July 29, 2016
Washington Nationals — While the East Coast was sleeping, there was some late-innings drama in San Francisco when beleaguered closer Jonathan Papelbon entered the ninth inning with a 4-1 lead. He recorded one out, but allowed a single and a walk before he was pulled from the game, which had social media speculating his status as closer was in jeopardy. Oliver Perez made it interesting, allowing an inherited runner to score, but he and Shawn Kelley combined to strike out the final two hitters to secure a Nats victory. After the game, manager Dusty Baker said pulling Papelbon was what he had to do to try to win the game, and that while it was too early to make a decision on Papelbon, he said the team “certainly (has) to figure something out there.” He also expressed concerns about Papelbon’s velocity, which could mean a DL stint or bullpen demotion is near.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Kelley | Rivero.
New York Mets — After an unreal save-conversion streak in the regular season, Jeurys Familia has a new streak of blown saves after he blew his second chance in as many days in the Mets loss Thursday. Manager Terry Collins had been worried about Familia’s fatigue, but he still trotted his closer out there in the 9th despite telling reporters on Wednesday that Familia would be unavailable. Familia has now thrown 52 pitches over the last two days and has pitched in four out of the last five. To be fair, Familia told his manager he was available, but give him a break, Terry!
Hierarchy remains: Familia | Reed | Robles.
Kansas City Royals — The Royals have made closer Wade Davis available in trades, but they’re apparently attempting to attach Ian Kennedy (who is owed $62.5 million after this season) in any Davis deal. The Dodgers and Nationals are supposedly interested, though. In related KC reliever news, Luke Hochevar was placed on the disabled list with a shoulder condition.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Herrera | Soria.
Arizona Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks are reportedly near a deal to trade away Daniel Hudson. When asked about a possible Hudson deal, GM Dave Stewart said “close is in the eye of the beholder.”
Hierarchy remains: *Clippard | Barrett | Hudson.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies — The Rockies could be close to dealing reliever Boone Logan to the Blue Jays, but no deal is in place as of yet. Several other teams are interested in the lefty.
Hierarchy remains: Estevez | Ottavino | Logan.
Chicago Cubs – Aroldis Chapman recorded four outs Thursday for his first save with his new team (and his first save of more than three outs this year). His zip-code change hasn’t stopped his heavy flow of triple-digit heat.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Rondon | Strop.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Shawn Kelley, Washington Nationals — Will Dusty Baker pull the plug on Jonathan Papelbon?
2. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals — Seung Hwan Oh has pitched in three straight and four of the last five.
3. Adam Ottavino, Colorado Rockies — Closer Carlos Estevez has recorded a save in three straight games.
4. Hansel Robles, New York Mets — Jeurys Familia and Addison Reed have both pitched in four of five.
