May 1, 2017
Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles flipped the script last night, using Brad Brach in the 8th and Darren O’Day in the 9th, but the latter didn’t respond particularly well, loading the bases before being lifted for Donnie Hart, who promptly gave up the game-tying single. The team went on to win in extras, though, and Zach Britton could potentially return today, though Buck Showalter isn’t saying for sure yet.
Hierarchy remains: Brach | O’Day | Givens.
Miami Marlins – Kyle Barraclough pitched the top of the 7th in a one-run game before the Marlins blew it open in the bottom half. The outing earned The Claw his 4th hold of the season, tied for the team lead with Brad Ziegler and two ahead of David Phelps, who has struggled to the tune of a 5.79 ERA (and 1.57 WHIP) thus far.
Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Ziegler | Barraclough.
San Diego Padres – Jose Torres picked up the save in extra innings for the Padres on Sunday; Brandon Maurer, Ryan Buchter, and Brad Hand had already seen action. The Padres have an embarrassment of riches in terms of solid lefthanded relievers, but keep an eye on Torres going forward, as he’s only 23 years old and now has a 0.69 WHIP and 18 Ks through 13 IPs. He’s been a little unlucky in that a huge percentage of the baserunners he’s allowed have gone on to score, which is why his ERA sits at 4.85, but thus far, he hasn’t been used like a LOOGY, pitching effectively against lefties and righties.
Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Hand.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Luis Avilan pitched a scoreless 7th inning for the Dodgers on Sunday, wrapping up another solid week for the lefty (3 IPs, 2 holds). Going forward, look for him to continue on in that role, likely sharing the 7th with former Astro Josh Fields, who is also pitching well. Pedro Baez continues to play with fire, walking almost a batter per inning, but he’s been effective and continues to be the most frequently used option in the 8th for the Dodgers. Sergio Romo, meanwhile, has to get things figured out if he wants additional late inning looks — his ERA is still over 9.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Avilan.
Boston Red Sox – Matt Barnes is back, having completed his four-game suspension. Y’all better not even LOOK at Dustin Pedroia the wrong way.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Barnes | Hembree.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jason Grilli – Roberto Osuna and Joe Smith have both gone back to back and three of four.
2. Hunter Strickland – Mark Melancon has pitched in four of the last five.
Tomorrow
1. Pedro Baez – If Kenley Jansen goes today, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
2. Matt Barnes – If Craig Kimbrel goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
3. Dellin Betances – If Aroldis Chapman goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
