April 4, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Tough loss for Philly. Up two in the eighth, they turned to Seranthony Dominguez, who gave up two hits but allowed the tying run only when Rhys Hoskins forgot how to catch. Entrusted with a tie game in the ninth, David Robertson yielded a single and three straight walks, inflating his WHIP (5.00) to half of his salary. On the bright side, his early 18.00 ERA all but ensures the Phils won’t have to pay Robertson the $100,000 Cy Young Award bonus. A different member of this committee might get the next save chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — The Braves’ bullpen has looked pretty sketchy, especially Jonny Venters, who’s been getting work in the fifth and sixth. Arodys Vizcaino was effective in his first two outings, but the Braves would really like to get AJ Minter back on Thursday — possibly to compete for the ninth inning.
Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Sobotka | Biddle.
Washington Nationals — In three 2019 appearances, Trevor Rosenthal has faced seven batters. All seven have scored. We think he’ll get a break from high-leverage work, and Justin Miller has impressed thus far.
Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Barraclough | Miller.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly and Pedro Baez have been really bad to start the season, and their struggles have given Caleb Ferguson a chance to shine. The 22-year-old lefty protected a one-run lead in front of Kenley Jansen on Wednesday, and although we think Kelly will get a chance to right the ship, Ferguson has earned a slot in the hierarchy. Meanwhile, Jansen will be making his first trip back to Denver since he was sidelined with a heart condition there last August.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Ferguson.
Boston Red Sox — Alex Cora used Matt Barnes to get Khris Davis with a man on in the seventh, and let Barnes pitch the eighth as well. The Red Sox took the lead in their half of the ninth, giving Ryan Brasier his first major-league save.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Brasier | Hembree.
Oakland A’s — Fernando Rodney hasn’t been getting high-leverage looks this season, and when he finally did — in a tied ninth inning — he gave up three runs on four hits. Lou Trivino is second in line here, and Ryan Buchter is probably third.
Updated hierarchy: Treinen | Soria | Trivino.
Milwaukee Brewers — We told you Alex Wilson was next in line for the Brewers. So we predicted a vulture save for him Wednesday. And he got it. By the way, here’s who four of our “competitors” have in that next-in-line spot this morning: Matt Albers, Junior Guerra, and (on two sites) the injured Jeremy Jeffress. Hierarchies change fast. If you like having them right, well, you’re in the right place. (So keep in mind that Jeffress could be back very soon.)
Hierarchy remains: Hader | Wilson | Barnes.
St. Louis Cardinals — Jordan Hicks got a second straight day off and Alex Reyes — whom the Cards have been using pretty regularly in the seventh — got the call in the ninth. He struggled with control and got bailed out by Dakota Hudson, but (for now, at least) the Cardinals’ former top prospect belongs at second in line.
Updated hierarchy: Hicks | Miller | Reyes.
San Diego Padres — It appears that 24-year-old Trey Wingenter, who is scaring children on the mound, has moved ahead of Phil Maton in the San Diego bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Chris Martin — Jose Leclerc has gone in four of five.
2. Joe Jimenez/Buck Farmer — Shane Greene and Jimenez have each pitched in three of four games. The Tigers do have Friday off though.
3. AJ Minter — If Minter comes back from the injured list, he could get a shot to close right away; Vizcaino has appeared in two of three.