May 25, 2018
Cincinnati Reds — Pitching for the third straight day, Jared Hughes got the final two outs of the ninth inning to secure the first save for the Reds since Raisel Iglesias was placed on the disabled list, Hughes’s second overall. Hughes relieved Amir Garrett, who tossed 26 pitches over 1.2 innings. Garrett started the ninth with three lefties due up, but got the hook after allowing a two-run homer. Look for Michael Lorenzen to get the call should the Reds have another late-inning lead Friday, but that’s more because Hughes has been busy — he’s gone in four of the last five — and not because this is a murky committee situation. As we said before, we believe Hughes is the guy to lean on for saves with Iglesias out.
Hierarchy remains: Hughes | Garrett | Lorenzen.
Tampa Bay Rays — It’s official. Rays manager Kevin Cash will use relievers to open each of the three games this weekend. Sergio Romo will start on Friday and Sunday, with Ryne Stanek taking the ball Saturday. The theory here is that the Orioles, like the Angels last weekend, are righty-heavy at the top of their order, so using a strong reliever to mow them down early will soften them up for the long reliever who follows. We’ll see how long this trend continues, but if Romo is starting games half of the time, he’s out of the running for vulture saves and holds. Jose Alvarado and Chaz Roe should pick up the slack. We’ll keep an eye on this fascinating strategy.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Alvarado | Romo.
Toronto Blue Jays — The domestic assault allegations against Roberto Osuna are serious and of a physical nature, which may result in a significant ban, according to Jon Heyman. Osuna has reportedly denied causing any physical harm to the alleged victim. He continues to remain on paid administrative leave, which should be the case for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues.
Hierarchy remains: *Clippard | Tepera | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets — Jeurys Familia has received the dreaded “vote of confidence” — though we believe this one — from manager Mickey Callaway, who says he has no plans to remove Familia from the closer’s role. Familia blew the save Wednesday and leads the majors with four such blunders, but he also has a 2.35 ERA with 28 Ks in 23 innings, so it’s not like he’s been terrible.
Hierarchy remains: Familia | Gsellman | Ramos.
Oakland A’s — Yusmeiro Petit threw three innings in middle relief to pick up the win Thursday, but it was Lou Trivino getting a couple outs in the eighth before handing the ball to Blake Treinen. Trivino has late-inning holds in two of the last three narrow wins for the A’s, giving him five holds on the season. Petit has been solid, but he’s being used more in middle relief lately, so we’ll give the slight edge to Trivino in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Treinen | Casilla | Trivino.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Michael Lorenzen — As we said, Jared Hughes has pitched in three straight and four of five. Amir Garrett threw 26 pitches Thursday and has pitched in two of three.
Saturday:
1. Santiago Casilla — Entering Friday, Blake Treinen has pitched in two of three, throwing 43 pitches.
2. Jose Alvarado — Alex Colome has thrown in two straight, though he threw only two pitches on Thursday. If he has a taxing outing today, Alvarado may be the guy for saves on Saturday.