June 17, 2016
Washington Nationals — When Felipe Rivero ran into trouble in the ninth inning Thursday night, manager Dusty Baker turned again to Shawn Kelley, who retired the two batters he faced to close it out for his second save. After the game, Baker named Kelley the closer until Jonathan Papelbon returns from the DL, though Kelley’s workload will be watched. With the closer-by-committee tag gone, be sure to snag him if he’s still available in your league.
Hierarchy remains: Kelley | Rivero | Treinen.
Minnesota Twins — Regular closer Glen Perkins is officially out for the rest of the season with a torn labrum. The original thought was rest and rehab would allow Perkins to heal properly and give him a chance to play again this season, but that’s now not the case.
Hierarchy remains: *Kintzler | Abad | Pressly.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles — Darren O’Day’s recovery from a strained hamstring is going slower than expected. He can come off of the DL this weekend, but he still hasn’t thrown off a mound. There’s no timetable for his return.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | Givens.
Houston Astros — Luke Gregerson could be back from the family-emergency list as soon as Friday (but maybe as late as early next week). He was placed on the list earlier this week to deal with an issue with his father. No other information was released.
Hierarchy remains: Harris | Giles | Gregerson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, Seattle Mariners — Steve Cishek has pitched in three straight games, while Benoit enjoyed a night off yesterday.
2. Felipe Rivero/Blake Treinen, Washington Nationals — Shawn Kelley has pitched in two straight days and three of the last four, going at 1.2 innings in two of those games.
