July 27, 2017
Colorado Rockies — The Rockies added some much-needed bullpen depth with the acquisition of Pat Neshek from the Phillies. Neshek brings an impressive resume (1.12 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 10.04 K/9) to Coors Field, where he will immediately see high-leverage work and potentially a save chance with Greg Holland on paternity leave. Holland will be back sometime during the Rockies’ series against the Nationals, and Bud Black was mum on who would close in Holland’s absence before the Neshek deal. We’ll see how Black plays the new-look bullpen when that series begins on Friday.
Updated hierarchy: Holland | Neshek | McGee.
Miami Marlins — The Marlins placed Kyle Barraclough on the 10-day DL Wednesday. Junichi Tazawa will become the team’s primary setup man ahead of AJ Ramos, with left-handed rookie Jarlin Garcia likely to see some more late-inning work. If Barraclough remains on the shelf for an extended period of time and Ramos is traded, Tazawa could end up as the Marlins’ closer. Another name to keep an eye on in that scenario is Brad Ziegler, whose return is imminent if a rehab appearance on Thursday goes smoothly.
Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Tazawa | Garcia.
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies traded Pat Neshek to Colorado on Wednesday, which means even more chances for Joaquin Benoit and Luis Garcia to get the ball to Hector Neris.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Benoit.
Oakland A’s – Santiago Casilla blew his fourth save in 16 games on Wednesday. He is still the closer, but his hold on the job has become even more tenuous with Blake Treinen now on the team. Treinen has four holds and a 0.00 ERA since joining the A’s.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Treinen | Hendriks.
San Diego Padres – Brad Hand got the first post-Brandon Maurer save chance and converted. Hand has been sensational of late and should be traded to a contender by Monday. In the meantime, he should continue to be the favorite for saves in San Diego, though Andy Green has said that matchups may dictate that Hand pitch earlier in games.
Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Maton | Yates.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — The White Sox activated Jake Petricka from the DL on Wednesday. Rick Renteria said that Petricka could be an option in the late innings. Petricka hasn’t pitched since a disastrous outing on June 28, so we’ll see just how quickly Renteria throws Petricka into the fire.
Hierarchy remains: *Clippard | Jennings | Minaya.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Ryan Madson — Sean Doolittle needed 28 pitches to get through a rough outing (3 H, 3 ER) on Wednesday.
Friday:
1. Pat Neshek/Jake McGee — As mentioned above, Greg Holland is on paternity leave.
2. Ryan Madson — If Doolittle pitches again on Thursday it will be two straight games with a potential high pitch count.
