August 10, 2017
Minnesota Twins — Yeah, Matt Belisle struck out the side for his third scoreless ninth in four days, and his sixteenth straight appearance without an earned run. Sure looks like the closer to us. Glen Perkins should be back next week, but probably won’t challenge for the job right away.
Updated hierarchy: Belisle | Rogers | Hildenberger.
Colorado Rockies — Even though Wednesday’s game went 12 innings, Bud Black managed to rest Greg Holland and Pat Neshek. Jake McGee pitched in the eighth and ninth, and Tyler Chatwood made his first appearance since being moved to the bullpen, picking up his first save in five years. Chatwood is the only pitcher this season with both a save and a shutout, and he’s the first guy to do it since — *drum roll* — Matt Andriese in 2016. That answer is kind of a letdown, I’ll be honest with you.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Neshek | McGee.
Chicago Cubs — The Cubs are being careful with the 42-year-old Koji Uehara, putting him on the disabled list to recover from his neck strain. Meanwhile, CJ Edwards has been struggling (23.62 ERA in August), and Joe Maddon is talking about using him in a lower-leverage setting to get him back on track. Pedro Strop and Brian Duensing should benefit.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Wilson | Strop.
Philadelphia Phillies — Not only did Hoby Milner earn his second straight eighth-inning hold on Wednesday, but Pete Mackanin specifically mentioned that Milner would get more late-inning opportunities over the last seven weeks of the season. Luis Garcia hasn’t appeared in a game since picking up his second straight loss on August 4, but given the great season that preceded this week, we’ll wait for confirmation before moving him around.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Milner.
St. Louis Cardinals — Brett Cecil has been used mostly in long relief lately, but Zach Duke is keeping the seventh inning in the two first names family. On the field at Busch, a stray cat inspired Yadier Molina to hit a grand slam off Peter Moylan — the first homer attributable to an animal since Mr. Ed took Sandy Koufax deep in 1963.
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Oh | Duke.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Luis Garcia — We may find out if Garcia is available, because Hector Neris won’t be (four of five).
2. Nick Vincent — Edwin Diaz has gone in three of four (56 pitches).
3. Taylor Rogers/Trevor Hildenberger — Belisle has also appeared in three of four.
Friday:
None, but try any of the guys listed above if their closer pitches again today.