April 28, 2017
Arizona Diamondbacks –The monkey is keeping a close eye on this situation, folks. With a four-run lead in the ninth Thursday, the D-Backs opted to use J.J. Hoover, who pitched a clean inning. Jorge De La Rosa was available, but Torey Luvullo’s use of Hoover may indicate he’s the man to own behind the tired (he had pitched in three of five days) and bad (11.00 ERA) Fernando Rodney, who has to be on a short leash. Many locals are pulling for long reliever Archie Bradley to close, but he may be better suited for the rotation as Shelby Miller is considering Tommy John surgery.
Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Hoover | de la Rosa.
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels have used a hodgepodge of relievers to bridge the gap in save situations over the last week, including David Hernandez, Yusmeiro Petit, Deolis Guerra, Blake Parker and Jose Alvarez. But one thing has been most consistent: Bud Norris (four saves) has picked up each save chance and converted each time the Angels had a slim lead in the ninth lately, including on Thursday. With Cam Bedrosian nursing a sore groin and Huston Street out until at least June 1, Norris is the clear man to own for the Angels.
Hierarchy remains: Norris | Parker | Hernandez.
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays stink. Nothing has gone right, and that’s especially true for closer Roberto Osuna, who had another rough outing and blown save Thursday. Osuna gave up a game-tying, two-out, two-run HR in the 9th to Randal Grichuk as the Jays lost again. After the game, manager John Gibbons said Osuna “just has to figure it out.” No kidding.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.
St. Louis Cardinals – Seung Hwan Oh pitched a scoreless ninth inning with the score tied in the first game of a doubleheader, so in the nightcap with Oh unavailable, Trevor Rosenthal got his second vulture save. Rosenthal has really pitched well this year (2.84 ERA, 13 K’s, 2 SV in 7 G) and may have the inside track to the closer gig if Oh falters.
Hierarchy remains: Oh | Rosenthal | Bowman.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Blake Parker/David Hernandez — We may find out who the No. 2 man for the Angels is on Friday, as Bud Norris has pitched in two straight and three of the last for days. Looking further back, Norris has pitched in six of the last eight days.
2. Derek Law — Both Mark Melancon (three of the last four days) and Hunter Strickland (three straight, four of five) have been busy and pitched Thursday. Law, who got the night off Thursday, would presumably be available for the save situation Friday if needed.
Saturday:
1. Blake Parker/David Hernandez — If Norris gets the ball AGAIN on Friday, that’ll be three straight and four of five for him. That wouldn’t be shocking, as he pitched in four of five last week, but a Friday appearance would bring his workload to an unsustainable level (pitching in seven of the last nine days).
2. Andrew Miller — If Cody Allen pitches Friday, that’ll be three appearances in three days for him. He would almost certainly get rest Saturday, giving Miller a chance.
3. Sergio Romo — Sergio Romo may get a save chance Saturday because if Kenley Jansen pitches Friday, that’ll be his third appearance in four days.
4. Nick Vincent/Mark Rzepczynski — Edwin Diaz has pitched in two straight games, so a Friday appearance would mean he’d need a rest Saturday.
5. Joaquin Benoit — Hector Neris has pitched in two straight. If he goes again Friday, look for Benoit to get a shot Saturday. Also, these two pitch in a Pete Mackanin committee, so we suppose Benoit could get the call on any given night (but let’s face it – Neris is the guy to own).
