July 4, 2017
Texas Rangers — Keone Kela went on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to Friday with a sore shoulder. The good news for the Rangers is he won’t necessarily miss a ton of action due to the All-Star break. In the meantime, Jose Leclerc should take charge of the committee, with Alex Claudio, Matt Bush and Ernesto Frieri all right behind him.
Updated hierarchy: *Leclerc | Claudio | Bush.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Joakim Soria got the call for the Royals in the ninth and converted his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Soria | Minor.
Washington Nationals – Another game, another blown save. Sammy Solis started the ninth with two lefties due up to begin the inning, but sure enough when he was removed in favor of Matt Albers, the Mets pinch hit left-handed Curtis Granderson against Albers and Granderson hit a game-tying two-run homer. After the game, which the Nationals won in their half of the ninth, Dusty Baker said that they’re going to get the bullpen fixed. So they have that going for them. Which is nice.
Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Romero | Treinen.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tommy Kahnle — David Robertson is still on paternity leave and will also be unavailable Wednesday.
2. Alex Claudio — Jose Leclerc has pitched in back-to-back games and three of the last four.
Wednesday:
1. Tommy Kahnle — See above.
2. Taylor Rogers — If Brandon Kintzler pitches today that will be two straight and three of four.
3. Dellin Betances/Tyler Clippard — Same for Aroldis Chapman. If Betances also goes on Tuesday, Clippard may get the ball on Wednesday.
4. Alex Claudio — Should Leclerc make a third straight appearance today, Claudio will almost certainly get the call on Wednesday unless the Texas committee goes in a different direction.
5. Enny Romero — Matt Albers will have pitched in three straight games if he appears on Tuesday.
