August 24, 2017
Colorado Rockies — Greg Holland had a rough Wednesday against his former club, giving up three runs as he recorded his third blown save this month in a walk-off loss to the Royals. After the game, Bud Black said that his initial instinct is to keep Holland as his closer, though he will talk about it. Holland’s last two outings have been disastrous, as he also allowed three earned runs on August 19. Nearly untouchable over the first three months of the season, Holland has now given up nine earned runs in August and is firmly on the hot seat in Colorado.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Neshek | McGee.
Texas Rangers — After Alex Claudio kept the game tied through the eighth and ninth innings, Jose Leclerc had a chance to convert a save in the 10th inning. Leclerc faltered, however, issuing two walks before being removed in favor of Tony Barnette, who came in locked down his first career save. Walks have been an issue for Leclerc, as he has now handed out nine over his last four games. Alex Claudio is clearly the best pitcher in the Rangers’ bullpen right now, with Barnette and Ricardo Rodriguez beginning the close the gap on Leclerc.
Updated hierarchy: *Claudio | Leclerc | Barnette.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — The Royals got some good news Wednesday, as Kelvin Herrera is not expected to miss any time due to Tuesday’s forearm tightness. While Herrera remains as closer, it is worth noting that Ned Yost said if Herrera does need some rest, whoever gets the ball instead will “depend on the situation.”
Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Maurer | Minor.
Seattle Mariners — David Phelps returned from the DL on Wednesday and immediately saw a high-leverage chance, entering a one-out, bases-loaded jam with the Mariners ahead, 4-3. Phelps allowed two of those inherited runners to score thanks to a single and a fielder’s choice, but the Mariners have to be happy to have one of their key arms back in the bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Vincent | Phelps.
Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson faced four batters during Wednesday’s eighth inning with his team ahead by a run. A double, walk, wild pitch and two singles later, Johnson was well on his way to another four earned runs on his resume. He entered Wednesday having allowed seven runs over his last three appearances, but Brian Snitker opted to gamble on Johnson after yesterday’s bullpen session. Probably should have tried this instead.
Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Ramirez | Johnson.
St. Louis Cardinals — Trevor Rosenthal will have Tommy John surgery next week, which mean he will not only miss the rest of this season but much of next season as well. So far, nobody has emerged as a clear candidate to take over as closer in St. Louis. Seung Hwan Oh did himself no favors on Wednesday, allowing a single and a triple to the only two batters he faced in a low-leverage eighth inning during the Cardinals’ win.
Hierarchy remains: *Oh | Lyons | Brebbia.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton’s impressive streak of 60 consecutive save chances converted came to an end on Wednesday. His streak of playoff games that he should have pitched remains at one.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | Givens.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Brandon Maurer — Kelvin Herrera should be available, but Maurer may get the call if Ned Yost wants Herrera to get another day off.
2. Jose Leclerc — Alex Claudio has gone in two of the last three games, throwing 62 pitches over that time. If the Rangers have a lead, we’ll see how far, if at all, Leclerc has fallen in Jeff Banister’s eyes.
Friday:
1. Jerry Blevins— It will be two straight and three of four if AJ Ramos pitches on Thursday.
