August 26, 2017
New York Mets — The Mets got Jeurys Familia back on Friday, and although Terry Collins mentioned that he wanted to get Familia in the game on Friday, he ended up using Blevins for the last out in the eighth and then A.J. Ramos for the save. Ramos gave up a run on two hits and two walks last night, and while he will continue to close for now, Familia could work his way back into the closer’s role once he gets comfortable.
Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Blevins | Familia.
Detroit Tigers – Of all the pitchers involved in Thrusday’s melee, Alex Wilson took the hardest fall, picking up a 4 game suspension after admitting that he intentionally threw at Todd Frazier. Wilson threw a scoreless inning last night, and will appeal the suspension. Expect Joe Jimenez to get some higher leverage looks, and Daniel Stumpf may vulture a couple holds, while Wilson is out.
Hierarchy remains: Greene | Wilson | Jimenez.
Atlanta Braves – Sam Freemen picked up the last two outs of the 8th inning ahead of Arodys Vizcaino. Freeman has found himself in high leverage spots throughout August and has responded by not giving up a single run. He’s a lefty but has mostly seen full innings as of late, while Jim Johnson has had a rough stretch, giving up 11 runs over his last 4 appearances.
Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Ramirez | Freeman.
Houston Astros – Joe Musgrove pitched the 8th inning ahead of Ken Giles last night to pick up his 3rd hold of the year. Musgrove had a miserable run as a starting pitcher before being moved to the bullpen in mid-July. He has responded by only giving up 1 run in his 12 relief appearances, and hasn’t giving up a single run in August. While this isn’t enough to crack the hierarchy just yet, Musgrove appears to be on the rise in Houston and should continue to see hold opportunities.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Devenski | Clippard.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH:
Today
1. David Hernandez – Fernando Rodney has pitched in two straight and four of the past five. Archie Bradley has also pitched in two straight, including a 2 inning, 36 pitch outing on Thursday.
2. Michael Lorenzen – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in three straight.
3. Drew Steckenrider – Brad Ziegler and Kyle Barraclough have both pitched in two straight and three of the past four.
4. Tommy Hunter – Alex Colome has pitched back to back and three of four as well.
Sunday
1. Aaron Bummer/Gregory Infante – If Juan Minaya pitches on Saturday, that will be three in a row. The White Sox could play matchups and use either the lefty Bummer or righty Infante if there is a save opportunity on Sunday.
2. Chris Devenski – Ken Giles has pitched in two straight.
3. David Robertson – Dellin Betances managed to avoid a suspension, and pitched a scoreless 9th inning last night to preserve a tie, but has now gone back to back and could get Sunday off.
4. Nick Vincent/David Phelps – Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for any of the Seattle Hierarchy. Expect anyone that pitches today to get a rest on Sunday