May 8, 2016
Washington Nationals — For the second night in a row, Blake Treinen came on in the sixth inning. Shawn Kelley has a 0.00 ERA and has been pitching later in games than Treinen. Kelley was signed this off-season to be the primary set-up man for Jonathan Papelbon, and it looks like he is finally starting to pitch like he deserves to be in that role.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Kelley | Rivero.
Cincinnati Reds — A day after the Reds’ bullpen ended their streak of consecutive games allowing a run, they decided to start a new streak. Caleb Cotham gave up five runs while recording no outs in the tenth inning. Cotham has really struggled recently, giving up ten runs in his past five appearances. Blake Wood hasn’t allowed a run in his four May outings, and replaces Cotham on our hierarchy for now. The Reds also optioned J.J. Hoover to the minors.
Updated hierarchy: *Ohlendorf | Cingrani | Wood.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins — Casey Fien was claimed off waivers by the Dodgers yesterday. Ryan Pressly, who has 19 strikeouts in 17 innings, should see time in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: Jepsen | May | Pressly.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon has pitched in four straight.
2. Will Harris, Houston Astros – Luke Gregerson has pitched in three straight and four of the past five.
3. Joel Peralta, Seattle Mariners – Steve Cishek threw 35 pitches over two innings yesterday and has pitched in three of the past four.
4. Xavier Cedeno, Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome has appeared on two straight and three of the past four.