August 21, 2021
Texas Rangers – The Rangers placed Joe Barlow on the 10-day IL with a blistered finger yesterday. Barlow had been the most effective reliever for Texas and had begun to establish himself as the primary closing option prior to this injury. Spencer Patton and Josh Sborz will likely split any save chances in Barlow’s absence, while Brett Martin will get a chance for some high-leverage work as well.
Updated hierarchy: *Patton | Sborz | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — Craig Kimbrel was summoned in the eighth inning of a three-run game. He struggled with his command, but managed to get two outs while only walking one before being lifted for Aaron Bummer. Bummer let the inherited runner score and gave up two of his own to take the blown save. After Liam Hendriks pitched a scoreless 10th, Ryan Tepera converted the save in the 11th. Tepera has been solid in the last month, but he faces a logjam ahead of him for a hierarchy spot. Kimbrel’s struggles have been a problem, but last night’s blown save wasn’t really on his shoulders. Even so, he seems solidly locked into the eighth inning.
Hierarchy remains: *Hendriks | Kimbrel | Kopech.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Kyle Finnegan earned another save last night, but it was Andres Machado pitching the eighth inning ahead of him. Machado now has two eighth inning holds in his last two appearances, which is enough to move him onto the hierarchy. With Finnegan needing a rest sometime this weekend, we could see Machado in another high-leverage spot soon.
Updated hierarchy *Finnegan | Klobosits | Machado.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jake Diekman (OAK) – Lou Trivino has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Jose Cisnero (DET) – Gregory Soto threw 32 pitches over two innings last night.
3. Adam Conley (TB) – Andrew Kittredge also threw 32 pitches over two innings last night.
4. Gabe Klobosits (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan has pitched in three of four and four of six.
Sunday:
1. Craig Kimbrel (CHW) – Today would be two straight and three of four for Liam Hendriks.
2. Archie Bradley/Hector Neris (PHI) – The entire Phillies hierarchy threw 30+ pitches last night, so if any of them pitch today they will need a rest on Sunday.