May 13, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers — When managers begin to use their relievers more optimally, their teams improve, but the result can be fantasy chaos. The latest example could be Craig Counsell’s Brewers, who demoted disappointing offseason acquisition Neftali Feliz from the closer role, but want to retain the flexibility to use the impressive Corey Knebel when needed most. This approach could open up opportunities for Jacob Barnes, Carlos Torres, and others. Last night, with Knebel unavailable after a 41-pitch outing on Thursday, Barnes got the ninth with a five-run lead. His poor performance created a save opportunity for Jared Hughes, who’s probably the fifth or sixth option going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Knebel | Barnes | Torres.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Wholesale substitutions in the Washington bullpen, as both Shawn Kelley and Koda Glover returned from the disabled list on a rainy Friday. With both guys coming back at the same time, it looks like Kelley will take over the ninth, with Glover taking the eighth.
Updated hierarchy: Kelley | Glover | Albers.
New York Mets — One tingling finger led to some precautionary tests and, 48 hours later, Jeurys Familia was having surgery to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder. Familia is expected to miss several months of action, reopening the door for Addison Reed to establish himself as New York’s closer. It will be a combination of Hansel Robles, Jerry Blevins, and Fernando Salas setting Reed up.
Hierarchy remains: Reed | Robles | Blevins.
New York Yankees — Two straight rough outings for Aroldis Chapman, who shook his arm in discomfort shortly before being pulled in the middle of the ninth inning. Chapman denied feeling any pain, but his owners — and Dellin Betances’s — should be aware.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.
Los Angeles Angels — It’s been David Hernandez and his sub-1 ERA with the eighth inning on lockdown lately for LA. Things have gone pretty smoothly for the Angels given the number of relief arms they have missing. Cam Bedrosian hasn’t been able to throw off a mound yet, but may get there next week. Huston Street is still on track for a June 1 return, while Andrew Bailey has hit a snag.
Updated hierarchy: Norris | Hernandez | Parker.
Tampa Bay Rays — Erasmo Ramirez has returned from his stint as a spot starter and seems to have reclaimed his role as the Rays’ middle-inning specialist.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Farquhar | Ramirez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Dellin Betances — It’s not terribly likely, but there’s a chance Chapman gets a day off.
Sunday:
1. Joe Smith — Roberto Osuna hasn’t thrown many pitches, but he’s pitched a lot lately. If he goes Saturday, he’ll probably get Sunday off.
2, Matt Belisle — Brandon Kintzler has gone in two straight and won’t make it to four.
3. Ryan Buchter — Same for Brandon Maurer.
4. Hunter Strickland — Derek Law has gone in two of three and four of six.
5. Hector Rondon — Wade Davis needed 24 pitches on Friday night; another long night would probably earn him some rest.
6. Ryan Madson — Santiago Casilla blew the save last night and has gone in two of three.