April 26, 2019
Texas Rangers – Perhaps looking to get him right, Rangers manager Chris Woodward sent Jose Leclerc into Thursday’s game with men at the corners and the Rangers trailing 12-0. He hadn’t pitched since Sunday, when he walked four and gave up two earned runs. On Thursday, Leclerc allowed a walk to load the bases and then a ground-rule double to knock in his two inherited runners. He then struck out two to end the inning. So while his final line is clean, it wasn’t a particularly inspiring performance. This situation warrants further monitoring.
Hierarchy remains: Leclerc | Martin | Kelley.
Los Angeles Angels — Pitching for the first time since he lost the closer’s gig, Cody Allen looked shaky again on Thursday. Allen walked the first two men he faced, mixed in a strikeout, allowed a single to load the bases, added a second K and then walked in a run to make it 11-5 Angels before he was pulled. Yikes.
Hierarchy remains: *Buttrey | Robles | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — Not that his job is in jeopardy at all, but it’s worth mentioning that Kenley Jansen has allowed a run in five of his last seven appearances. Despite that, he’s 2-0 with four saves over that span. Each time, damage was limited to just one run, but he did yield three home runs in that stretch, including on Thursday when he gave up a solo shot with a 2-0 lead. He still managed to earn the save, but he has been playing with fire a bit these days.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Alexander.
Chicago Cubs – Brandon Morrow could reportedly resume throwing in a few weeks. It would appear he’s a long way from a return to the big leagues. Meanwhile, the Cubs’ current closer, Pedro Strop, is dealing with a crazy off-the-field situation after his car — a Genesis G90 that’s currently retailing as new for $69,000 — was stolen and was involved in a police chase. He was still talking with police during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game before leaving to head to the stadium, where he pitched in the ninth to earn his third save. The car is being held by authorities for at least 10 days while they deal with the investigation.
Hierarchy remains: Strop | Cishek | Kintzler.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias has thrown in two of three, but he may have Friday off after a 31-pitch outing on Thursday.
2. Seunghwan Oh — Even though the Rockies were off on Thursday, Wade Davis and Scott Oberg have each pitched in three of five and five of eight.
Saturday:
1. Nick Wittgren — If Brad Hand pitches Friday, that’ll be three straight for him.
2. Drew Steckenrider/Adam Conley — A Friday outing would be three of four for Sergio Romo.
3. Zack Britton — A Friday appearance would be four of six for Aroldis Chapman.