August 25, 2017
New York Yankees — It sure was a wild day in Detroit on Thursday. Benches cleared three times and actual punches were thrown on both sides. As for who we care about, there may be multiple suspensions doled out, especially for those Yankees who were ejected — Dellin Betances, for beaning Tigers catcher James McCann in the helmet (both said it was an accident), and Tommy Kahnle, who threw a pitch behind Miguel Cabrera to spark the big fight.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Robertson | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers – The aforementioned basebrawl game also saw the ejection of Tigers reliever Alex Wilson for drilling Todd Frazier in the eighth inning. He likely faces some sort of punishment, especially after saying he did it on purpose. Justin Verlander, who was seen arguing with teammate Victor Martinez during the game, summed up the whole day with a perfect tweet.
Hierarchy remains: Greene | Wilson | Jimenez.
Colorado Rockies — Greg Holland, reeling after an awful month, pitched a clean ninth Thursday, retiring the side on just seven pitches. It’s an encouraging sign for Holland owners, who probably have benched him by now until he shows he consistently has his act together. Another encouraging sign? Manager Bud Black said he’ll remain closer (for now). Another blow-up or two, however, could prompt a change at the back end.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Neshek | McGee.
Washington Nationals — Sean Doolittle pitched the eighth inning Thursday with a 3-0 lead, allowing a run. One Nationals beat writer says we shouldn’t read much into it, as manager Dusty Baker has mentioned wanting Brandon Kintzler (a free agent at the end of the season) to reach 30 saves. That’s cute, but it almost cost the Nats the win, as Kintzler allowed two runs in the ninth to tie the game. Sammy Solis later closed out the 11th for his first save. Kintzler (who is stuck at 28 saves) admitted after the game that getting 30 saves has been talked about, but Baker had let both relievers know of his plan, which Baker insisted after the game had to do with matchups. He wanted to turn Beltran to the right side against the lefty Doolittle, thus giving Kintzler (a righty), the ninth. If this “30 saves” thing is real, this could become a tricky situation quickly. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Kintzler | Albers.
Texas Rangers — For the second straight night, a Texas Ranger picked up his first career save. This time, Ricky Rodriguez did the honors, retiring the side in the ninth on 10 pitches. Alex Claudio is still the lead man for the Rangers, who are now just one game out of a Wild Card spot, but Rodriguez and Tony Barnette may compete with Jose Leclerc for saves when Claudio is unavailable. As an aside, the Rangers are moving Tyson Ross to the bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: *Claudio | Barnette | Rodriguez.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got his second straight day off Thursday after pitching in four of the previous five games. Brandon Morrow served admirably in his place, notching his first save. The Dodgers win a lot, so Jansen will need his rest from time to time down the stretch. Expect Morrow and Pedro Baez to be in the mix for saves during those times.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Morrow | Baez.
Baltimore Orioles — An MRI on Orioles closer Zach Britton’s knee showed no structural damage. Even with the positive news, the Orioles may still place Britton on the disabled list. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | Givens.
New York Mets –Jeurys Familia will be activated later today. Will he close right away? Terry Collins said for now, A.J. Ramos will stay in the closer’s spot. But it appears Familia will have the right to earn that spot back this season.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Blevins | Sewald.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
No one clearly needs a day off. Though any of the names below (especially Holland and Rodney) could actually need rest today, so keep that in mind.
Saturday:
1. Michael Lorezen – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in two straight games. Lorenzen would get shot Saturday if Iglesias makes it three straight.
2. Tommy Hunter – Alex Colome is a horse, but he’s worked in four of six (50 pitches). He’s probably available Friday, but a Friday appearance would be pushing it for Saturday.
3. Pat Neshek – Greg Holland has pitched in two straight (30 pitches). Three straight would mean a break for him Saturday.
4. Archie Bradley/David Hernandez – Fernando Rodney has pitched in three of the last four (46 pitches), but the workload has been lighter. His outing Thursday (17 pitches) came two days after his Tuesday showing (just two pitches). So, Rodney, even at 40, may be available in the ninth on Friday. But if he goes again, he’ll certainly have Saturday off. Bradley has been busy lately, too — he’s gone in two of four, but each outing was stressful (34 and 36 pitches, respectively). So maybe expect Bradley off Friday and available to close Saturday should Rodney be unavailable. Exhausting the first two options would leave us with Hernandez, who has gone in two straight and three of four, but it has been a light workload (29 pitches).