April 27, 2017
Washington Nationals — Shawn Kelley will have the chance to run with the Nationals’ closer job now that Koda Glover is headed to the DL with pain in his left hip, the same one that troubled him at the end of last season. Matt Albers and Joe Blanton will rise in Glover’s absence, and Blanton’s early struggles (10.13 ERA) give Albers the edge.
Updated hierarchy: Kelley | Treinen | Albers.
Arizona Diamondbacks — One bright spot for Arizona is that only a record-low 12,215 fans saw Fernando Rodney blow Wednesday’s night save (5 runs, 6 hits). Another has been the work of young Archie Bradley, whose three-inning, five-strikeout outing appeared to be an effort to stretch him out for the rotation with Shelby Miller hurt. If Bradley does stay in the bullpen, he could be ideal in the Andrew Miller stopper role.
Hierarchy remains: Rodney | de la Rosa | Hoover.
Colorado Rockies — Back spasms sent Mike Dunn to the 10-day DL, backdated to Sunday. Chad Qualls was activated to replace him, but it looks like Jake McGee will slide into his role, with Qualls and Carlos Estevez also late-inning hold options.
Updated hierarchy: Holland | Ottavino | McGee.
Texas Rangers — When Sam Dyson returns from the disabled list (as early as Friday), he won’t be anywhere near the ninth inning. It’s Matt Bush’s job now.
Hierarchy remains: Bush | Jeffress | LeClerc.
Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes will be out of vulture save contention through Saturday; he dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension for throwing a 90 MPH fastball behind Manny Machado’s head.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Barnes | Hembree.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Dellin Betances — Aroldis Chapman struggled through a 33-pitch save on Wednesday and could get Thursday off.
2. Jorge de la Rosa — Rodney’s rough Wednesday could earn him a day off.
Friday:
1. Dellin Betances/Tyler Clippard — If Chapman does go Thursday, he’ll be off Friday. If Betances pitches Thursday, the Friday save should go to Clippard.
2. Danny Farquhar — Although the Rays have Thursday off, Alex Colome still will have pitched on two of the last three days, and four of the last six (87 pitches).
3. Blake Parker — Bud Norris is close to losing the committee asterisk, but if he pitches again on Thursday, he’ll probably get Friday off.
4. Hunter Strickland/Derek Law — Another outing for Mark Melancon would be his third in four days. Both Strickland and Law have been busy too, so this is contingent on a day off for them.
