June 14, 2022
Chicago White Sox – Liam Hendriks hasn’t pitched much lately, and Tony La Russa turned heads when he noted that his closer wasn’t available “at all” on Sunday, but he appears to be on the verge of returning after playing catch on Monday. Kendall Graveman would be the beneficiary should Hendriks miss any extended length of time.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Graveman | Bummer.
Texas Rangers – Joe Barlow got the day off on Monday as anticipated, and it was veteran Matt Moore who got the save chance in his stead; Moore converted with a 1-2-3 inning. After posting a 6.29 ERA in 2021, the lefty’s career prospects seemed uncertain, but he’s found new life in the bullpen in the season, with his high strikeout rate covering a higher-than-ideal walk rate (28.2 IP, 2.54 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 35 Ks, 16 BBs). After Monday’s successful outing, look for him to get more high-leverage spots ahead of Barlow.
Hierarchy remains: Barlow | Bush | Santana.
Cincinnati Reds – We described the Reds bullpen hierarchy as “extremely fluid” yesterday morning, and mere hours later, it was off-hierarchy-veteran Hunter Strickland entering for the save. Strickland converted for his second of the season, and has been pretty decent after an absolutely brutal April, having posted a 3.80 ERA since May 1. He’s also got both of his saves and all three of his holds in his past seven appearances, showing that the Reds will likely continue using him in big spots unless he falters.
Updated hierarchy: *Santillan | Strickland | Warren.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Stratton/Wil Crowe/Genesis Cabrera/Giovanny Gallegos – The Pirates and Cardinals have a doubleheader today.
Tomorrow
1. Kyle Finnegan – If Tanner Rainey goes tonight, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Luis Garcia – Same for Taylor Rogers.