April 4, 2018
New York Mets – Anthony Swarzak officially hit the DL on Tuesday. Seth Lugo, who was supposed to make his first start of the season this week, pitched out of the bullpen on Tuesday and earned a hold. However, with Lugo likely to return to the rotation, we like Robert Gsellman to see some more high-leverage work while Swarzak recovers from his injury.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | Ramos | Gsellman.
Kansas City Royals – Justin Grimm retired all three hitters he faced in Tuesday’s eighth inning for his second hold of the season. That’s two more holds than Brad Keller, who has pitched well but has yet to pitch in a meaningful situation.
Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Maurer | Grimm.
St. Louis Cardinals – It was a rough Tuesday for Tyler Lyons and Dominic Leone, as the duo allowed four earned runs in a comeback win for the Brewers. Leone gave up two dingers in the ninth to blow his first save opportunity. He doesn’t project to get too many more chances, as Greg Holland is close to joining St. Louis and take over as closer.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Leone | Hicks.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Josh Fields was placed on paternity leave, which means he will likely be back Friday. Expect Pedro Baez, who allowed two inherited runners to score on Tuesday night when he entered a bases-loaded jam, to see some more high-leverage work in Fields’ absence.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jordan Hicks – Dominic Leone threw 26 pitches during his blown save on Tuesday, and Hicks may be in line for one of the Cardinals’ last save chances before Greg Holland arrives.
Tomorrow
1. Jordan Hicks – If Leone does pitch again today, it’d be unlikely that he appears in a third straight game on Thursday.
2. Kevin Jepsen – If Keone Kela pitches today (19 pitches yesterday), that will be two straight.
3. Nick Vincent – If both Edwin Diaz and Juan Nicasio pitch today, it will be two straight and three of four. Vincent only threw three pitches yesterday.
4. Robert Gsellman – If both Jeurys Familia (23 pitches yesterday) and AJ Ramos (will be three of four) get the ball today, they may get Thursday off.