June 29, 2023
Minnesota Twins — Tendinitis in the throwing elbow put Brock Stewart on the IL, where he joins Jorge Lopez (mental health). This leaves Emilio Pagan and Jovani Moran inheriting the middle innings, while Jhoan Duran is now the unquestioned closer ahead of Griffin Jax.
Updated hierarchy: Duran | Jax | Pagan.
San Diego Padres — Steven Wilson, who has been extremely effective this season in middle relief, went on the IL, retroactive to June 25, with a right pectoral strain. Luis Garcia is likely to inherit Wilson’s role.
Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Garcia.
Washington Nationals — Yet another save for Hunter Harvey, who certainly seems to have the inside track on the Nationals’ ninth. We’ll pull the asterisk sooner than later if current trends hold.
Hierarchy remains: *Harvey | Finnegan | Thompson.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Alex Speas, a former top prospect who left the game for a while, is blowing away hitters in the minors and has been promoted to Triple-A. He could be with the big club before too long.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Sborz | Anderson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Joel Payamps (MIL) — Devin Williams has pitched in three of the last four.
2. Andrew Chafin (ARI) — Scott McGough threw 31 pitches in a blown save Wednesday.
Friday:
1. Chris Devenski (LAA) — An appearance today would be three out of four for Carlos Estevez.
2. Daniel Bard/Jake Bird/Pierce Johnson (COL) — Justin Lawrence threw 24 pitches on Wednesday.`