August 27, 2016
Texas Rangers — Jeremy Jeffress was placed on the restricted list following a Friday morning DWI arrest. Jeffress failed three drug tests in the minors — which he attributed to self-medicating his epilepsy — and was suspended twice. The Rangers are likely to activate him today and allow the legal process to play out before deciding on any suspension, but with Matt Bush and Jake Diekman pitching effectively, Jeffress may have to earn his way back into the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Diekman | Bush.
Arizona Diamondbacks — True to his word, Chip Hale used Randall Delgado and Daniel Hudson to protect a one-run lead on Friday. Delgado escaped the eighth with his scoreless streak intact (now 13 appearances), but Hudson, pitching for a third straight day, was not so lucky. He got two outs, then gave up three straight singles to blow his first save of the year. Arizona recovered to win in extra innings, but the bullpen woes continue and the team is no closer to finding an answer at closer. Delgado may have the inside lane for the next save chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Hudson | Delgado | Barrett.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros — Luke Gregerson remained unavailable with an ankle injury; although he hasn’t pitched in nine days, the team is hopeful that he will return over the weekend. Michael Feliz, Chris Devenski, and Pat Neshek have filled in for Gregerson.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Harris | Gregerson.
Kansas City Royals — The scoreless streak for the Royals bullpen came to an end at 41.1 innings on Friday night. Peter Moylan gave up two singles to start the ninth, and Kelvin Herrera couldn’t keep the inherited runners from scoring. This was the longest such streak since one by the 1966 A’s, also in Kansas City. Meanwhile, Wade Davis should be back next week.
Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Soria | Strahm.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Randall Delgado, Arizona Diamondbacks — Daniel Hudson has pitched in three straight games, needing 32 pitches on Friday.
2. Neftali Feliz, Pittsburgh Pirates — Tony Watson has pitched three days in a row.
3. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres — Brandon Maurer threw 38 pitches on Friday and Brad Hand has gone in three of four. Brandon Morrow would be an option, but he’s on paternity leave.
4. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals — Kelvin Herrera was on the mound when the Royals’ scoreless streak ended, so clearly he can’t be trusted. He’s also pitched in two straight and three of four.
5. Xavier Cedeno, Tampa Bay Rays — Alex Colome has gone in three of four.
