August 14, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon had his first outing since being activated from the DL, pitching a scoreless inning in the second game of the team’s doubleheader. Sam Dyson picked up the save in game one. The Giants plan to ease Melancon back in to the closer role, so we’ll ease him up the hierarchy, and are guessing he’ll have at least one or two more appearances before he moves back to the 9th inning.
Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Melancon | Strickland.
Miami Marlins – Brad Ziegler got the day off on Sunday, but Junichi Tazawa ended up staying in his traditional 8th inning role, allowing Odrisamer Despaigne to pick up his first career save. We’re guessing this was a one-off opportunity, and that it’s unlikely that Despaigne plays much of a role in the late innings going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Tazawa | Steckenrider.
Minnesota Twins – Matt Belisle got knocked around on Saturday, so the Twins gave him the day off Sunday and went to Trevor Hildenberger, who got the final four outs of the game and picked up his first save. That’s enough for us to return the Twins to committee status; the team is in hot pursuit of a Wild Card, so don’t look for them to stay particularly loyal to any pitcher who isn’t doing the job.
Updated hierarchy: *Belisle | Rogers | Hildenberger.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – Jose Ramirez picked up his 20th hold of the season yesterday. Lately, he’s been pitching mostly in games the Braves have been losing, which is weird given his stellar numbers, but at any rate, we welcome him back to the hierarchy and think he could be an option for saves should anything happen to Arodys Vizcaino.
Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Johnson | Ramirez.
Los Angeles Angels – After seemingly falling out of the race with a 9-13 record in July, the Angels have been red hot all month (10-3) and currently hold the second AL Wild Card. But when it comes to closing out games, their relief corps will sorting things out on a night to night basis. Cam Bedrosian should continue to be Mike Scioscia’s choice when rested, but the Angels are being very cautious with his usage — stunningly, he has pitched on consecutive days only TWICE all season. So with Bedrosian getting the day off Sunday after pitching Saturday, it was Keynan Middleton who got the save, with Blake Parker and Yusmeiro Petit handling the 7th and 8th, respectively. Outside of Bedrosian, roles are pretty fluid in Anaheim.
Hierarchy remains: *Bedrosian | Parker | Middleton.
Chicago White Sox — The White Sox traded Tyler Clippard to the Astros late Sunday night. For now, we like Juan Minaya (21 Ks vs 7 BBs, 5 ERs in his last 17.1 IP) to head a committee that also includes Jake Petricka and Aaron Bummer, but be warned that describing this bullpen as a “patchwork” is an insult to whatever you normally use to patch your shit up.
Updated hierarchy: *Minaya | Petricka | Bummer.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Devenski – Ken Giles pitched 2 innings (22 pitches) last night. He’s probably fine for tonight, but the Astros have a 12-game division lead and might choose to play it cautious.
Tomorrow
1. Chris Devenski – See above.
2. Joe Smith/Bryan Shaw – If Cody Allen goes today, it’ll be three straight.
3. Dellin Betances – If Aroldis Chapman goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.