July 3, 2019
Arizona Diamondbacks — Greg Holland seemed well on his way to a save on Tuesday when he retired the first two Dodgers he faced in the ninth inning. He even got to 0-2 against the next batter before tossing four straight balls. Holland followed that by walking the next three hitters to tie the game. T.J. McFarland then came in to try and get the game to extra innings, but he too couldn’t find the strike zone and walked home the winning run. Incredible. After the game, Torey Lovullo issued a free pass of his own by insisting that Holland is still the team’s closer. If Holland does slip up again, then Yoshihisa Hirano, Yoan Lopez and Andrew Chafin are the three most likely candidates to take over as closer in Arizona.
Updated hierarchy: Holland | Hirano | Lopez.
New York Mets — Good news for anyone in a 75-team league: the Mets activated Jeurys Familia and Justin Wilson from the IL yesterday! If you are indeed forced to roster either pitcher, Mickey Callaway said that both pitchers will get thrown right back into their previous roles. For Familia at least, this means high-leverage work, which means he’ll tentatively reclaim a spot in the hierarchy. Meanwhile, Edwin Diaz actually looked good last night to close out the Mets’ second straight win. They win one more tomorrow, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Lugo | Familia.
Seattle Mariners — Austin Adams extended his scoreless streak to 11 games on Tuesday by striking out all four batters he faced. He’s been very impressive since arriving in Seattle and has now surpassed Anthony Bass in the Mariners’ hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Elias | Adams | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Daniel Hudson – Perhaps in an attempt to show the Red Sox what a closer looks like, Ken Giles pitched the ninth inning with the Jays trailing 10-3. If Toronto is still concerned about Giles making back-to-back appearances after his recent IL stint, then Daniel Hudson may be in line for a save today. Joe Biagini also saw action last night and has thrown 51 pitches over the last three days.
2. Kyle Crick – Felipe Vazquez hadn’t pitched in three days prior to last night’s 29-pitch outing, but he still may get rested today.
Tomorrow
1. Kyle Crick – If Felipe Vazquez does get the ball tonight, that makes it very likely he gets July 4 off.
2. Wander Suero/Fernando Rodney – An appearance for Sean Doolittle tonight would be his second in a row and third in four days.