June 7, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates – Tony Watson gave up a two-run homer in Tuesday’s ninth inning to send the game to extra innings, a game the Pirates eventually lost. His fourth blown save of the year came after Felipe Rivero struck out two and lowered his ERA to 0.60. Clint Hurdle was noncommittal after the game but did note that Rivero’s stuff was electric and that one day he’ll close. We expect that day to be arriving soon. Grab Rivero if he’s still available in your league and we’ll keep you up to date once he officially gets the job.
Hierarchy remains: Watson | Rivero | Nicasio.
Philadelphia Phillies – Pat Neshek earned his first save since 2015 on Tuesday, closing out a ninth inning that Hector Neris started. This is the second time in three appearances that Neris has started the ninth before giving way to another reliever. Pete Mackanin didn’t want to say whether or not Neshek will begin to close games, but he did mention that Neris needs to figure out his splitter. Given Neris’ recent struggles and Neshek’s terrific numbers (0.82 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 21 Ks), we’re moving Neshek to the top of the Phillies’ committee for now. Even if Neshek isn’t named the full-time closer, it would make sense for the Phillies to start showing off the 36-year-old reliever to contenders as the trade deadline approaches.
Updated hierarchy: *Neshek | Neris | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants — The Giants traded for former Rangers closer Sam Dyson on Tuesday. Dyson, who was designated for assignment by Texas, is expected to join the Giants’ bullpen. Bruce Bochy is hoping the change of scenery helps Dyson, and maybe it will. Dyson has some serious work to do to crack the Giants’ hierarchy, but if he does regain his once-excellent form, this could prove to be a shrewd move.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Law | Strickland.
Chicago Cubs – Wade Davis was activated from the paternity list on Tuesday, so the Cubs’ bullpen is back to full strength.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Edwards | Uehara.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Ryan Madson – Santiago Casilla has thrown 40 pitches over two straight games. Oakland is off on Thursday, so Casilla may indeed get a third straight game, but he has yet to pitch over three straight days this year.
Tomorrow
1. Matt Barnes – Craig Kimbrel got a 30-pitch, four-out save on Tuesday and may need Thursday off depending on how Wednesday goes.
2. David Hernandez – If Bud Norris pitches on Wednesday, that will be two straight and four of five.
3. Shawn Kelley – Koda Glover will have pitched two straight and three of four if he gets the ball on Wednesday.