August 16, 2017
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman said he felt tightness in his hamstring when he came off the mound after Tuesday night’s save. While Chapman said it’s “nothing to worry about,” Joe Girardi was a bit more concerned, and not just about Chapman’s hamstring. Chapman is in real danger of being demoted from the closer’s role due to his recent struggles, which is good news for Dellin Betances owners. A stint on the 10-day DL for Chapman is not unlikely at this point, though we’ll learn more today.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
Chicago White Sox — Prior to Tuesday’s tilt with the Dodgers, Rick Renteria said that he plans to give different guys chances to prove themselves. Some proved themselves better than others. In a 1-1 game, Juan Minaya got through the seventh and allowed a hit to the only batter he faced in the eighth. Aaron Bummer was next, and he induced a fielder’s choice before walking the next two guys. On came Jake Petricka, who got the second out but followed that with a HBP and three singles to blow the game wide open. Based on usage, Petricka was probably going to get the first save chance if Chicago grabbed a lead, but after Tuesday’s troubles it may be Minaya after all. If you’re looking for reliable options here, good luck.
Hierarchy remains: *Minaya | Petricka | Bummer.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Kyle Barraclough returned from the DL on Tuesday and got work in a low-leverage eighth inning after Junichi Tazawa allowed a hit to each of the four hitters he faced in the seventh, blowing a 4-3 lead. Don Mattingly said before Tuesday’s game that Barraclough will immediately return to high-leverage situations. There’s a good chance he closes again by the end of the season. There’s also a good chance Tazawa is out of the mix, as it will be hard to keep Drew Steckenrider (2.00 ERA, 12.00 K/9) out of the late-inning conversation.
Updated hierarchy: Ziegler | Barraclough | Tazawa.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. David Robertson – Even if Aroldis Chapman keeps his job and doesn’t need a stint on the DL, he may still get a night off as a precaution. Dellin Betances has pitched in three straight games, so even if he is the new closer he won’t pitch tonight.
2. Santiago Casilla/Ryan Dull – Blake Treinen threw 33 pitches last night in a shaky outing. Santiago Casilla was also bad last night, so Ryan Dull may get any save chance that arises on Wednesday.
Tomorrow
1. Ryan Madson/Brandon Kintzler – If Sean Doolittle pitches today it will be his second straight appearance and fourth in five days. Ryan Madson has been battling a blister, so if he is still unavailable, expect Brandon Kintzler to get the ninth if needed on Thursday.
