July 22, 2022
Houston Astros — With Ryan Pressly on the paternity list, the Astros leaned on Rafael Montero to win both games of Thursday’s doubleheader. Montero pitched a clean eighth inning in Game 1, retiring the 2-3-4 hitters with a one-run lead. Hector Neris allowed the tying run in the ninth but wound up with the win when the Astros scored in the bottom half. In Game 2, Montero was called upon again after Brandon Bielak was unable to complete his fourth inning of relief. Bielak yielded a three-run homer in the ninth before Montero was called in to record the final two outs for his seventh save. Montero will probably not be available Friday, but when he is rested, he’s the go-to guy when Pressly is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Montero | Stanek | Neris.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Ian Kennedy was activated from the injured list and will be reinserted in the Arizona hierarchy as the set-up man, though Joe Mantiply has been excellent and could be someone to watch if Kennedy is traded before the deadline.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Kennedy | Mantiply.
San Francisco Giants — Looking to bolster their bullpen depth, the Giants signed free agent reliever Trevor Rosenthal to a $4.5 million deal for the rest of the season. Rosenthal was immediately placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. He won’t be ready for several weeks. But, manager Gabe Kapler made sure to call him “one of the more effective closers in the game.” So you do have to wonder if that might be Rosenthal’s future in San Francisco?
Hierarchy remains: Doval | Leone | Brebbia.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Hector Neris (HOU) – Rafael Montero pitched in both games of Thursday’s doubleheader.
Saturday:
1. Eli Morgan (CLE) – The Guardians play a doubleheader Saturday…
2. Kendall Graveman (CHW) – … and so do the White Sox.
3. Anthony Bass (MIA) – Tanner Scott threw Thursday.
4. Zach Jackson (OAK) – Lou Trivino also pitched Thursday.
5. Evan Philips (LAD) – And finally, Craig Kimbrel also pitched Thursday.