May 26, 2018
Tampa Bay Rays – Closer Alex Colome was traded to the Seattle Mariners yesterday, leaving a hole at the back end of the Rays’ bullpen. Jose Alvarado is the best bet to step in, as he is the only other Ray to record a save this year and has put up solid numbers so far in 2018. Alvarado’s main competition for the closer’s role would be Sergio Romo, who took the loss last night after failing to get out of the first inning. Kevin Cash, who did not name a closer after the game, may reassess his options with Colome gone and pull the plug on the Romo as a starter, but as long as that experiment continues, Alvarado will likely see the bulk of save chances.
Updated hierarchy: Alvarado | Romo | Roe.
Seattle Mariners – The Mariners landed Alex Colome from the Tampa Bay Rays. Look for Colome to become the primary setup man for Edwin Diaz and a good source of holds in leagues where that matters. However, this is a major hit to Colome’s fantasy value.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Colome | Nicasio.
Toronto Blue Jays — Ryan Tepera got the call in the 9th inning to protect a two-run lead. He gave up a run but managed to escape with his first save of the season. Tyler Clippard pitched the 8th inning ahead of Tepera and gave up a run for the third time in his last four outings. Based on tonight’s usage and Clippard’s recent struggles it seems that Tepera has moved to the front of the Jays committee for the time being.
Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Clippard | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles — Richard Bleier has pitched the eighth inning in each of his last three appearances while Mychal Givens has seen the seventh inning in each of his last three outings. Bleier has the better numbers and is probably the guy to spell Brad Brach when he needs a night off. As for Darren O’Day, he was tentatively scheduled for a cortisone shot on Friday.
Updated hierarchy: Brach | Bleier | Givens.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Josh Hader/Jeremy Jeffress — Both Corey Knebel and Josh Hader threw over 30 pitches yesterday, and Counsell may elect to rest one or both today.
Sunday:
1. Joe Kelly/Matt Barnes – Both Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly have pitched in three of the last four, so if either one goes today they would likely need a rest for Sunday.
2. Andrew Miller/Tyler Olson – Today would be back-to-back and three of four for Cody Allen. Today would also be back-to-back and four of five for Andrew Miller.
3. Joe Jimenez – Today would also be back-to-back and three of four for Shane Greene.
4. Josh Fields – If Kenley Jansen pitches today, that would be two straight and four of his last five.
5. Alex Colome – The same can be said for Edwin Diaz…
6. Chris Martin – …and Keone Kela.