April 8, 2017
Colorado Rockies – With the Rockies bullpen having been put to work early this season, it was Jake McGee who got the call to pick up the vulture save. McGee is feeling healthy, and he looked awesome, striking out the side on 14 pitches. With the rest of the bullpen needing rest, we’d like to see McGee in a couple more high leverage spots before he cracks the hierarchy again, but if the former closer can pitch like he did yesterday, he won’t stay out long.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Ottavino | Dunn.
Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton suffered an injury scare when he rolled his ankle fielding a comebacker, but stayed in the game and converted his second save of the year. Manager Buck Showalter said the injury didn’t look bad, but they will see how it feels “when the adrenaline wears off.” Britton is outstanding when healthy, having converted 51 straight saves, but if he needs some time off, Brad Brach has three clean 8th innings to his resume so far this season.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | O’Day.
Tampa Bay Rays – Xavier Cedeno has been bad in the early going this year. One day after giving up a hit to the only batter he faced, he was called on in a bases loaded jam only to walk in two runs before getting out of the inning. He did back into the win after the Rays took the lead in the bottom of the inning, and Alex Colome pitched a clean 9th for his 2nd save. Erasmo Ramirez took the 7th and 8th inning on Wednesday, and may get the next 8th inning shot.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Ramirez | Cedeno.
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna is on pace to return for the Blue Jays home opener on Tuesday. Jason Grilli will likely slot into the setup role after Osuna’s return, but could get a couple more chances this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Smith | Biagini.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Shawn Kelley / Koda Glover, Washington Nationals – Blake Treinen pitched in his 3rd straight game last night, and will get Saturday off. Shawn Kelley is better rested having been held out last night, but Koda Glover only threw 9 pitches yesterday so could be available.
2. Drew Storen, Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias pitched 2 scoreless innings to pick up his 2nd save throwing 32 pitches in the process.
3. Corey Knebel, Milwaukee Brewers – Neftali Feliz has pitched in three straight.
Sunday
1. Ryan Pressly, Minnesota Twins – Brandon Kintzler has pitched two straight.
2. Ryan Buchter, San Diego Padres – Brandon Maurer has pitched in two straight.
