Jacob Barnes get first save chance since Knebel injury…and promptly blows it.

April 8, 2018

Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers had their first save chance since Corey Knebel hit the DL, and Jacob Barnes got the call.  Unfortunately for Brewers’ fans (and fantasy owners who just picked him up), Barnes was unable to convert the save.  He was charged with 4 runs, although only two were earned.  Barnes gave up a couple infield singles and was hurt by an error, so it wasn’t quite as bad as the final line made it look.  Matt Albers and Josh Hader were unavailable, and this will likely continue to be a committee based on matchups and availability.

Hierarchy remains: *Barnes | Albers | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

St. Louis Cardinals – Bud Norris struck out the side yesterday to record the first save of the season for the Cardinals.  Greg Holland will close as soon as he gets to St. Louis, but Norris was brought in this off-season to help the bullpen and could see a few more save chances before Holland gets called up.

Updated hierarchy: Holland | Norris | Hicks.

New York Yankees — David Robertson, not to be confused with INF/P Daniel Robertson, came on in a tight spot in the seventh inning yesterday.  He struck out both batters he faced to protect the Yankees two-run lead.  He also came back out for the eighth and retired the side in order with two more strikeouts.  Robertson had one bad outing this season, but the Yankees still seem to trust him more than Dellin Betances right now.

Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.

Chicago Cubs – It took nine games, but Brandon Morrow finally recorded his first out as a Cub (and also made his first appearance prior to the 17th inning).  Morrow struck out a pair en route to his first save of the season.  There was some concern from Cubs’ fans after Morrow had only thrown two pitches this season, but he looked great on Saturday, hitting 97 mph with his fastball.

Hierarchy remains: Morrow | Cishek | Edwards.

Chicago White Sox – Juan Minaya walked all four batters he faced on Saturday and got sent down after the game.  Veteran Danny Farquhar should take over the seventh inning duties ahead of Nate Jones and Joakim Soria.

Updated hierarchy: *Soria | Jones | Farquhar.
* = closer-by-committee

San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates left the game after just one pitch last night.  Yates is hoping to avoid a trip to the disabled list, but if he does miss an extended period of time, Kazuhisa Makita could see more time in the later innings.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

Los Angeles Angels — Blake Parker pitched yesterday with the Angels losing and gave up two runs.  It’s still very early, but Parker’s ERA is over 7.00 and Mike Scioscia is not shy about trying different guys in the ninth inning.  We would not be surprised if Keynan Middleton got the next save chance, but we also wouldn’t be surprised if he still gave Parker a shot (and because it’s Scioscia, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised by whatever happens).  Jim Johnson is another guy who could get a shot as he has pitched well to start the season, while Cam Bedrosian has probably worked himself out of the conversation with an ERA north of 7.00 to start the season.

Updated hierarchy: *Parker | Middleton | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Matt Albers – Jacob Barnes threw 24 pitches in the blown save yesterday so Albers could get the call today.
2. Liam Hendriks – Blake Treinen has pitched in two in a row, including 2 innings yesterday, and thrown a total of 40 pitches.

Monday
1. Chris Devenski – It will be three in a row for Ken Giles if he pitches Sunday
2. AJ Ramos – Jeurys Familia pitched 1.2 innings Saturday so he is needed again on Sunday, he will likely be rested on Monday.
3. Darren O’Day – Brad Brach got Saturday off, but if he pitches Sunday, that will make four of the past five.
4. Jake McGee – If Wade Davis pitches Sunday, that will be two in a row, and four of five.
5. AJ Minter – Arodys Vizcaino threw 23 pitches yesterday and if pitches again on Sunday, he will likely get Monday off.