May 1, 2016
Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton left yesterday’s game with an ankle injury, and is considered day to day. Darren O’Day should close if Britton misses any games.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Brach.
Miami Marlins — As expected, A.J. Ramos got the night off on Saturday, and David Phelps recorded his first save of the season. Kyle Barraclough pitched a scoreless 8th inning ahead of Phelps, and those two, along with closer Ramos, are forming a very solid back end of the bullpen for the Marlins.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Phelps | Barraclough.
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil started the 9th inning last night in a tie game and gave up 3 hits and a run without recording any outs. Cecil finished April with an 0-5 record, Jesse Chavez pitched 1.1 scoreless innings yesterday to lower his ERA under 2.00 and could see some time in the later innings if Cecil continues to struggle.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Storen | Cecil.
Oakland A’s — Ryan Madson made it interesting yesterday, as he loaded the bases with one out in the 9th, but got a game ending double play to earn the save. Madson is now 8 for 8 in save opportunities and we don’t see this as a committee anymore. John Axford pitched 1.1 scoreless innings ahead of Madson yesterday and lowered his ERA under 1.00 on the season. Axford could challenge Doolittle for saves when Madson is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Madson | Doolittle | Axford.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Darren O’Day/Brad Brach, Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton could be unavailable on Sunday due to his ankle injury. Darren O’Day would normally get the save opportunities when Britton is out but he has pitched in two straight and three of four so Brach might get the call instead.
2. Sean Doolittle/John Axford, Oakland A’s – Ryan Madson has pitched in three straight. Sean Doolittle’s usage has been all over the place so it’s possible he is used before the 9th, and then Axford would likely get a shot.
3. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox – Closer David Robertson could return to the team Sunday but if he doesn’t, Nate Jones should continue to fill in.