April 27, 2018
Boston Red Sox — Major League Baseball has rejected Joe Kelly’s appeal, putting into effect his six-game suspension, which began Thursday night. Craig Kimbrel has been busy lately, so expect Matt Barnes and Carson Smith to help Kimbrel carry the load with Kelly out. Alex Cora also mentioned that lefty Brian Johnson and righty Hector Velazquez could get more high-leverage opportunities in Kelly’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.
St. Louis Cardinals — Greg Holland is getting higher leverage work these days. He pitched the ninth in a tie game after Bud Norris pitched the eighth with a one-run deficit. We’d like to see Holland earn his first couple of saves before sliding him back atop the hierarchy, but he’s trending in the right direction.
Hierarchy remains: *Norris | Holland | Hicks.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins — Pitching for the first time in six days, Fernando Rodney managed to blow his third save already (in just five tries), allowing a walk-off, three-run home run to the Yankees, continuing a not-so-great tradition for Minnesota. The Twins, losers now of eight straight, are desperate for a win, which isn’t good news for fantasy owners looking for save chances from this bunch. As for Rodney, rough starts to the season aren’t new. After poor starts in recent years, he usually rights the ship enough to hang onto the closer’s job for most, if not all, of the season. But he’s 41 now — has time run out?
Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Reed | Duke.
Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino got back on the saddle Thursday, earning the save one day after AJ Minter did the honors. There hasn’t been a change of the guard yet, but this is a committee worth monitoring.
Hierarchy remains: *Vizcaino | Minter | Carle.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — Kyle Barraclough was away from the team Wednesday night because of a death in the family. He hasn’t been placed on the bereavement list yet, but that could happen before Friday’s game if he needs more time.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.
Baltimore Orioles — Injured closer Zach Britton threw on the side on Thursday, and reports say it went well. He appears on target for a June return, but a number of significant steps in the rehabilitation process need to happen first.
Hierarchy remains: *Brach | O’Day | Bleier.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Matt Barnes — Craig Kimbrel has thrown in three straight games, and with Joe Kelly suspended, Matt Barnes would likely get a shot today if needed.
2. Nick Vincent — Edwin Diaz and Juan Nicasio have each pitched in three straight contests.
Saturday:
1. Nate Jones — Joakim Soria has pitched in two straight tilts…
2. George Kontos — …and so has Felipe Vazquez.
3. AJ Minter — A Friday appearance would be three of four for Arodys Vizcaino.
4. AJ Ramos — Jeurys Familia has pitched in two of three.
