June 3, 2016
San Diego Padres — The Mariners tagged Padres relievers for 10 runs in an amazing 16-13 comeback win after being down 12-2. Brandon Maurer was among the relievers touched up, yielding three runs without recording an out (to be fair, fellow hierarchy mate Ryan Buchter gave up four runs in 0.2 IP). It has been a really, really rough week for Maurer (9 ER in 1.1 IP since May 30), and he now sports a 7.11 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. Padres manager Andy Green said after the game that the club will “re-evaluate” Maurer’s role moving forward. As for other options for holds in San Diego, Carlos Villanueva is probably the best choice from a thin group.
Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Buchter | Villanueva.
Kansas City Royals — Joakim Soria — and not Kelvin Herrera — came out in the ninth in place of Wade Davis, who was unavailable (as the Vulture Save Watch predicted). Soria blew the save and lost the game, giving up a game-tying triple and a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth. (Hey, Cleveland needs to smile about something.) It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that Soria got the ninth — Herrera was called in to face the 4-5-6 hitters in the eighth (he didn’t fully get the job done, allowing an earned run). But at the same time, it’s not like the Indians are the 1927 Yankees or the 2016 Red Sox. Soria has pitched really well of late (scoreless outings in 14 of his last 15; 1.35 ERA in May) and deserved a shot. Despite the tough performance (though some say he got jobbed thanks to bad defense), we’ll slide him up in our Royals hierarchy for now.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Soria | Herrera.
Seattle Mariners — Struggling reliever Joel Peralta was designated for assignment by the Mariners on Thursday. The 40-year-old had a good April (3.00 ERA, .161 BAA) but has struggled mightily since then, allowing five home runs to the tune of a 10.00 ERA over his last nine innings. Keep an eye on Nick Vincent (2.25 ERA, 0.96 WHIP), or perhaps Steve Johnson, who has impressed manager Scott Servais lately.
Updated hierarchy: Cishek | Benoit | Vincent.
Milwaukee Brewers — Welcome to Earth! Will Smith made his 2016 debut, going 1.1 innings with one hit and no runs. He is expected to eventually be eased into the closer’s role, perhaps platooning with current closer Jeremy Jeffress.
Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Smith | Thornburg.
Texas Rangers — Exiled closer Shawn Tolleson is expected back with the Rangers on Friday after taking some time off to be with his ailing father, who is battling cancer. There was no word yet as to whom he will replace on the active roster. It’s possible that these off-the-field issues may have played a part in his rough year so far (10.13 ERA, 2.00 WHIP). We send our best wishes to Tolleson and his family.
Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Diekman | Bush.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Daniel Hudson/Tyler Clippard, Arizona Diamondbacks — Closer Brad Ziegler may need the night off after pitching 2.2 innings over the last two days (17 pitches each day). Daniel Hudson has also gone two straight, while Tyler Clippard got Thursday off after two straight heavy days. Hudson or perhaps Clippard may be called upon if needed.
2. Tyler Thornburg/Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers — Jeremy Jeffress has pitched in two straight games, but the workload was relatively light (27 pitches). He has pitched in three straight days just once this season, so if he isn’t able to go on Friday, Thornburg or Smith could get the call.
3. Joaquin Benoit, Seattle Mariners — Steve Cishek has pitched on two straight days, throwing just 20 pitches. Cishek has been used on three straight days only once this season (April 20-22).
