August 19, 2023
Tampa Bay Rays – Andrew Kittridge had not pitched in the majors since June 7, 2022, when he was the nominal leader of the volatile Tampa Bay Rays committee. After a 15 month recovery from Tommy John surgery, and a long minor league rehab stint he was expected to ease his way back into major league shape. Instead, when the Rays scored 3 in the top of the 10th, he was called on to close the door. He threw 15 pitches, 12 for strikes and secured his first save on the season. It will take more than that to crack the hierarchy, but Kittredge was one of Tampa Bay’s best relievers in 2022 and has a chance to return to high leverage work.
Hierarchy remains: Fairbanks | Adam | Poche.
Oakland A’s – The A’s put Angel Felipe on the 15-day IL with an elbow injury. Elbows are never good new, so this may turn into a longer term stint. Oakland has won just 2 of their last 10 games, so while Trevor May might have some value, the rest of the bullpen is best left alone. If the A’s string some wins together, expect Lucas Erceg or Kirby Snead to be in the mix for a vulture save.
Hierarchy remains: May | Erceg | Snead.
Vulture Save Watch:
- Reynaldo Lopez/Matt Moore (LAA) — Carlos Estevez threw 43 pitches last night and will need the day off AND the Angels have a doubleheader today.
- Jordan Weems (WAS) — Kyle Finnegan has pitched in 3 straight, leaving Jordan Weems relatively rested.
- Austin Cox (KC) — Carlos Hernandez has pitched in back to back games, including 26 pitches last night.
- Tanner Scott (MIA) — The Marlins play a doubleheader…
- Brusdar Graterol (LAD) — …Against the Dodgers.
- Kevin Ginkel (ARI) — The Diamondbacks play a doubleheader…
- Robert Suarez (SD) — …against the Padres.
- Jason Adam (TB) — The Rays play a doubleheader against the Angels.
For Sunday:
- Beau Brieske/Tyler Holton (DET) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Jason Foley.
- AJ Minter (ATL) — and Raisel Iglesias.