May 5, 2019
Texas Rangers — Shawn Kelley recorded the first save for the Rangers since Jose Leclerc was removed as closer. Chris Martin pitched a scoreless 8th inning ahead of Kelley. The Rangers did not commit to Kelley after the game and at least one beat writer thinks Kelley and Martin will still share the job. However, the most significant news might be that Leclerc pitched a perfect seventh inning with two strikeouts. This was perhaps his best outing of the season, and the Rangers would love to get Leclerc back in the closer’s role sooner rather than later so there might not be many save chances for Kelley or Martin.
Updated hierarchy: *Kelley | Martin | Leclerc.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — Blake Treinen is battling elbow soreness and was unavailable yesterday. Treinen thinks it is elbow tendinitis, but he will be checked out further on Monday. Lou Trivino would have been the closer yesterday and appears to be the speculative add if Treinen’s injury turns out to be anything serious.
Updated hierarchy: Treinen | Trivino | Soria.
Baltimore Orioles — After not recording any of the first four saves for the Orioles, Mychal Givens has now picked up the last three, including closing out yesterday’s 3-0 victory. Newly acquired Shawn Armstrong bridged the gap from the starter to Givens yesterday and given the lack of interesting arms at the back end of the Orioles’ bullpen, he could continue to see work in that role.
Updated hierarchy: Givens | Fry | Armstrong.
Minnesota Twins – Blake Parker had recorded the last two saves for the Twins and appeared ready to lose the committee asterisk, but yesterday proved Taylor Rogers could still be in line for the occasional save. Parker came on in the seventh inning and that left Rogers for the ninth. It didn’t end up being a save since the Twins made it a four-run lead in the top of the ninth, but Rogers should continue to see the ninth if Parker is used before then.
Hierarchy remains: *Parker | Rogers | Hildenberger.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Craig Stammen – Kirby Yates has pitched in two straight, throwing a total of 48 pitches.
2. Lou Trivino – Blake Treinen will be unavailable today due to elbow discomfort
Monday
1. Nick Wittgren – if Brad Hand pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.
2. Joe Kelly – same with Kenley Jansen.
