June 18, 2018
Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles needed four pitchers to get through the seventh inning on Sunday, and while they tacked on runs to put the game out of reach in subsequent innings, they nonetheless called on their best relievers — and went with Brad Brach in the 8th followed by Zach Britton in the 9th. We’re going to use this as an excuse to push Britton to the top of the hierarchy, as he’s opened up his season with three scoreless innings, and will likely continue to get the 9th as the O’s showcase him as trade bait.
Updated hierarchy: Britton | Brach | O’Day.
Detroit Tigers – With Shane Greene getting the day off after throwing in four straight, Joe Jimenez got his second save of the year. VSW FTW!
Hierarchy remains: Greene | Jimenez | Wilson.
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies emptied their bullpen in support of an uncharacteristically short start by Aaron Nola, and were seemingly in control when they handed the ball to Hector Neris with a five-run lead in the 9th. But Neris melted down, and with only Edubray Ramos and Jake Thompson left in the pen — and with Ramos having pitched in each of the last two games — Thompson got the ball. Fortunately, he needed just one pitch to pick up his second save of the year. Despite Gabe Kapler’s general bullpen wackiness, we don’t expect Thompson to regularly factor in to the 9th very often.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – After allowing four runs in a walkoff loss to the Rockies, Wade Davis now has a 15.43 ERA across six outings in June. With Adam Ottavino fresh off the DL and still pitching like an All Star, Davis needs to start looking over his shoulder, and his owners should consider handcuffing with Ottavino, if he’s available.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Ottavino | McGee.
New York Mets – The Mets activated Jeurys Familia ahead of Sunday’s game, and then went to him in the 8th inning down by a run, presumably to make sure he got the opportunity to pitch. When they surged ahead in the top of the 9th, Robert Gsellman was the guy to get the save chance. Familia should resume closing going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | Swarzak | Gsellman.
Los Angeles Angels – Four days after a weird, 2-inning appearance that started in the 7th, Blake Parker was summoned in a more traditional closer spot to protect a 2-run lead in the 9th. But Parker blew the save, and given how quick Mike Scioscia has been to move things around in the past, this bullpen suddenly bears watching again.
Hierarchy remains: Parker | Anderson | Alvarez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Dellin Betances – The Yankees and Nats play a pseudo-doubleheader today, resuming a 3-3 game in the sixth and then playing a nightcap.
2. Ryan Madson – See above.
3. Archie Bradley – Brad Boxberger has gone three of four, including a rough 27-pitch outing last night.
Tomorrow
1. Anthony Swarzak – If Familia goes tonight, it’s unlikely the Mets would use him three straight right off the DL.