitches Wednesday.