Keynan Middleton’s DL stint should be short

May 2, 2018

Los Angeles Angels — Keynan Middleton was placed on the DL with elbow inflammation, retroactive to Sunday. Mike Scioscia did not seem too worried about it and expects Middleton to be available when his DL time is up. Cam Bedrosian got the first save chance in Middleton’s stead and promptly blew a 2-0 lead, though he had been pitching well leading up to Tuesday. Justin Anderson recorded the final two outs of the seventh while Jose Alvarez and Jim Johnson combined to complete the eighth inning. We’ll see if Scioscia goes back to Bedrosian for the next save chance or tries a different route.

Updated hierarchy: *Bedrosian | Anderson | Parker.
* = closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves — Shane Carle threw just two pitches before he left Tuesday’s game after experiencing numbness in his right index finger and thumb. Daniel Winkler took over and completed the seventh inning, recording his fourth hold of the year in the process. Winkler (1.29 ERA, 0.71 WHIP) has been terrific this year, allowing just two earned runs in 14.0 IP. Tuesday was his seventh straight scoreless appearance, and Winkler will be in line for even more high-leverage work if Carle heads to the DL. Manager Brian Snitker said after the game that they’ll know more about Carle in a day or so.

Hierarchy remains: *Vizcaino | Minter | Carle.
* = closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – With Josh Hader unavailable after Monday’s ridiculous performance, Jeremy Jeffress retired all five batters he faced on Tuesday to pick up his first save of the season. Jeffress has been terrific this year for Milwaukee, posting a 0.57 ERA and 0.70 WHIP over 15.2 IP, and he received plenty of praise from his manager after the game. He hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 6 and should be getting more high-leverage looks for the Brewers. Meanwhile, Corey Knebel will begin a rehab assignment today and could potentially rejoin the team later this month.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Jeffress | Albers.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros — The Yankees weren’t the only ones hitting Ken Giles hard on Tuesday, as Giles’ streak of eight straight scoreless appearances (and seven straight without allowing a hit) came to an end thanks in part to a Gary Sanchez three-run homer in the ninth that broke a 0-0 tie. We’ll see if Giles can bounce back from this rough outing and protect both a lead and himself.

Hierarchy remains: *Giles | Devenski | Peacock.
* = closer-by-committee

San Francisco Giants — Will Smith is expected to be activated today. We’ll wait to see how he is used before sliding him into the hierarchy, but he could end up being a nice addition to the Giants’ bullpen after missing all of last season because of Tommy John surgery.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

Kansas City Royals – After Kelvin Herrera blew his chance in the 12th, Brian Flynn finished the 13th inning to collect his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Keller | Flynn.

Detroit Tigers – We highlighted Shane Greene’s struggles in yesterday’s update, but we’re balanced so we’ll highlight his strong outing today. After allowing three runs and taking the loss on Monday, Shane Greene bounced back with a 1-2-3 inning on Tuesday that included two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Greene | Jimenez | Wilson. 

Boston Red Sox — Joe Kelly will return to the Boston bullpen today after serving his suspension. In other news, Tyler Thornburg will make his second rehab appearance with Triple-A Pawtucket today.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Craig Stammen/Adam Cimber – Brad Hand threw 37 pitches on Monday and 11 more on Tuesday. Craig Stammen had a 20-pitch outing yesterday, which was his second straight outing. Kirby Yates has made three straight appearances, so Cimber may be a deep vulture option.
2. Yoshihisa Hirano – Both Brad Boxberger and Archie Bradley have pitched in three of four and four of five.
3. Joe Jimenez/Alex Wilson – Shane Greene has appeared in two straight and three of four. Jimenez pitched yesterday, which was his third outing in four days, though he had the most recent day off of the duo.
4. Ryan Tepera/Seung Hwan Oh – Same situation for Toronto, as Roberto Osuna’s six-pitch appearance on Tuesday was his second straight and third in four days. Tepera has also pitched in three of four.

Tomorrow
1. Joe Kelly – If Craig Kimbrel pitches on Wednesday, that will be his third appearance in four days.
2. Chris Martin – Keone Kela labored through a 29-pitch effort on Tuesday and may get Thursday off depending on his Wednesday usage.