June 22, 2019
Washington Nationals — Sean Doolittle had thrown 33 pitches over the last two days, so the Nationals rested him on Friday night. That allowed Wander Suero, who also pitched in each of the last two games, to collect his first big-league save.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Suero | Rainey.
Tampa Bay Rays — Diego Castillo had thrown 41 pitches over the last two days, including 28 in a blown save on Thursday. Emilio Pagan (45 pitches) had also been busy over the last two games, but he relieved Oliver Drake with one on and one out in the ninth and ultimately earned his fourth save of the season. With Jose Alvarado still not available, Drake and Chaz Roe combined to get the ball to Pagan on Friday. Pagan has pitched well over his last four outings and will continue to split save chances in Alvarado’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: *Castillo | Pagan | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Joe Maddon insisted that he’s not worried about Pedro Strop, saying that Strop just needed an extra day of rest on Thursday. Craig Kimbrel pitched again in AAA on Friday and is inching closer to joining the Cubs. While it’s unclear when exactly Kimbrel will be in the majors, it is clear that Maddon will continue to be cautious with both his new closer and his interim closer as the Cubs prepare for a run to the postseason.
Hierarchy remains: *Strop | Cishek | Kintzler.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tayron Guerrero/Nick Anderson — Sergio Romo has pitched four straight days. Guerrero got yesterday off after three consecutive days of work, so he could potentially get a second straight day of rest.
2. Anthony Bass — Roenis Elias has gone in three straight and four of five.
3. Blake Parker — Taylor Rogers threw 21 pitches over two innings on Friday, though he hadn’t pitched since Tuesday. Parker was just reinstated from family medical emergency leave.
4. Zack Britton — Aroldis Chapman has gone in two straight and three of the last four.
Sunday:
1. Brandon Workman/Ryan Brasier/Marcus Walden — Matt Barnes has pitched in three of four, so if he goes again today it’s likely he gets Sunday off. Workman threw 20 pitches on Friday so he also could be in line for some rest on Sunday, which means Brasier or Walden could vulture a save depending on workload/how Alex Cora is feeling on Sunday.
2. Nick Wittgren — Saturday would be a third straight appearance for Brad Hand.
3. Jose Leclerc — Same goes for Shawn Kelley.