September 13, 2016
St. Louis Cardinals — Trevor Rosenthal, who has been injured since July 24, is nearing his return to the Cards’ bullpen. He has reportedly been reaching 100 mph on the radar gun during bullpen sessions, so we would expect him to at least make a case for regaining the closer role for the home stretch. However, current closer Seung Hwan Oh has pitched phenomenally in Rosenthal’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: Oh | Siegrist | Bowman.
Cincinnati Reds — Raisel Iglesias pitched the 8th and 9th innings last night and picked up a save in a 3-0 game, his third of the year. The Reds are one of the worst teams in baseball this year, and teams with nothing to lose often test people out at the end of the year. We still expect Tony Cingrani to get the majority of chances, but don’t be surprised when he gets a rest.
Hierarchy remains: *Cingrani | Iglesias | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Jake Diekman picked up an extra-inning save after Sam Dyson failed to close the door in the 9th. It was a much-needed scoreless outing for Diekman, who had been struggling prior to Monday.
Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Bush | Diekman.
Oakland A’s — Zach Neal picked up his second three-inning save of the season on Monday, moving him into a tie with John Axford and Ryan Dull for third on the A’s in saves this season.
Hierarchy remains: Madson | Axford | Doolittle.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson, Houston Astros – Ken Giles pitched two innings last night. He was quite efficient, only throwing 26 pitches, but we doubt he will be used tonight.
2. Ryan Buchter, San Diego Padres – Brandon Maurer has pitched in three straight.