June 28, 2018
Chicago Cubs — As expected, Brandon Morrow was activated from the disabled list and should immediately return to closing for the Cubs. Removing his pants, however, should probably become a committee job.
Updated hierarchy: Morrow | Cishek | Strop.
New York Mets — Jeurys Familia earned a five-out save on Tuesday, but fell short on Wednesday, giving up three singles and a walk before Anthony Swarzak came in and allowed all three inherited runners to score. Sell Familia now on the strength of his name before he gets traded and winds up pitching the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: Familia | Swarzak | Gsellman.
Kansas City Royals — Break up the Royals! After a 2-16 start to June, KC has won three of its last six, with the last two victories saved by wily Wily Peralta. A longtime Brewer, Peralta was summoned to shut down his old team after Tim Hill turned a four-run lead into a one-run lead without retiring a batter. Peralta’s velocity is up and his slider is, um, also up, but we’ve seen stranger relief renaissances before. Maybe the Royals are onto something here?
Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | McCarthy | Maurer.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — Blake Treinen got Wednesday off after some heavy recent use and — as we predicted — Lou Trivino earned his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Treinen | Trivino | Buchter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. James Pazos — Both Edwin Diaz and Alex Colome have pitched in three straight.
2. Josh Fields — Kenley Jansen has pitched in three of four.
3. Tommy Hunter — Seranthony Dominguez got a two-inning save on Wednesday night.
4. Archie Bradley — Brad Boxberger has gone in three of four (23 pitches last night).
Friday:
1. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Brad Brach — Zach Britton has pitched in two out of three, including a blown save last night.