May 27, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez continued his scoreless streak and also recorded his first win after the Phillies took the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Who got the call for the save in the ninth? Luis Garcia, of course. Garcia pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his first save of the season. The Phillies are in full committee mode and have a number of options to close out games.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – The Marlins called on their closer Brad Ziegler to pitch the ninth inning of a tie game, and it didn’t go well. Ziegler took the loss, giving up three runs while only recording two outs. Ziegler’s ERA is now 7.54, but he is also 9 for 9 in save chances. It’s pretty hard for a closer to lose his job without blowing a save, but Ziegler has to be on the edge.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.
Cincinnati Reds — Jared Hughes got his second straight save chance since Raisel Iglesias got hurt, and although he made it very interesting by loading the bases with no outs, he was able to convert. Hughes should continue to be the primary closer while Iglesias is out, but he has pitched in five of the past seven games and may need some rest. David Hernandez got the eighth inning hold ahead of Hughes yesterday and could be an option, along with left Amir Garrett, if Hughes is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Hughes | Garrett | Hernandez.
Oakland A’s — The A’s placed Santiago Casilla on the DL with a sore right shoulder. The A’s are hopeful Casilla doesn’t miss much time, but Lou Trivino and Yusmeiro Petit should fill in while he is out.
Updated hierarchy: Treinen | Trivino | Petit.
Cleveland Indians — Andrew Miller has returned to the DL, and has no timetable for return. The Indians bullpen has really struggled this year, but Dan Otero got the job done on Saturday night by getting the last two outs of the eighth. The Indians will likely continue to use the veteran righty in a late-inning role.
Updated hierarchy: Allen | Otero | Olson.
New York Mets — The struggles continued for AJ Ramos on Saturday. He entered the game in the fifth inning with the Mets down just one, but he gave up three runs and could not even finish the inning. It’s hard to imagine the Mets using Ramos in any meaningful innings anytime soon. Look for Seth Lugo to take his place in the 7th and 8th inning.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | Gsellman | Lugo.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Matt Barnes – Both Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly have pitched in two straight and four of five.
2. Amir Garrett/David Hernandez – Jared Hughes has pitched in five of the last seven games.
3. Alex Colome – Edwin Diaz has appeared in two straight and four of the past five.
4. Dan Otero/Tyler Olson – Cody Allen has gone in back-to-back games and three of four.
5. Brandon Kintzler – Sean Doolittle has gone in two straight, including a five out save on Thursday.
Monday
1. Tony Watson – If Hunter Strickland pitches on Sunday, it will be three straight.
2. Robert Gsellman – The Mets play a doubleheader on Monday so Gsellman could get a shot if the Mets have save opportunities in both games, especially if Familia pitches on Sunday.
3. AJ Minter – The Braves are the other team in the doubleheader so Minter could see a save chance for the same reason listed above.