July 9, 2016
Arizona Diamondbacks — Arizona traded away closer Brad Ziegler early Saturday morning. Daniel Hudson, returning from the bereavement list today, is positioned to get the first crack at saves, but Tyler Clippard (10.86 K/9, 54 career saves) has been pitching more effectively and will also be in the mix. With the season slipping away, both men could potentially be traded as well, so don’t be too surprised if 24-year-old Jake Barrett gets a chance to close before the season is over.
Updated hierarchy: *Hudson | Clippard | Barrett.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Craig Kimbrel injured his knee in classic Mariano Rivera fashion on Friday, while shagging fly balls during batting practice. MRI results will come in on Saturday, but he’ll be out at least through the All-Star break. Junichi Tazawa was also unavailable with a shoulder injury, so Koji Uehara picked up his third save of the season. Early Saturday morning, the Red Sox acquired Brad Ziegler from Arizona; although such a move had been rumored, it could indicate that one or both of these injuries is serious. Expect Ziegler to step right into the late innings, especially with Kimbrel and Tazawa recovering from injury, and he may even get some save opportunities if Kimbrel is out for some time.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Ziegler | Uehara.
Atlanta Braves — With a four-run lead in the ninth inning, it was Mauricio Cabrera who got the ball for Atlanta. He was not quite as good as he has been recently, giving up a run on three hits, but he finished the game for the second straight day. Before the game, manager Brian Snitker indicated that Arodys Vizcaino is still the closer, but with trade rumors flying, Snitker seems to be preparing for life without him. Given recent usage, Cabrera is the most likely option to take the role when and if Vizcaino is traded — although the Braves may still want him to serve an apprenticeship under wise old Jim Johnson.
Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Cabrera | Johnson.
St. Louis Cardinals — The Cardinals’ injury woes continued last night, as Trevor Rosenthal entered a tie game in the ninth inning, only to leave with a strained hamstring and the loss. Rosenthal is considered day-to-day at this point; while he’s out, look for Matt Bowman to pick up a few additional opportunities.
Updated hierarchy: Oh | Broxton | Bowman.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, St. Louis Cardinals — Seung Hwan Oh has pitched in three straight.
2. Koji Uehara/Brad Ziegler, Boston Red Sox — Craig Kimbrel is out at least through the All-Star break with an injured knee.
3. Tyler Clippard, Arizona Diamondbacks — Daniel Hudson has the 96 MPH fastball, but Clippard has the closing experience and the higher K rate.