August 14, 2015
Kansas City Royals — It can’t get worse than how the Royals’ top two relievers performed Thursday night. Wade Davis, who has been unhittable all year, allowed two runs. To put it into context, Davis has now only allowed five earned runs all season (0.96 ERA), but three have come in his last three games. Davis hurt KC, but the Royals still had a 5-3 lead. Enter Greg Holland, who allowed two two-run doubles without recording an out to fork over the lead. He has now allowed 7 earned runs over his last 7 IP, ballooning his ERA from 2.60 to 4.15 (his WHIP now rests at 1.47). Holland isn’t in danger of losing his job yet, but he has to be feeling the heat for the first-place Royals.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Joakim Soria was a key acquisition for Pittsburgh at the deadline, but with Mark Melancon firmly entrenched in the closer’s role (1.53 ERA, 35 saves), Soria’s value has been restricted to holds leagues. None of this should be news to you, but a closer look reveals Soria isn’t the best holds option for the Pirates either. That honor goes to Tony Watson, who pitched the eighth inning last night to secure another hold (his 28th). Watson hasn’t pitched in a loss since June 25. Soria, meanwhile, could only get one out in the seventh inning Thursday, allowing two earned runs on three hits and a walk. If Soria keeps struggling, we’ll swap him with Watson, but for now, we’ll leave them be, in the belief that any fill-in chances will go to the guy with the ninth inning experience. If it’s holds you want, though, Watson’s the man.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Soria | Watson.
Texas Rangers — Jake Diekman has been getting high-leverage work since coming over from Philadelphia in the Cole Hamels trade. That trend continued yesterday, with Diekman (not Sam Dyson) pitching the eighth ahead of Shawn Tolleson. Diekman has three holds and has allowed only two runs in 7.2 IP since he joined the contending Rangers.
Updated hierarchy: Tolleson | Diekman | Dyson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels — Huston Street has pitched in two straight (41 pitches). Joe Smith could be in line for the chance Friday.
2. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals — Even though Davis allowed two runs Thursday, Greg Holland may need Friday off after a rough 29-pitch outing.
3. Bruce Rondon, Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan isn’t walking through that door. Joakim Soria isn’t walking through that door. Hell, Todd Jones isn’t even walking through that door. What the Tigers are left with is Red Sox castoff Alex Wilson (who has pitched quite well this year, to be fair) and fireballer Bruce Rondon, who collected the most recent save. He could get the next shot, too, so stay tuned.
4. Jean Machi, Boston Red Sox — When Koji Uehara was declared out for the year, John Farrell said that Jean Machi would get looks at closer. Instead, Junichi Tazawa got the first crack, and quickly blew the save. Will Taz get the next shot, or will it be Machi’s turn?
