June 11, 2016
Minnesota Twins — Trevor May was placed on the 15-day DL with back spasms on Friday. Based on usage, Ryan Pressly moves into the hierarchy — but keep an eye on hard-throwing rookie J.T. Chargois, called up to replace May. The 25-year-old missed 2013 and 2014 after Tommy John surgery, but he works in the high 90s and has been an excellent closer in the minors. With Glen Perkins suffering yet another setback, and Minnesota’s season in shambles, they may see just what they’ve got in their 2012 second-round draft pick.
Updated hierarchy: *Kintzler | Abad | Pressly.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla’s seat got a little bit hotter as he took a loss last night, giving up a run in a tie game. Bruce Bochy gave Casilla a vote of confidence, but also acknowledged the need for improvement. If a change is coming, Cory Gearrin has put together nine straight scoreless appearances, Hunter Strickland has been the closer of the future for what feels like forever, and injured set-up man Sergio Romo should return within the month. Bochy has a history of sticking with struggling players, but if Casilla can’t turn things around, we may soon see a new closer in San Francisco.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.
Colorado Rockies — Jake McGee got two quick outs with a two-run lead before giving up four straight hits, including a three-run homer, to blow his third save of the year. Before Friday night, McGee had given up only one run in his last 12 appearances, but his peripheral numbers have been weak. His K rate is nearly half of what it’s usually been and his velocity has continued to drop, so it’s not a surprise that opponents are batting over .300 against him. McGee’s job is probably safe for now, but with Carlos Estevez pitching well and Adam Ottavino planning a return at the All-Star break, he shouldn’t get too comfortable.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Estevez | Logan.
New York Yankees — The Yankee bullpen triumverate now has a motto: No Runs DMC, from the initials of Dellin, Miller, and Chapman. Yeah, the shirt’s $39.99, but won’t you tell me last time that love bought you clothes? If you want something even more stylish and economic, swing on over to our Merch page — which will have hoodies soon because, as we all know, Winter is Coming.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox — David Robertson bounced back from an awful Wednesday performance with two straight saves, but has now gone in three straight (49 pitches).
2. Addison Reed, New York Mets — Jeurys Familia has pitched in three straight games (48 pitches).
3. Ross Ohlendorf, Cincinnati Reds — Tony Cingrani has pitched in three of the last four games.
4. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals— Trevor Rosenthal has pitched in two straight, including a 23-pitch outing on Friday.