April 15, 2016
Cincinnati Reds — J.J. Hoover was terrible against the red-hot Cubs Thursday, getting tagged for five runs in just a third of an inning. Hoover, who hadn’t pitched since April 9, was getting work in the eighth inning down three runs. Between this appearance and the grand slam he gave up last week, the Cincy closer boasts a 16.88 ERA — but after the game, Bryan Price expressed confidence that Hoover would be sharp in his next outing. If he isn’t, that outing may be his last for a while.
Hierarchy remains: Hoover | Diaz | Cingrani.
Washington Nationals — Felipe Rivero has been pitching well, earning the late-inning trust of manager Dusty Baker. Rivero got the final four outs for the Nats in a four-run game Thursday, just two days after picking up his first save of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Treinen | Rivero.
Texas Rangers — Closer Shawn Tolleson has calmed down after a rough start in which his ERA briefly exceeded his uniform number. On Thursday, he dispatched Baltimore for his third save of the year, lowering that ERA to Glen Perkins.
Hierarchy remains: Tolleson | Dyson | Diekman.
Kansas City Royals — After describing some early-season dead arm this week, Wade Davis offered a bit of relief for fantasy owners by picking up the save Thursday. He hasn’t allowed a run all season and, if he can shake the mechanical issues, should get plenty of save opportunities for the reigning World Series champs.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Soria | Herrera.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Justin Wilson, Detroit Tigers — K-Rod has gone in three straight, while set-up guy Mark Lowe has thrown 47 pitches in two days.
2. Jumbo Diaz/Tony Cingrani, Cincinnati Reds — As noted above, Hoover was hammered by the Cubs Thursday. He threw 29 pitches (just 11 for strikes) and may need to take Friday off.
3. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox — David Robertson has pitched in the last two games, and three of the last four.
