September 25, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates – Twice over the last three days, waiver wire acquisition George Kontos pitched the 8th inning ahead of Felipe Rivero. The Pirates only have six games remaining, but if anyone other than Rivero is needed for a save opp, Kontos is the best bet.
Updated hierarchy: Rivero | Kontos | Hudson.
Detroit Tigers – After taking a 104-mph line drive to the leg on Saturday, Alex Wilson’s year is over. Look for Drew VerHagen and Daniel Stumpf to get any remaining holds this season in Detroit.
Updated hierarchy: Greene | Stumpf | VerHagen.
Washington Nationals – It appears that the Nationals aren’t going to pitch Sean Doolittle back to back down the stretch — or, at least, that’s what they declined to do yesterday, despite having only a one run lead in the 9th. But while Ryan Madson has been the 8th inning man since coming over from Oakland, the Nats kept him in his spot and elevated Brandon Kintzler to the closer role, a move that Dusty Baker telegraphed earlier in the week. Though Madson is probably a better option for holds in the season’s final week, Kintzler is a good add for those shopping for last minute saves.
Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Kintzler | Madson.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen pitched back to back games on Thursday and Friday, and the Dodgers opted to give him a second day off on Sunday, which opened the door for Brandon Morrow to get his second save of the season. Morrow is the clear 8th inning man in Los Angeles now and should get the call if Jansen needs any additional rest the final week.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Morrow | Watson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Archie Bradley – The D-Backs just clinched and Fernando Rodney has gone in two of the last three.
2. Andrew Miller – Cody Allen has pitched two of the last three; the Indians are still playing for home field but could easily just run Miller out there for the 9th tonight instead. I mean, he’s kinda good too.
Tomorrow
1. Jake McGee – If Greg Holland goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
2. Addison Reed – If Craig Kimbrel goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four, and the Sox could be Dormie 6 by the end of the day.
3. George Kontos – If Felipe Rivero goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
