May 20, 2015
Houston Astros –Luke Gregerson entered the ninth with a four-run lead, but he allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks before Pat Neshek recorded the final out for his first save of the season. After the game, manager A.J. Hinch said Gregerson will be unavailable on Wednesday because of his recent workload. Hinch also wasn’t sure if Gregerson’s recent struggles are related to off-field matters that put him on the bereavement list earlier in the month, but seemed to stand by his closer after the Astros got off to their best 40-game start in franchise history.
Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Qualls | Neshek.
Kansas City Royals –Wade Davis picked up his seventh save of the season in the absence of Greg Holland, who woke up with a stiff neck and was unavailable on Tuesday. Doesn’t seem too serious, but Wade Davis may get another chance if Holland is still not 100%.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Enrique Burgos secured his second save in as many games, as predicted in the Vulture Save Watch. Prior to the game, manager Chip Hale said that Brad Ziegler was his top option to close, though he also wanted to stay away from him on Tuesday after Monday’s lengthy outing. As far as Burgos goes, Hale mentioned postgame that he’ll continue to “see what the matchups look like.”
Hierarchy remains: *Ziegler | Burgos | Reed.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee grabbed his first hold of 2015, setting up Brad Boxberger for his 11th save of the season. McGee now has four strikeouts in two innings since his return, and he is the sensible candidate to pitch directly ahead of Brad Boxberger. However, manager Kevin Cash has repeatedly reminded us that he’s playing matchups, meaning McGee and Boxberger can swap spots on a whim.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls, Houston Astros – As noted above, Luke Gregerson will be unavailable tonight.
2. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals – Davis may get another save chance tonight if Greg Holland’s stiff neck is still an issue.
