April 4, 2016
Pittsburgh Pirates – With a three-run lead in the seventh inning, the Pirates went to Tony Watson first, handing the 8th inning to Neftali Feliz. Matchup-wise, it made sense, as Watson faced a pinch hitter followed by two lefties, but it was still a little bit surprising to see Feliz thrust into such an important spot right away. Watson remains the handcuff for Mark Melancon, but the fact that the Pirates trusted Feliz with the 8th suggests he’ll be a good source for holds this season.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Feliz.
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers have sustained another injury in their bullpen, this time to would-be set-up man Corey Knebel. Knebel will start the season on the DL, leaving the Brewers to mix and match in the 8th inning.
Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Blazek | Thornburg.
Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn has hit the DL for the first time in his career. The move is retroactive to March 25, so he’ll be eligible to return relatively soon, but in the mean time, look for Craig Breslow to get the important lefties in late game spots.
Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Morris | Breslow.