May 3, 2017
Tampa Bay Rays — Alex Colome made his third appearance in as many days, but it was who pitched in front of him that raised some eyebrows. Erasmo Ramirez, whose last two appearances lasted four and five innings, respectively, and included a start he won, recorded an eighth-inning hold. Meanwhile, usual long reliever Chase Whitley locked down his fourth hold of the year with a strong seventh inning. Prior to Tuesday, Whitley had twice been tasked to get one or two outs as opposed to throwing two or three innings. We’ll move him and his 0.00 ERA into the Tampa hierarchy since it looks like Kevin Cash trusts him in big spots at the moment.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Farquhar | Whitley.
Houston Astros – After Luke Gregerson allowed two runs without recording an out to begin the ninth inning, Will Harris came on to shut the door for his first save of the year. Ken Giles was rested after pitching in three of the last four games while Chris Devenski tossed 24 pitches on Monday to earn his night off.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Gregerson | Devenski.
Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton was activated from the DL Tuesday and immediately got some work, albeit facing a 5-2 deficit. Despite a walk and a hit, Britton benefitted from a bizarre triple play to get out of the inning.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | O’Day.
St. Louis Cardinals – Seung Hwan Oh got the night off following a 25-pitch struggle on Monday, paving the way for Trevor Rosenthal to nab his third save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Oh | Rosenthal | Bowman.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Wade LeBlanc picked up his third career save in fairly impressive fashion, allowing just one hit over the final three innings of a 12-3 victory.
Hierarchy remains: Watson | Rivero | Nicasio.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Blake Parker – Bud Norris finally stumbled on Tuesday, throwing 31 pitches in a blown save. He may rest tonight.
2. Danny Farquhar – Alex Colome has made three appearances over the last three days.
Tomorrow
1. JJ Hoover/Jorge de la Rosa – If Fernando Rodney goes today, it will be two straight. Both Hoover and de la Rosa pitched Tuesday, so the most well-rested option will probably get the ninth if Rodney can’t pitch.
2. Brad Brach – If Zach Britton pitches today, it’s unlikely he’ll get a third straight game right after a DL stint.
3. Matt Barnes – Craig Kimbrel will have pitched in two straight games and three of four if he gets the ball today.
4. Justin Wilson/Alex Wilson – K-Rod needed 26 pitches on Tuesday, so if he goes today expect Justin or (if Justin also pitches today) Alex Wilson on Thursday.
5. Ryan Buchter – If Brandon Maurer pitches today, that will be two straight and three of four for him.
6. Danny Farquhar – If Colome gets the ball today for some reason, don’t expect a fifth straight day of work for him Thursday.