July 24, 2017

Texas Rangers – Alex Claudio got the night off, but with Keone Kela still apparently not pitching in back-to-back games yet, it was Jose Leclerc who got the save chance for the Rangers. He converted, and the recently-shaky Rangers bullpen is rounding back into form, with even their fourth and fifth options pitching well of late.

Hierarchy remains: Claudio | Kela | Leclerc. 

Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies took their usual approach to the 7th and 8th innings on Sunday (Pat Neshek, then Joaquin Benoit), but instead of using Hector Neris for the third straight day, they summoned Luis Garcia for the ninth inning. Against all odds, Garcia has been nails lately, and the Phillies might have been showcasing him to see if they could get someone to trade a prospect for a 30-year-old reliever who has never even been decent before the last month or so. Anyway, we’ll bump Garcia up to 2nd in line with the understanding that if Neris needs a game off in the future, any of three relievers could vulture a save.

Updated hierarchy: Neris | Neshek | Garcia. 

Chicago White Sox – Dating back to July 12, when his ERA was 1.73, Tyler Clippard has given up 16 earned runs in 10.2 innings. He didn’t add to that total yesterday, as he only faced one batter and allowed a walkoff base hit, but that now makes two bad appearances for his new team. If the White Sox succeed in trading Anthony Swarzak, we don’t know what’s going to become of the closer position, but lefty Dan Jennings might be worth an add if you have the roster space.

Hierarchy remains: Clippard | Swarzak | Jennings.

San Diego Padres – In what was likely an attempt to showcase him as they continue to field offers, the Padres gave Brad Hand the ninth inning last night, and the lefty responded with a perfect inning. The Padres are still holding firm on their high asking price for Hand, but regardless of what happens, we continue to think that the best reliever on the market is unlikely to see a big shift in value if he’s dealt. He’s a setup man now, and that’s what he’ll probably be come July 31, as well.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Maton.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Michael Lorenzen – Raisel Iglesias threw two innings last night, his second straight day of work.

Tomorrow
1. Brad Brach – If Zach Britton goes tonight, it’ll be back to back games, and we’re guessing he won’t go three straight just yet.
2. CJ Edwards – If Wade Davis goes today, it’ll be three straight.