June 8, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates — For the second straight night, Tony Watson gave up a tying two-run dinger, completing a four-run Baltimore comeback in the ninth. About an hour later, everyone on Twitter made the same obvious joke. Felipe Rivero remained unhittable in his inning of relief, leading Pirates fans and bullpen speculators to wonder what it will take for Clint Hurdle to finally make the switch.
Hierarchy remains: Watson | Rivero | Nicasio.
Los Angeles Angels — Now it’s Cam Bedrosian’s rehab that’s delayed, after the righty reported still more discomfort in his groin. Bud Norris’s role is safe for at least another week.
Hierarchy remains: Norris | Hernandez | Parker.
Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle threw a no-hitter on Wednesday night — or at least one-ninth of one — to finish his rehab assignment with the Nashville Sounds. Doolittle should rejoin Oakland this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Madson | Hendriks.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Felipe Rivero/Juan Nicasio — Even if Tony Watson keeps his job, he’s not pitching Thursday. He’s gone in three of four. Both Rivero and Nicasio have gone in two straight themselves.
2. Jacob Barnes — Corey Knebel has pitched in two straight, three of four, and five of seven.
Friday:
1. Michael Lorenzen — Raisel Iglesias has pitched in two of three and four of six. He’ll need Friday off if he pitches Thursday afternoon.
2. Darren O’Day — Brad Brach has gone in two straight.
3. Will Harris — As has Ken Giles.
4. Joakim Soria — Kelvin Herrera has pitched in two of three.
