June 2, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Jason Grilli made his Toronto debut on Wednesday and it was in the highest-leverage situation of the game. With two outs and two runners on in the seventh and the Blue Jays ahead, 2-0, Grilli overcame a poor pick-off attempt to retire Carlos Beltran. That usage moves him into the hierarchy behind Gavin Floyd, who was warming for the eighth before Toronto scored five in the home half of the seventh.
Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Floyd | Grilli.
Milwaukee Brewers – Will Smith was activated from the DL ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s game, a day earlier than expected. Manager Craig Counsell will let Smith settle in before placing him in high-leverage spots, but once Smith gets innings under his belt, expect to see the pre-injury plan of using both Smith and Jeremy Jeffress to close games.
Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Smith | Thornburg.
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger officially landed on the 15-day DL Wednesday with a left oblique injury, though he is slated to miss 4-8 weeks. When discussing Boxberger’s injury, manager Kevin Cash mentioned two names — Tyler Sturdevant and Ryan Garton — saying that they have pitched well and that it will warrant them more opportunities going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Cedeno | Ramirez.
Houston Astros — Luke Gregerson blew a save on Wednesday, and after the game manager AJ Hinch took the blame, saying that he had “fatigued” Gregerson. The Houston closer had indeed thrown over 50 pitches in three appearances over the last four days entering Wednesday, and some rest may do the trick. One bright spot for Houston was Michael Feliz, who has now thrown 10 straight scoreless innings, recording 17 strikeouts in that span.
Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Giles | Harris.
Detroit Tigers – Bobby Parnell, who had been closing for Triple-A Toledo, was called up to Detroit on Wednesday. We’ll monitor Parnell’s usage, as we’re sure Mark Lowe (7.79 ERA) will as well.
Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | J.Wilson | Lowe.
Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn faced one batter in his first appearance of the season on Wednesday and was tagged with a blown save after allowing a pair of inherited runners to score, tying the game. Dunn’s return from the DL finally gives the Marlins a left-handed choice in the late innings and he will be another option for holds in Miami.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Phelps | Barraclough.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Ken Giles/Will Harris, Houston Astros — As mentioned above, Luke Gregerson desperately needs a day off. We think Giles is the first option for saves, but Will Harris pitched the 8th on Wednesday and has been terrific all year.
2. Justin Wilson, Detroit Tigers — Francisco Rodriguez needed 33 pitches to complete a four-out save on Wednesday.
3. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals — Wade Davis has only thrown 21 pitches over the last two days, but he has yet to appear on three straight days this season.
