August 11, 2015
Boston Red Sox – While initial x-rays were negative on Koji Uehara’s injured right wrist, a follow-up CT scan revealed that the 40 year-old Red Sox closer had suffered a non-displaced fracture and has been declared out for the rest of the season. Uehara was struck on the wrist by an Ian Kinsler line drive on Friday night. As mentioned yesterday, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe expects Machi to be the team’s primary closer.
Hierarchy remains: *Machi | Tazawa | Ross.
Chicago White Sox – Nate Jones continues to impress in Chicago. The flame-throwing right-hander pitched 1.2 innings to close out the game for Chris Sale last night. Jones was given plenty of breathing room, but we expect him to get work in higher leverage spots in the near future.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Duke | Jones.
San Diego Padres – Shawn Kelley struck out three in one inning of work against the Reds in a tight ballgame last night. With the scoreless outing, Kelley lowered his ERA to 2.85 on the year. His recent usage — and Brandon Maurer’s recent struggles — suggests that Pat Murphy will rely on him in the late innings and put him in position to add to his holds total.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Bruce Rondon, Detroit Tigers – Alex Wilson has been dealing with shoulder soreness.
2. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Jean Machi has the best chance at the first save opportunity in Boston, but Tazawa could also get a look.
3. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton threw 36 pitches in a 1.2 inning save last night.
