August 19, 2016
Free Agency — There’s still no news on Jonathan Papelbon. The longtime closer has been tied to at least the Red Sox and Cubs, which makes sense given the pitcher’s connection to both clubs. It’s now been more than 24 hours since we were expected to learn his decision, so who knows what’s up. He’s still the best free agent reliever available, we think (see hierarchy for other guesses). We would have included Joe Nathan, but he inked a minor-league deal with the Giants this week after he was DFA’d by the Cubs.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | M. Rivera | L. Hawkins.
Boston Red Sox — Junichi Tazawa was charged with three runs to take the loss Thursday afternoon against the Tigers. Manager John Farrell went with Tazawa to begin the eighth inning of a 3-1 game, but the righty’s August struggles continued. Tazawa has allowed seven runs in his last four appearances (2.0 IP) to send his season ERA to 4.58 and WHIP to 1.30. Tazawa has had a tendency to fade a bit in the second half throughout his career, so it appears we have reached that stage. Farrell, though, still seems to trust Tazawa a bit. We don’t. P.S. – Where’s Jonathan Papelbon?
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Ziegler | Barnes.
San Francisco Giants — The Giants recalled reliever Cory Gearrin Thursday from a rehab assignment after he went on the disabled list in early July. In his first game back, he allowed two singles in the sixth inning and was pulled after recording just one out. New Giant Will Smith didn’t do him any favors, allowing both inherited runners to score. We’ll monitor Gearrin’s use. Smith, meanwhile, hasn’t been very good since coming over from the Brewers (4.2 IP, 6 ER). It appears Bruce Bochy also noticed that Smith was struggling, as Derek Law has emerged as a late-inning option for SF. Law pitched a clean eighth Thursday ahead of Santiago Casilla.
Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Law.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Jake Barrett has been shaky at the top of a bad Arizona committee, and his stretch of rough outings continued Thursday. Barrett was charged with three runs in the eighth inning after entering with a one-run lead. There was no word on a closer change after the game, but perhaps Chip Hale planned to go with Barrett in the eighth and possibly Enrique Burgos in the ninth? We’ll have to wait and see where this one goes as the “Reign of Error” in Arizona continues.
Hierarchy remains: *Barrett | Burgos | Delgado.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – Arodys Vizcaino was activated off the disabled list Thursday and will be eased back into the closer’s role, which seems like a great idea after he was charged with four runs (3 ER) in the seventh inning without recording an out Thursday night. For now, look for Jim Johnson and Mauricio Cabrera to handle the duties in the 8th and 9th innings. In related Braves news, lefty Ryan O’Flaherty shocked no one (6.94 ERA, 1.74 WHIP) when he cleared waivers. He can now be traded.
Updated hierarchy: Johnson | Cabrera | Vizcaino.
Kansas City Royals – Righty Joakim Soria has cleared waivers and is able to be traded to any club. It’s no surprise that he cleared after he signed a $25 million deal in the offseason. His numbers don’t seem to meet the expectations that came with the contract.
Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Soria | Moylan.
Cincinnati Reds — The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted a night off for Tony Cingrani, who had pitched in two straight and three of the last four. Raisel Iglesias did the honors for the Reds on Thursday, pitching a clean ninth to collect his second save.
Hierarchy remains: *Cingrani | Iglesias | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. J.C. Ramirez, Los Angeles Angels — Fernando Salas has pitched in three of the last four and threw 26 pitches Thursday night.
2. Hector Rondon, Chicago Cubs — Aroldis Chapman has pitched three times in the last three days (both games of a doubleheader Tuesday and 24 pitches in a day game Thursday).
3. Enrique Burgos, Arizona Diamondbacks — Jake Barrett has appeared in two straight games, including Thursday’s implosion, and he’s not very good.