September 3, 2016
Kansas City Royals — Wade Davis was activated from the DL on Friday, and Ned Yost immediately threw him into the fire. After the Royals took a one-run lead, Davis got a save opportunity in his first action since July. He promptly hit the first batter he faced, and after a double and a two-run single, Davis was on the hook for the loss. It seems as though Yost trusts Davis to return to the closer role immediately, but there is reason to believe that Herrera may split the save opportunities down the stretch. When Davis entered the game last night the Royals bullpen was coming off two straight extra-inning games. Kelvin Herrera was also perfect in save opportunities while Davis was out, and Yost said after the game that he would avoid using Davis in back-to-back games for now. With as good as Davis has been, and given the clear save opportunity yesterday, he goes to the top spot in the hierarchy. However, don’t drop Herrera just yet. In a tight playoff race, he will certainly get chances down the stretch.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Herrera | Soria.
Washington Nationals — Mark Rezepczynski got the first two outs of the seventh inning Friday before he walked and hit a batter. Dusty Baker then turned to 23-year-old Koda Glover to protect the one-run lead. Glover struck out Jose Reyes to end the frame, then stayed on in the 8th to face the heart of the Mets order and pick up his second hold of the year. He has had a solid first 10 games and Baker was quick to praise him after the win. Rzepczynski has been excellent for years, but he is still mostly a left-handed specialist.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Kelley | Glover.
Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle is back from the disabled list and some extra rehab. He should see some late-inning work if the A’s get a lead over the final month of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Madson | Axford | Doolittle.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals — Ned Yost has said that he won’t use Wade Davis on back to back days.
2. Mauricio Cabrera, Atlanta Braves — Jim Johnson has pitched in three straight games.
3. Corey Knebel, Milwaukee Brewers — Tyler Thornburg has appeared in four of the last five contests, including a 17-pitch outing last night.
