August 29, 2017
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels are still on an every-other-day diet in regards to Cam Bedrosian, and the last two save opportunities (yesterday and Saturday) have come when their hard-throwing righty had been used the day before. Both times, Blake Parker converted the save, a decision that has been lauded by many Angels fans who have been clamoring for Parker to get the 9th inning for months now. We don’t anticipate that the Angels move away from a committee any time soon, but to us, the loose gameplan appears to be that Bedrosian gets the toughest assignment — 9th inning or otherwise — on nights when he is available, and when he’s not, that toughest assignment goes to Parker. Any of two or three additional Angels relievers (Keynan Middleton, Yusmeiro Petit, Bud Norris) could get a save on any given night, but Bedrosian and Parker remain the two most valuable.
Hierarchy remains: *Bedrosian | Parker | Norris.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Matt Andriese, a former starter who was activated earlier in the day, picked up the save last night, pitching the final three innings of a blowout and extending the Royals’ scoreless streak to a stunning 43 consecutive innings. Andriese should return to the rotation shortly and, obviously, won’t factor into the Tampa bullpen going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Hunter | Boxberger.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Brad Brach – Zach Britton got the save yesterday, but it’s uncertain if he’d go two days in a row, given his recent knee discomfort.
Tomorrow
1. Addison Reed/Joe Kelly – If Craig Kimbrel and/or Addison Reed go tonight, it’ll be three straight. Monitor usage tonight to see who will be available tomorrow.
2. Joe Smith – If Cody Allen goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and four of five.