July 23, 2017
Texas Rangers — Keone Kela started the eighth inning last night with the Rangers up one run. He recorded two outs, but also gave up a hit and a walk, and Alex Claudio came on to finish the inning. Claudio came back out to pitch a scoreless ninth and pick up his fourth save of the year. Claudio has finished the Rangers last four wins, and has earned the closer’s job. We will remove the asterisk, but there still could be some times Claudio is needed before the ninth because of the Rangers’ current bullpen condition.
Hierarchy remains: Claudio | Kela | Leclerc.
Washington Nationals – Sean Doolittle picked up his second straight save since being traded to the Nationals. Ryan Madson again pitched the eighth inning ahead of Doolittle. Dusty Baker also said he would have used Doolittle on Friday if they had a lead in the ninth, so it appears clear Doolittle is the head of the committee for now. Doolittle has issued a leadoff walk and given up a run in both of his save chances, and that is the only thing keeping us from removing the committee completely.
Updated hierarchy: *Doolittle | Madson | Albers.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — With the rumors still swirling about closer AJ Ramos being dealt, manager Don Mattingly offered his thoughts on who could close if Ramos is dealt. Kyle Barraclough would be Mattingly’s preference to close. Claw is a good speculative add if you are looking for help in the saves category.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Barraclough | Tazawa.
Toronto Blue Jays – Blue Jays’ set-up man Joe Smith has been activated from the disabled list. The veteran should jump right back in to a late inning role.
Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Smith | Tepera.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Kyle Barraclough – AJ Ramos has pitched in two straight, throwing a total of 42 pitches. Barraclough has also pitched in two straight but thrown a lot less pitches.
2. George Kontos – Sam Dyson has pitched in two straight, and four of five. Hunter Strickland has also pitched in two straight, throwing a total of 48 pitches.
3. Keone Kela – Alex Claudio has gone in two straight, working a total of 3.1 innings over that span.
Monday
1. Archie Bradley – If Fernando Rodney pitches on Sunday, that will be three of four.
2. Andrew Miller – Cody Allen threw 31 pitches on Saturday so if he goes again on Sunday, he will likely get Monday off.
3. Pat Neshek – Hector Neris has pitched in two straight.
