September 6, 2017
Boston Red Sox — Carson Smith was activated from the disabled list Tuesday and had one of the strangest debuts of the season on Wednesday morning. In his first appearance since May 14, 2016, Smith threw a scoreless 18th inning that included Josh Donaldson’s ejection after Smith’s very first pitch. Don’t expect Smith to make much of an impact in the late innings, as his velocity is not where it needs to be quite yet, but if you need a bridge to the 19th inning, Smith is most definitely your man.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Reed | Kelly.
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels used eight pitchers on Tuesday, but Blake Parker was not one of them, seemingly getting a night off after what has been a heavy workload of late. Cam Bedrosian had pitched the ninth and Yusmeiro Petit also threw a lot of pitches on Monday, so Eduardo Paredes got the ball in the 10th after the Angels grabbed a one-run lead. Paredes eventually earned his first career save. With Bud Norris due to be activated from the DL on Wednesday, this bullpen has become even more crowded. We still think Parker is the go-to guy for saves as the Angels fight for the final Wild Card spot, but Mike Scioscia may use any of the nearly 20 pitchers at his disposal to get them over the finish line.
Hierarchy remains: Parker | Bedrosian | Petit.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Michael Lorenzen – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in back-to-back games, including a two-inning outing yesterday.
2. Pat Neshek – Greg Holland has gone three straight days, and Jake McGeee was dismal yesterday in a 29-pitch outing, his third appearance in four days.
3. Chris Devenski – Ken Giles has pitched in two straight and three of four. He may get some extra rest with the Astros comfortably on top of their division.
4. Ryan Dull – The Oakland bullpen has been busy of late. Blake Treinen (77 pitches) and Chris Hatcher (49) have both pitched three times over the last four days, whole Santiago Casilla has pitched each of the last three games. Dull was one of the few guys who didn’t pitch on Tuesday, so he may get an unlikely save on Wednesday.
5. Brandon Kintzler – Sean Doolittle has pitched in two straight and three of four, while Brandon Kintzler is on the hunt for 30 saves.
Tomorrow
1. Daniel Hudson – If Felipe Rivero pitches today, that will be two straight and four of five.
2. Brandon Kintzler – If Doolittle gets the ball Wednesday, it’s highly doubtful he pitches Thursday.