August 29, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen’s struggles continued on Tuesday, as he allowed a run in a fourth straight appearance for the first time in his career. Thankfully for the Dodgers, yesterday’s tough outing came in the ninth inning of an 8-2 contest and Jansen finished off an 8-4 win with a nifty defensive play. Earlier Tuesday, Jansen announced that he will stop taking his heart medicine, which he blamed for his poor performances. After last night’s game, Jansen said that he’ll figure it out at some point and Dave Roberts knows Jansen will get through it. The Dodgers hope that “some point” is real soon, because they are just one game back in the NL West race.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.
Washington Nationals – Justin Miller got a chance at a second straight save on Tuesday, but recorded only one out before allowing back-to-back doubles. The Nationals then turned to Greg Holland to induce one of the strangest game-ending double plays imaginable. Koda Glover had already been used in the eighth when Washington trailed, 3-2, though Glover did face the top of the Phillies’ order. Holland has been very good since arriving in D.C., allowing just one earned run in 9.2 IP, and is firmly in the mix along with Miller, Glover and potential trade target Ryan Madson. Given Miller’s recent workload, Madson has a good chance at a save opportunity tonight after resting last night.
Hierarchy remains: *Miller | Madson | Glover.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox – Matt Barnes has struggled mightily of late, allowing eight earned runs on 12 hits over his last nine appearances. Barnes said he feels fine physically and that he just needs to “crunch numbers” to solve his problems. While Barnes, Heath Hembree and Craig Kimbrel all faltered on Tuesday, Joe Kelly earned a seventh-inning hold and extended his scoreless streak to six games. At this point, Kelly seems more likely to get a save chance than Barnes, and if Barnes continues to struggle, he may be passed by Ryan Brasier as well. Brasier, who was unavailable last night, boasts a 0.90 ERA, a 0.75 WHIP and 18 strikeouts over 20 IP this year.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.
Chicago Cubs – Brandon Morrow still hasn’t thrown off a mound since going on the DL in July. Morrow is due back in September, but Joe Maddon said that Morrow will not automatically return to the closer’s role when he does rejoin the club.
Hierarchy remains: Strop | Edwards | Cishek.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Ryan Madson – Justin Miller has gone in three straight.
Tomorrow
1. Brad Brach – AJ Minter will have pitched in three of four if he gets the ball today.
2. Ryan Brasier – Same goes for Craig Kimbrel, Joe Kelly and Matt Barnes.
3. Steve Cishek – Pedro Strop, CJ Edwards and Cishek have all pitched in two straight games, but Cishek only threw two pitches yesterday. If all three get the ball today, Cishek is most likely to pitch in a fourth consecutive game.
4. Jared Hughes – Raisel Iglesias threw 28 pitches yesterday and may get Thursday off depending on Wednesday’s workload.
5. Kenta Maeda – Kenley Jansen may not get a third straight appearance on Thursday.