April 12, 2017
Texas Rangers — Sam Dyson’s struggles continued on Tuesday, as he allowed three runs in the ninth to send the game to extra innings, with the Rangers eventually losing in the 10th. That’s now 11 earned runs in four appearances for Dyson, three of which have been bad. After the game, Jeff Banister said that the team will need to consider its options regarding the closer role. Those options are either Matt Bush or Jeremy Jeffress. We still like Bush over Jeffress, despite Bush being “unavailable” on Tuesday, but we’ll hopefully get more clarity from Banister on Wednesday. If Bush can’t go, expect Jeffress to get the call.
Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Bush | Jeffress.
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna made his season debut on Tuesday, pitching the ninth in a 4-3 loss. He’ll resume his closing duties immediately, and John Gibbons said that he won’t hesitate to use Osuna on back-to-back days,
Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.
Detroit Tigers — Bruce Rondon was sent to Triple-A to work on getting in shape. While Rondon works on his conditioning, Shane Greene and lefty Kyle Ryan will work ahead of Justin Wilson and K-Rod. This isn’t the first time Rondon has needed a stint in the minors to get right, and we’ll just have to wait and see how long it takes for him to get back to Detroit this time.
Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | J. Wilson | Greene.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Randall Delgado has been used mostly in long relief duty so far this season, which means his days in the Arizona hierarchy are done. Who replaces him? Right now, nobody has emerged as a clear favorite. Archie Bradley was the last Diamondback to pitch in a tight game ahead of Fernando Rodney, though he may transition back into a starter. Tom Wilhelmsen has ample experience in the late innings as well. We’ll need the 7-2 D-Backs to play a close game to really see how the bullpen lines up, but we’ll give the edge to Wilhelmsen at the moment.
Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Hoover | Wilhelmsen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Shane Greene, Detroit Tigers – Both K-Rod and Justin Wilson have gone in two straight games, so Greene may get the nod if a save situation arises.
2. Luke Gregerson, Houston Astros – Ken Giles needed 31 pitches to finish off Tuesday’s game, so he may get a night off.
Thursday
1. Jason Grilli, Toronto Blue Jays – While Osuna should be available Wednesday, Thursday may be a different story if he does go back-to-back days.
2. Carlos Torres/Corey Knebel, Milwaukee Brewers – Neftali Feliz may need a breather if he pitches Wednesday. If Corey Knebel pitches on Wednesday as well, he’ll have joined Feliz on back-to-back outings.
3. Andrew Bailey, Los Angeles Angels – Cam Bedrosian may have thrown on two straight days entering Thursday.
4. Justin Wilson/Shane Greene, Detroit Tigers – If K-Rod does pitch Wednesday, don’t expect him on Thursday.
5. Adam Ottavino/Mike Dunn, Colorado Rockies – We don’t expect Greg Holland to pitch three straight days, so if he gets the call Wednesday we expect Ottavino to get the ninth on Thursday. Mike Dunn may get tabbed as well if Ottavino goes on Wednesday as well.
