May 12, 2017
New York Mets — Mets closer Jeurys Familia has an arterial clot in his throwing shoulder and will likely be out for a while, if not the rest of the season. According to the team, Familia will see Dr. Robert Thompson, who performed season-ending surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome on Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey last season, on Friday for further tests and possibly surgery. Addison Reed will fill in while Familia is out, though don’t be surprised if the Mets go shopping.
Updated hierarchy: Reed | Robles | Blevins.
Milwaukee Brewers – Closer Neftali Feliz had a forgettable series against the Red Sox, allowing four runs (3 ER) in 1.1 IP Wednesday and Thursday. Most of the damage was done on one swing – a three-run shot by Mookie Betts to turn a 1-1 game into 4-1. The outing sent Feliz’s ERA to 6.19, though for now, he’s still the team’s closer, as he has converted eight of nine save opportunities. Still, fantasy owners are starting to notice how poor Feliz has pitched and are picking up Corey Knebel, who owns a 1.00 ERA with 29 Ks in just 18 IP. Knebel is likely the next guy up for the Brewers, who may go in that direction sooner rather than later.
Hierarchy remains: Feliz | Knebel | Barnes.
Washington Nationals — The Nationals’ bullpen is about to get a much-needed boost. Koda Glover has said since earlier this week that he’s ready go, and manager Dusty Baker said there’s a real possibility he is activated Friday. Washington tends to take its time with healing relief pitchers — they did so with Glover — but if they feel they need more help, Shawn Kelley is eligible to return from the DL Friday, too.
Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Romero | Treinen.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Will Harris — Ken Giles has gone in two straight and he nearly blew the save Thursday (19 pitches). Chris Devenski tossed 37 pitches over two innings yesterday, so expect Will Harris (or perhaps even Luke Gregerson) to get the opportunity if Giles needs a break.
Friday
1. Chris Devenski/Will Harris –If Giles pitches again Friday, he’ll definitely need Saturday off.
2. Matt Belisle — If Brandon Kintzler labors a bit on Friday, that’ll be two straight games with a high pitch count (24 pitches over 1.2 IP Thursday).
3. Adam Ottavino — Greg Holland hasn’t pitched in three straight games yet this season, but he’s had a light pitch count over two straight appearances (23 pitches) and would probably pitch Friday if needed. If that happens, he definitely won’t be available Saturday.
4. Drew Storen — Raisel Iglesias has appeared in two of the last three days, throwing 51 pitches (just 16 on Thursday after an off day Wednesday). He’s probably available Friday, and if he pitches, he’s definitely out of consideration for Saturday.
