Arodys Vizcaino hits the DL

June 24, 2018

Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino has been held out of the last two games while dealing with a balky shoulder. There were hopes he’d be available today, but that’s not the case as the closer has been placed on the 10-day disabled list. He’s out until at least the first week of July. With Vizcaino out, look for Dan Winkler and AJ Minter to lead a committee, with Winkler likely getting the bulk of the cracks. WIth Vizcaino unavailable on Friday, Braves manager Brian Snitker went with Winkler, who was charged with four runs in blowing the save. This is a very fluid situation that we’ll monitor closely.

Updated hierarchy: *Winkler | Minter | Carle.
* = closer-by-committee

Zach Britton records save while Arodys Vizcaino battles injury

June 24, 2018

Baltimore Orioles — After a rough outing on Friday night, the Orioles sent Zach Britton right back out there in a save situation, and he pitched a scoreless inning for his first save in 2018.  Britton will continue to see save chances while the Orioles try to boost his trade value.

Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | O’Day. 

Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino was unavailable again on Saturday as he battles a balky shoulder.  The Braves are hopeful Vizcaino will be ready on Sunday, but if his shoulder does not get better, a trip to the disabled list could be possible.

Hierarchy remains: Vizcaino | Winkler | Minter.

Kansas City Royals — After starting pitcher Ian Kennedy went seven innings and the Royals had a one-run lead, manager Ned Yost turned to Wily Peralta for the eighth inning.  Peralta pitched a scoreless inning for the hold and was hitting 97-98 on the radar gun.  Brandon Maurer trotted out for the save chance in the ninth and after striking out the first batter, he gave up back to back singles and a sacrifice fly to allow the game-tying run to score.  Manager Ned Yost said he wanted to give Kevin McCarthy the night off.  This bullpen is very unsettled after the trade of Kelvin Herrera, but we still think Kevin McCarthy is the best reliever to own at this point.

Hierarchy remains: *McCarthy | Hill | Maurer.
* = closer-by-committee

Cleveland Indians — Veteran lefty Oliver Perez recorded the last two outs of the seventh inning last night before giving way to Neil Ramirez in the eighth and Cody Allen in the ninth.  Perez has recorded four holds in his last seven appearances and has quickly moved up in a bullpen desperate for quality innings.

Updated hierarchy: Allen | Ramirez | Perez.

Texas Rangers — Keone Kela picked up the save on Saturday and is a perfect 18 for 18 in save chances this season.  However, with the Rangers in last place in the AL West, they are reportedly making Kela available on the trade market.  We have already seen two closers get traded this season, and we will monitor this situation to see if any teams start making offers.

Hierarchy remains: Kela | Diekman | Martin.

Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez returned to the closer’s role on Saturday and responded with a perfect inning, including two strikeouts.  Dominguez is the best reliever that the Phillies have but don’t expect him to be used like a traditional closer.  Manager Gabe Kapler will likely continue to mix and match and that hurts Dominguez’s chances for racking up saves.

Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Dan Winkler/AJ Minter – Arodys Vizcaino is battling shoulder soreness.
2. Brad Brach – Zach Britton has pitched in two straight and three of four.

Monday
1. Lou Trivino – Blake Treinen threw 25 pitches in a five out save yesterday and could get Monday off if he pitches on Sunday.
2. Jordan Hicks/Sam Tuivailala – If Bud Norris pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.  If Jordan Hicks is also needed on Sunday, it will also be three in a row for him and that could leave Sam Tuivailala for any save chance on Monday.
3. Chaz Roe/Jose Alvarado – Sergio Romo has gone in two straight.  Chaz Roe has also gone in two straight so if they both pitch on Sunday, Jose Alvarado could get the call on Monday.