July 20, 2017
Kansas City Royals — Before Wednesday’s game, Ned Yost mentioned that Kelvin Herrera had been ill, with a 102-degree fever and a sore throat. Yost called on Herrera anyway, only to see the closer give up the go-ahead home run, then leave the game with a trainer. After the game, Yost announced that Herrera was still ailing, not injured. Herrera himself said that he “ran out of energy.” The Royals won the game off Justin Wilson in the ninth, marking two blown saves for Nationals trade targets in the same inning. Joakim Soria remains the handcuff here.
Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Soria | Minor.
Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino gave up three hits in a rocky return from the disabled list, but we expect him to slide right back into his role as Jim Johnson’s understudy and presumptive heir.
Updated hierarchy: Johnson | Vizcaino | Ramirez.
Baltimore Orioles — As trade rumors continue to swirl around Zach Britton, Buck Showalter confirmed that Britton will get the next save opportunity. It will wait for another day, however, as the Orioles’ seven-run seventh put the game well out of reach.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | O’Day.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tony Zych/Steve Cishek — It’s been five saves in six days for Edwin Diaz, and Nick Vincent has pitched on each of those days as well. A save opportunity on Thursday could settle the question of who’s really second in line in Seattle.
2. Joakim Soria — Kelvin Herrera probably gets tomorrow off.
3. Hunter Strickland — Sam Dyson has gone in two straight, including a two-inning outing on Tuesday.
4. Jacob Barnes — Corey Knebel needed 31 pitches in a blown save on Wednesday and might get the day game off.
Friday:
1. Michael Lorenzen/Tony Cingrani — Raisel Iglesias got five outs on Wednesday, his second outing in three days.
2. Ryan Tepera — An appearance for Roberto Osuna would be four out of five.
3. Juan Nicasio/Tony Watson — Same for Felipe Rivero, except three out of four.
