June 29, 2019
Colorado Rockies — After Thursday’s brutal outing, Bud Black has said that the Rockies are “contemplating a few things” with regards to Wade Davis’ role in the bullpen, specifically pointing to his walk rate as a concern. Meanwhile, Scott Oberg’s excellent year continued last night, as he pitched a scoreless ninth in a four-run game. It is possible that Davis still has the closer’s role, as he would have been unavailable yesterday after having pitched in back-to-back games and three of the last four. We told you yesterday that Scott Oberg was a good speculative add; today he looks like a must get, although he is likely unavailable today after pitching three in a row and five of the last six.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Oberg | Shaw.
Cincinnati Reds — Michael Lorenzen came on with one out in the eighth inning last night and stuck around for all five of the remaining outs to lock up his fifth save on the year. This is the third straight Reds save for Lorenzen, and while the previous two featured Raisel Iglesias coming into a high-leverage spot, Iglesias was not used last night at all. While we don’t expect the Reds to completely abandon Iglesias as a closing option, Lorenzen has become the best choice to own for the Reds.
Updated hierarchy: *Lorenzen | Iglesias | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — Jose Alvarado has rejoined the team after being reinstated from the bereavement list. Alvarado had returned home to care for his mother in Venezuela, and had been working his way back into game shape over the past week. Alvarado, who Kevin Cash said is in a good spot, was the clear first choice for Tampa when he was available, but Emilio Pagan has done well enough to hold the top spot in the committee for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Pagan | Alvarado | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Fernando Rodney heard about our Twitter thread and set out to prove all his haters wrong. With Sean Doolittle and Wander Suero both coming off back-to-back games, the Nationals turned to Fernando Rodney to close out the ninth inning with a two-run lead. Rodney slammed the door for his first save of the year. One reason why Rodney drew such widespread ire is that with his save last night, he joins Goose Gossage and Octavio Dotel as the only players to have saves (and presumably blown saves) with nine different teams. At 42, Rodney’s best days are behind him, but last night’s usage and Dave Martinez’s postgame comments suggests he will be in line for save chances in Washington when Doolittle and Suero are both unavailable. Welcome to another hierarchy, Fernando!
Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Suero | Rodney.
Miami Marlins — The day after leaving a game with a bruised knee, Sergio Romo pitched a scoreless ninth inning in a four-run game. This wasn’t a save situation, but it was certainly a relief for Romo owners to see him right back in the mix.
Hierarchy remains: Romo | Guerrero | Anderson.
San Diego Padres — With a one-run lead in the seventh inning, the Padres gave the ball to Luis Perdomo. He pitched a clean inning to record his third hold in his last four appearances. Perdomo has allowed just one run in June and is riding a nine-game scoreless streak. While Trey Wingenter hasn’t been bad, Perdomo has been getting the higher-leverage looks lately.
Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Perdomo.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Austin Brice — Sergio Romo has pitched in back-to-back games and is coming off an injury scare on Thursday. Tayron Guerrero just hit the IL and Nick Anderson has gone in two straight. Brice and Jose Quijada are the next guys up.
Sunday:
1. Kelvin Herrera — Today would be back-to-back and three of four for Alex Colome.
2. Seth Lugo — Edwin Diaz was rested last night, but he threw 34 pitches on Thursday, so another long outing today could earn him another day off Sunday.
3. JD Hammer — Hector Neris was also rested yesterday, but that was after three straight days of work.
4. Kyle Crick — Felipe Vazquez threw 25 pitches over two innings last night, so another long outing could make him unavailable on Sunday.
5. Tony Watson — Will Smith tossed 34 pitches last night. Another appearance would likely keep him out Sunday.