May 4, 2016
Boston Red Sox — Carson Smith made his Red Sox debut and performed well, striking out one and allowing zero hits on nine pitches. The same could not be said for Junichi Tazawa, who allowed two runs in a third of an inning. We’ll see how Smith is deployed with the Sox in the lead, especially since Tazawa had been pitching well for the Sox prior to last night, but he should see high-leverage spots sooner rather than later.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Uehara | Tazawa.
Baltimore Orioles – Sure enough, Darren O’Day picked up the save on Tuesday while Zach Britton continues to nurse a sprained ankle. The good news for Britton owners is that the timeline for his return is sometime this week.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Brach.
Milwaukee Brewers – It was Tyler Thornburg, not Michael Blazek, who got the 8th inning on Tuesday ahead of Jeremy Jeffress. Thornburg has five holds this season and has allowed a run just once in 10 appearances this season to go along with 16 strikeouts.
Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Thornburg | Blazek.
Cincinnati Reds – The Reds bullpen set a new major league record by allowing a run for a 21st straight game on Tuesday. So they have that going for them. Which is nice.
Hierarchy remains: *Ohlendorf | Cotham | Cingrani.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Thornburg, Milwaukee Brewers – Jeremy Jeffress has pitched three straight days, throwing 46 pitches.
2. Josh Osich, San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla has appeared in three consecutive games.
3. Blake Treinen, Washington Nationals -Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in two straight, including a blown save last night.