July 28, 2019
Miami Marlins — As we mentioned yesterday, Sergio Romo has been traded to the Twins, and Nick Anderson is expected to close. There is a chance that Anderson gets traded as well, and it’s less clear who is behind him. One option is Jose Quijada, as he picked up a save earlier this season. Another sleeper is Jarlin Garcia, who has not allowed an earned run in his last sixteen appearances. We will slot these two lefties behind Anderson for now. Tayron Guerrero is a hard-throwing righty who profiles more like a traditional closer, but he has struggled since returning from the IL (4 ER in 4 IP) and his high walk rate (28 BBs in 35 IP) might prevent him from being used in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: Anderson | Quijada| Garcia.
Minnesota Twins — The Twins bolstered their bullpen yesterday by acquiring Marlins’ closer, Sergio Romo. Taylor Rogers has been fantastic this year and should continue to see the most save opps. However, Sergio Romo is a veteran closer and the Twins have not been shy about using Taylor Rogers earlier in games or for multiple innings, which should leave save chances for Sergio Romo as well. We will put this in a committee for now and see how things play out.
Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Romo | May.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias struck out a pair in a perfect ninth inning yesterday for his 18th save of the season. The Reds are willing to listen to offers for Iglesias so he will be a name to watch as the trade deadline approaches this week.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Garrett.
Houston Astros — All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly is battling soreness in his right knee and the Astros are considering placing him on the IL. Roberto Osuna has been a little shaky recently, giving up an earned run in his last three appearances, and five of his last seven. If Pressly misses time, the Astros may be more aggressive in acquiring bullpen help at the deadline.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Pressly | Harris.
Kansas City Royals — Jake Diekman has been traded to the A’s. Fellow lefty Tim Hill should take Diekman’s place in the later innings for the Royals.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Barlow | Hill.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Shawn Armstrong – Mychal Givens has pitched in two of three, throwing a total of 51 pitches.