August 28, 2017
Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton’s knee felt OK on Sunday morning, but the Orioles are still being cautious with their closer, and gave him another day off to ensure he’s back to normal. Brad Brach closed out Sunday’s game in his absence.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | Givens.
Colorado Rockies – With Greg Holland unavailable due to a scheduled rest day, the Rockies went with Jake McGee in the 9th inning to close out a 3-0 victory over the Braves. If Holland is unable to make his slider great again, McGee seems like the guy to replace him at this point. He has closing experience, of course, and while Pat Neshek is having a better year, the 36-year-old seems more content to stay in a set-up role — as he did when a similar situation arose with the Phillies earlier this season. Since Holland was not going to pitch yesterday, we can’t yet say for certain that he’s no longer the lead option for saves, but this situation remains very fluid, with the next few outings key to how things shake out.
Hierarchy remains: *Holland | McGee | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – The Astros activated Will Harris from the disabled list on Sunday; he should immediately become a good source of holds again, bridging the gap to closer Ken Giles.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Devenski | Harris.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Brad Brach – It’s hard to know when Zach Britton will be available again; if he can’t go tonight, look to Brach for another save opp.
Tomorrow
1. Juan Nicasio – If Felipe Rivero goes today, it’ll be three straight.
2. Santiago Casilla – Blake Treinen threw 1.2 IP last night; if he goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.