June 17, 2017
Los Angeles Angels — Cam Bedrosian comes back from the DL today; although he’ll work in the late innings, he’s not likely to go back to the closer’s role immediately. Bud Norris has been solid while Bedrosian and Huston Street have missed time. Any opportunity for Bedrosian would be short-lived anyway, as Street is on track to return as early as Tuesday. Our read is that Street will assume the closer’s role when he is ready, but will have a short leash as long as Bedrosian and Norris pitch well. In shallow leagues, this might be your last chance to grab either of the two DL activations.
Updated hierarchy: Norris | Bedrosian | Hernandez.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Felipe Rivero pitched a clean eighth inning with a one-run lead, facing the lefty-heavy top of the Cubs lineup. This gave Juan Nicasio his first chance to close — but Nicasio imploded (with a little help from former closer Tony Watson), allowing four runs without recording an out. Rivero was close to kicking the asterisk even before last night, so now that his main competition has fallen apart, he should have the job free and clear.
Updated hierarchy: Rivero | Nicasio | Hudson.
New York Yankees — Adding to the Yankees’ sudden bullpen woes, Adam Warren went on the 10-day DL with tightness near his shoulder. Last night’s loss — courtesy of Chasen Shreve and Jonathan Holder — was the fourth straight caused by relief ineptitude. Help is on the way, though, with Aroldis Chapman — throwing 102 with questionable control in rehab at Trenton — set to be activated Sunday.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Clippard | Shreve.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Adam Ottavino/Jake McGee — Greg Holland has pitched in three straight games, and Ottavino has gone in three out of four.
2. Sean Doolittle — Santiago Casilla has gone in two in a row (48 pitches).
3. Pedro Baez — Kenley Jansen hasn’t thrown a lot of pitches, but has pitched in three of four.
4. Carlos Torres — Both Corey Knebel and Jacob Barnes have appeared in three of four games.
Sunday:
1. Archie Bradley — Fernando Rodney has pitched in three of four.
2. Koji Uehara — Wade Davis threw 31 pitches on Friday.
3. Joakim Soria — If Kelvin Herrera pitches today, it’ll be three in the last four.
