June 18, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis was placed on the injured list Thursday with a finger strain. He left Wednesday’s game after just four pitches with “no sensation in his hand.” That doesn’t sound good.
Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – Mychal Givens has a lower back strain and was placed on the IL on Thursday.
Updated hierarchy: Bard | Estevez | Kinley.
Cincinnati Reds — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Lucas Sims and most of the top late-inning arms needed a break Thursday. After the Reds surprisingly took a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning, Ryan Hendrix was called into the game for the save chance, but he allowed a walk and a home run to blow it. Amir Garrett was called in to preserve the tie, but his nightmare season continued. He allowed a single and a home run to end it. Garrett allowed five earned runs in 18.1 IP in 2020. In 19.1 IP in 2021, he has already allowed 20 ER for a 9.31 ERA. Yikes! Tejay Antone, meanwhile, will throw a bullpen Friday as he works his way back from the IL. He could be back as early as Sunday.
Hierarchy remains: *Sims | Hembree | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Martin (ATL) – Will Smith has pitched in two straight.
2. Carlos Estevez (COL) – Daniel Bard has gone in three of four.
Tomorrow
1. James Karinchak (CLE) – A Friday outing would be four of six for Emmanuel Clase.
2. Heath Hembree (CIN) – Same as above for Lucas Sims.
3. Zack Britton (NYY) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Aroldis Chapman.
4. Emilio Pagan (SD) – Mark Melancon threw 30 pitches in a blown save Thursday. If he goes Friday, he would likely need a breather Saturday.
5. Mike Mayers (LAA) – Raisel Iglesias threw 30 pitches in a two-inning save Thursday. He could need rest Saturday if he appears again on Friday.