August 13, 2016
Cincinnati Reds — Keyvius Sampson gave up half of a six-run lead in the ninth, so the Reds turned to Raisel Iglesias to get the final out. While this wasn’t a save opportunity, it’s a spot that typically goes to the closer — and Tony Cingrani, who seemed to have that role, hasn’t pitched since a five-run meltdown on Monday. The Reds love Iglesias’s stuff, but have been cautious with him, keeping him out of back-to-back games because of his shoulder injury. The team is considering some different bullpen ideas, including an old-school “fireman” approach where they alternate multi-inning appearances among several of their top arms, like Cingrani, Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen, and Blake Wood. The possibility warrants a return to the committee asterisk in Cincy.
Updated hierarchy: *Cingrani | Iglesias | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros — With Ken Giles out on paternity leave, A.J. Hinch said the team would “mix and match” in the ninth. But, in the end, the save opportunity fell to the most familiar face, Will Harris. Harris gave up a home run, but locked up his 12th save of the year. Luke Gregerson was activated from the DL on Friday, but did not pitch, and Hinch has said he wants to give Gregerson at least one low-stress outing to start. The save opportunity moves Harris up in the hierarchy, but don’t be surprised to see Gregerson fighting for high-leverage innings soon.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Harris | Gregerson.
Los Angeles Angels — J.C. Ramirez didn’t improve his position in the pecking order by giving up three runs in the eighth inning of a Friday night blowout. Fernando Salas should hold the job until Huston Street returns.
Hierarchy remains: *Salas | Ramirez | Guerra.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brad Brach, Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton pitched another scoreless inning last night to extend his record streak, but it was his third straight day of use. With Darren O’Day in Baltimore getting his shoulder examined, Brad Brach should get any save chance.
2. Adam Warren, New York Yankees — Dellin Betances has gone in three straight.
3. Will Harris, Houston Astros — Ken Giles is not with the team this weekend. Hinch also mentioned Pat Neshek and Michael Feliz as closing options.