August 1, 2016

Milwaukee Brewers – For the second straight night, Will Smith got the 8th inning ahead of Jeremy Jeffress. Smith and Tyler Thornburg have been flipping back and forth depending on matchups, so if Jeffress is dealt today, a committee is the most likely outcome. If the Brewers want to pick just one man to close after a Jeffress deal, we still give Thornburg the slight edge.

Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Thornburg | Smith.

Minnesota Twins – After pitching in three straight, both Brandon Kintzler and Fernando Abad were given the night off last night, allowing Ryan Pressly to pick up his first save. Pressly and Abad have been holding down the 7th and 8th innings recently, and if Kintzler is dealt today, the Twins also may look to a committee. Trevor May could also be in the mix if Kintzler moves.

Updated hierarchy: Kintzler | Abad | Pressly.

Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street continues to be terrible, and continues to have the support of his manager. But if Cam Bedrosian gets his hands on this job at some point, we don’t think he’ll ever give it back. Also, for those in holds leagues, Joe Smith is likely to be dealt to a contender today.

Hierarchy remains: Street | Bedrosian | Smith.

Cincinnati Reds – Tony Cingrani hasn’t been mentioned in many trade rumors, but the Reds could conceivably deal the lefty if they get a decent offer. His value would drop, as he wouldn’t close anywhere he lands, but a deal would mean Raisel Iglesias could ascend to the closer role. Also keep an eye on former first round pick Michael Lorenzen, who picked up his second hold of the season in the 8th inning yesterday.

Updated hierarchy: Cingrani | Iglesias | Lorenzen.  

Seattle Mariners – Steve Cishek blew his sixth save of the season last night, leading to Jon Lester’s walkoff bunt in the 12th inning. Edwin Diaz, whose K/9 is beyond ridiculous, looms ominously, and would close if Cishek is traded today. He might close soon, anyway.

Hierarchy remains: Cishek | Diaz | Wilhelmsen.

Chicago White Sox – The Cardinals acquired Zach Duke yesterday, and while the lefty will have to do some work to crack the St. Louis hierarchy, he does leave a hole in the Chicago bullpen. Look for Matt Albers to get more holds as as result.

Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Jones | Albers.

Arizona Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks traded Tyler Clippard back to the Yankees, clearing the way for Jake Barrett to get the majority of saves in Arizona. Enrique Burgos should see more holds as a result.

Updated hierarchy: *Barrett | Burgos | Hudson.
* = closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals – Following an MRI on his elbow, Wade Davis is headed to the DL. Kelvin Herrera will close in his place. There’s no word yet on how much time Davis will miss, but the team’s Twitter said he had a flexor strain, which sounds less ominous than what could have been.

Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Soria | Moylan.

Cleveland Indians – Sunday began with a bang as closer Andrew Miller was traded to the Indians for several prospects. It’s unclear who will close for Cleveland right away, though one beat writer is guessing Miller will supplant Cody Allen. Follow this page for updates.

Updated hierarchy: Miller | Allen | Shaw.

New York Yankees – The Yankees’ Big Three is down to one, and the last man standing is the big young righty Dellin Betances. He should close for the remainder of the season, unless the Yankees find a way to trade him over the next two days, too. Additionally, the Yankees picked up Tyler Clippard yesterday, who should immediately enter the late inning mix.

Updated hierarchy: Betances | Warren | Clippard.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Xavier Cedeno, Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome has pitched in three straight.
2. Edwin Diaz, Seattle Mariners – Steve Cishek has pitched in back to back games including an ugly blown save last night.
3. Tyler Thornburg/Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers – Jeremy Jeffress has pitched in four straight.
4. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Aroldis Chapman and Hector Rondon have both had high workloads lately, pitching in back to back games and four of five.