September 17, 2016
Pittsburgh Pirates — Tony Watson converted his 13th save in the tenth inning of Friday’s game, but the real stories happened in front of him. Swingman Juan Nicasio set a club record with his 28th straight relief appearance with at least one strikeout, and Antonio Bastardo picked up the win with a clean ninth inning. Neftali Feliz hasn’t pitched since September 3, and though the team believes he’ll pitch again this season, it’s time to reward Bastardo for his legit work setting up Watson.
Updated hierarchy: Watson | Rivero | Bastardo.
Boston Red Sox — Koji Uehara pitched a clean eighth inning last night, his fifth straight scoreless appearance since returning from the DL. Over that time, Uehara has a 0.60 WHIP and has thrown 78% of his pitches for strikes. Koji seems to be returning to his eighth-inning role, and we’ll edge him in front of Brad Ziegler.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Uehara | Ziegler.
Oakland A’s — Ryan Madson’s seventh blown save of the season on Friday renews speculation that the team will return Sean Doolittle to the role next year, if not sooner.
Updated hierarchy: Madson | Doolittle | Axford.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Fernando Rodney, Miami Marlins — A.J. Ramos took the loss last night in the 12th inning, after throwing 30 pitches. He has pitched in three of the last four, so he is likely going to get a rest today.
2. Ryan Buchter/Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres — Brandon Maurer blew a save with 36 pitches on Friday. Buchter has pitched in two of three, so Quack might get another shot.
3. Brad Brach, Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton has pitched in three of four and five of seven.
