July 28, 2021
Houston Astros – As we reported yesterday, the Astros acquired Kendall Graveman from the Mariners. Dusty Baker said after the trade that Ryan Pressly will remain the team’s closer, though Graveman gives them a great option when Pressly isn’t available.
Updated hierarchy: Pressly | Graveman | Stanek.
Seattle Mariners – The Mariners traded Kendall Graveman and Rafael Montero to the Astros, which is great news for anyone who has Paul Sewald on their team. Scott Servais didn’t name a closer yesterday, but Sewald should be in the lead for saves in Seattle, with Drew Steckenrider right behind him.
Updated hierarchy: *Sewald | Steckenrider | Misiewicz.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – We alerted you yesterday that Taylor Rogers is headed to the IL with a left middle finger sprain. Hansel Robles didn’t exactly seize the opportunity to impress potential suitors later that night when he allowed a game-tying grand slam in the ninth. Robles had to leave the game shortly after that because he felt dizzy and lightheaded. This is not what the Twins, who stink, were hoping for two days before the trade deadline.
Updated hierarchy: *Robles | Colome | Duffey.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Angels — Joe Maddon told reporters prior to Tuesday’s tilt that he’s going to avoid using Mike Mayers in high-leverage situations for the time being. Teams are reportedly reaching out to the Angels about Raisel Iglesias, so if the Angels do decide to waive the white flag, someone like Steve Cishek could see a boost in fantasy value.
Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Cishek | Watson.
Detroit Tigers — Gregory Soto was unavailable after throwing 42 pitches on Monday, so Daniel Norris picked up an extra-inning save after Kyle Funkouser and Jose Cisnero had already pitched. The bigger news for the Tigers bullpen is the return of Michael Fulmer. AJ Hinch said that after today’s planned middle-inning appearance he will read and react in terms of Fulmer’s ability to go back-to-back or multiple innings, though otherwise Fulmer is not restricted. We’ll add Fulmer back to the hierarchy for now and see what type of high-leverage work he gets.
Updated hierarchy: Soto | Cisnero | Fulmer.
Texas Rangers — The Rangers snapped a 12-game losing streak on Tuesday, which means Ian Kennedy might have earned his last save as a member of that organization. Who replaces him? Well, with Josh Sborz on paternity leave, the Rangers went to Joe Barlow in the seventh and Spencer Patton in the eighth. Patton gave up two runs and needed Joely Rodriguez to bail him out of trouble, but he entered the game with an impressive 17.19 K/9 ratio in July. Despite last night not going exactly to plan and the Rangers not being too fond of winning, Patton may be worth speculating on as a potential replacement for Kennedy, especially if Rodriguez also gets dealt. Keep an eye on Barlow as well, though – he’s allowed just one earned run (on July 3) in 7.2 IP since being called up in late June.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Rodriguez | Patton.
Milwaukee Brewers – Devin Williams was activated from the IL on Tuesday and should return to his usual setup role for the Brewers.
Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jose Cisnero/Kyle Funkhouser (DET) – Gregory Soto may need a second day off and Cisnero has pitched in two straight. Michael Fulmer only threw seven pitches in his return from the IL last night, but it’s not certain he’d be available today.
2. Kendall Graveman (HOU) – Ryan Pressly has gone in three of four, including a 24-pitch outing yesterday.
3. Alex Colome (MIN) – Hansel Robles has made two straight appearances and threw 29 pitches yesterday.
4. Daniel Hudson/Austin Voth (WAS) – Brad Hand and Kyle Finnegan have both pitched three in a row. Hudson had yesterday off after pitching three in a row.
5. Adam Ottavino (BOS) – The Red Sox play a doubleheader…
6. Tim Mayza (TOR) – …against the Blue Jays.
Tomorrow
1. Michael Kopech/Ryan Burr (CHW) – If Liam Hendriks pitches today that will be two straight and three of four. The same would be true of Kopech.
2. Trevor May (NYM) – If Edwin Diaz goes today that will be three of four.
