September 24, 2015
Detroit Tigers — One day after blowing both a save and a combined no-hitter, Brad Ausmus sent Neftali Feliz out to protect a three-run lead. This one went a bit better for the experienced closer, as he earned his second save with Detroit. While Alex Wilson will certainly get some of the opportunities going forward, this back-to-back work is enough to move Feliz to the head of the Detroit committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Feliz | Wilson | Hardy.
Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton may begin playing catch today, but will probably be out until at least the weekend. He has been told he cannot injure himself further by pitching through the injury, but he will be less effective. While healthy, Britton is one of the best closers in the game, but Darren O’Day is worth a pickup if you are scraping for fantasy playoff saves, as he may have the 9th inning for at least the weekend, maybe even the rest of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Brach.
Toronto Blue Jays — With the AL East race getting tighter, and Aaron Sanchez struggling in the past week, John Gibbons has said he will use other arms in the 8th inning ahead of Roberto Osuna. This could be Brett Cecil, who has assumed the job the past two times out, Mark Lowe or even the ageless LaTroy Hawkins. Cecil has been outstanding and will probably get the first look, but as a prominent lefty, he may be held out for situational matchups more than a traditional closer. It’s important to note that Sanchez hasn’t been removed, only placed in a competition at this point; but with a deep bullpen, and very little margin for error, the race for the roles leading up to the 9th is wide open.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Sanchez | Cecil.
Minnesota Twins — Last night, Glen Perkins gave up a pair of runs with the Twins up by four, but was able to hold on for the win. Immediately after the last pitch, he was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Dan Bellino for arguing about the strike zone. While this probably won’t lead to a suspension, Bellino is lucky he got away with only some yelling. Perkins is the team’s creepiest dancer, and may have unleashed his moves if he was provoked any further.
Hierarchy remains: Jepsen | Perkins | May.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jairo Diaz, Colorado Rockies – John Axford got rocked for four runs on 20 pitches yesterday and could get the day off Thursday.
2. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton is unavailable until at least the weekend.
3. Luis Garcia, Philadelphia Phillies – Ken Giles has pitched in back-to-back games.
