May 24, 2018
Cincinnati Reds — After Raisel Iglesias was placed on the DL with a biceps strain, Jim Riggleman said he would be comfortable using Jared Hughes, Amir Garrett, Michael Lorenzen, or Wandy Peralta in the closer’s role. We told you we think Hughes will win the job, and we’ll note that he got the bottom of the ninth in a tied game at home, classically a spot for the closer. Another guy worth watching is David Hernandez, who has some closing experience and has been pitching effectively.
Hierarchy remains: Hughes | Garrett | Lorenzen.
Los Angeles Angels — The Angels used Jim Johnson, Justin Anderson, and Blake Parker in that order against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. Parker’s ninth inning wasn’t a thing of beauty — he escaped only thanks to a perfect Kole Calhoun throw to nail Curtis Granderson on a would-be sac fly — but he got the job done. As promised, he gets the promotion to the top chair.
Updated hierarchy: *Parker | Anderson | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays — Just when we thought it might be safe to pull Tyler Clippard’s asterisk, he gave up a grand slam to blow a save a few days back. Then tonight he laid a three-walk, two-hit, four-run egg against the Angels. Maybe the Jays should try this committee thing they’ve talked about.
Hierarchy remains: *Clippard | Tepera | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates used Felipe Vazquez to try to protect a lead in the eighth, leaving the save opportunity in the 12th to one of the guys we told you about last week: Kyle Crick. Crick loaded the bases, but managed to get out of trouble in the end. We would have gone with strikeout king Richard Rodriguez, but apparently Clint Hurdle trusts Crick (and Edgar Santana, who keeps getting the seventh) more. Ugh.
Updated hierarchy: Vazquez | Feliz | Santana.
VULTURE START WATCH
Friday-Sunday:
1. Sergio Romo — Kevin Cash says he’s considering using Romo as his “opener” in all three of this weekend’s games against the Orioles. If Cash keeps up this fascinating strategy, we may have to move the righty out of the hierarchy.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Joe Kelly/Matt Barnes — Craig Kimbrel has gone back-to-back and threw 32 pitches on Tuesday. Kelly has also gone in two straight, so Barnes might get the chance.
2. Robert Gsellman/AJ Ramos — Jeurys Familia blew Wednesday’s save and has pitched in four of six.
3. Juan Nicasio — Edwin Diaz has pitched in three of four.
Friday:
1. Brad Keller — Kelvin Herrera has pitched in two straight.
2. Chris Martin — Same with Keone Kela.