July 27, 2018
Chicago White Sox – Shortly after the Joakim Soria trade, the White Sox took the field for a day game, and sent Jace Fry out to get the last 2 outs of the 7th inning in a game they were losing by four. Though Fry was the pick of some beat guys to get the first look at closing, this usage immediately throws this bullpen into a committee status. Juan Minaya and Xavier Cedeno also pitched yesterday — both in the earlier innings — of the White Sox loss, so all of a sudden, former Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez may have the inside track on this job. Consider pairing him with Fry if you’ve got the roster space.
Updated hierarchy: *Fry | Gomez | Minaya.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Sergio Romo got 5 outs yesterday, in the 7th and 8th innings against the top of the Orioles lineup. He then gave way to Austin Pruitt for the last four outs, and Pruitt picked up his second save of the year, though this is still Romo’s job on most nights.
Hierarchy remains: Romo | Alvarado | Stanek.
Atlanta Braves – The Braves reacquired old friend Jonny Venters from the Rays last night, and the 33-year-old lefty should be a candidate for holds in a bullpen that has struggled a bit as of late. We’ll hold off on putting him on the hierarchy, but expect to see him there quickly if usage dictates. The move also solidifies AJ Minter as the team’s full-time fill-in closer for the time being, as Venters will serve as another left-handed option in the later innings, allowing Minter — who has gotten 100% of Atlanta’s saves in July — to remain in the ninth.
Updated hierarchy: Minter | Winkler | Carle.
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers added to their already-strong bullpen today with the acquisition of White Sox closer Joakim Soria. We think Soria will start at second in line, but that’s no knock on Jeremy Jeffress, who has been near-unhittable in that role this season.
Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Hader | Soria.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Lou Trivino – Blake Treinen has pitched three straight, while Jeurys Familia threw 30 pitches yesterday and has now pitched 5 innings over the past 5 days.
2. Jose Alvarado – Sergio Romo has pitched 3 innings over the last two days.
3. Trevor Hildenberger – Fernando Rodney has gone back to back and three of four.
Tomorrow
1. Josh Hader/Joakim Soria – If Corey Knebel goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
2. Archie Bradley – If Brad Boxberger goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.