April 23, 2018
Kansas City Royals – Lefty Brian Flynn got a 2-inning hold on Sunday afternoon, pitching the 7th and 8th innings ahead of Kelvin Herrera. It’s unclear to us who would step in for Herrera if he were injured or unavailable, but Flynn’s 3.60 ERA on the season puts him near the front of the pack in Kansas City’s beleaguered bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Hill | Flynn.
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader continues to impress, striking out three hitters over two innings to earn his third save of the season — all of which have come in the past nine days. Hader’s emergence has been a nice surprise for the fantasy owners who were quick enough to grab him after Corey Knebel’s injury, though those paying closer attention know that some Brewers superfans have been talking him up since April 20 of last year.
Hierarchy remains: *Hader | Albers | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – The Astros were up by 6 runs yesterday, but still opted to use their best relievers to nail down the win, and it was Ken Giles who emerged from the bullpen in the 8th inning, leaving the 9th to Chris Devenski. This will likely be a committee for the foreseeable future, but recent usage suggests Devo is a little bit more likely than Giles to get a save on any given night.
Updated hierarchy: *Devenski | Giles | Peacock.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Boxberger was used on three consecutive days Wednesday through Friday, and he didn’t fare particularly well, nabbing a save sandwiched by two losses. So with four outs left to go on Sunday, the DBacks elected to give him a second night off, summoning Archie Bradley, who converted the save. We’ll keep an eye on this one to see if there’s anything more going on here.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Bradley | Hirano.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Though his control still leaves a lot to be desired (6 BB in 10 IP), Pedro Baez is getting results, and the Dodgers’ confidence in him has returned. Last night, Baez got the last two outs of the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen to pick up his 2nd hold of the year. If anything were to happen to Jansen, Baez or Josh Fields would be the likely beneficiaries.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Baez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Josh Fields/Pedro Baez – Kenley Jansen has gone in back to back games.
Tomorrow
1. Chris Martin – If Keone Kela goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
2. David Robertson – If Aroldis Chapman goes tonight, it’ll be back to back games.
3. Tony Watson – If Hunter Strickland goes tonight, it’ll be back to back games.
