July 20, 2018
Chicago Cubs — As we reported yesterday, Brandon Morrow hit the disabled list again before Thursday’s game. Morrow said the biceps injury is “a new one,” but he doesn’t expect to be out long. In the short term, Joe Maddon will play matchups, turning the Cubs’ situation into a volatile committee. Steve Cishek (three saves this year) is likely to pick up some opportunities, but he got his first shot in the seventh inning ahead of Justin Wilson, CJ Edwards and Pedro Strop, who got one out to earn the save. Late last night, the Cubs traded for reliever Jesse Chavez. With Morrow’s health in doubt, the Cubs may be all the more likely to make a more significant bullpen move — perhaps for Zach Britton — before the deadline.
Updated hierarchy: *Cishek | Edwards | Strop.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — The newly acquired Brad Hand likely slots in as Cleveland’s setup man ahead of Cody Allen. Hand should help stabilize the Indians bullpen, which has missed Andrew Miller most of the year, and has pitched to an awful 5.28 ERA.
Updated hierarchy: Allen | Hand | Ramirez.
San Diego Padres — With Brad Hand off to Cleveland, Kirby Yates will take the reins as the new closer for the Padres — at least as long as he remains on the team. Craig Stammen and Phil Maton would be likely to benefit if Yates moves too.
Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Maton.
Tampa Bay Rays — Jose Alvarado is back with the team and should return to getting occasional save chances in the Rays’ pseudo-committee. Diego Castillo is right on his heels and may be the better long-term bet.
Updated hierarchy: *Romo | Alvarado | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers — The Brewers will not discipline Josh Hader for the offensive tweets that came to light during the All-Star game. Major League Baseball has ordered Hader to undergo sensitivity training and participate in diversity initiatives, and MLB executive Billy Bean will be present at Hader’s meetings with team officials and teammates on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.
Minnesota Twins — Some observers questioned why Fernando Rodney appeared in the fifth inning of Sunday’s game — turns out he had to leave the game early to become an American citizen. Congratulations!
Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Hildenberger | Pressly.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
None
Saturday:
1. CJ Edwards/Pedro Strop — A Friday appearance would be a second in a row for anyone in the Cubs hierarchy. Joe Maddon will continue to play matchups, making things dicey for fantasy owners.
