July 19, 2019
San Diego Padres — Highly regarded relief prospect Andres Munoz was recently called up after showing big strikeout potential in the minors (14.6 K/9). So far, the 20-year-old fireballer has done fine work in the big leagues (4.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 Ks, 0.00 ERA), including two shutout innings with three strikeouts Thursday, with two pitches over 102 mph! He’s starting to climb most-added lists in fantasy leagues, partly because the allure of the young swing-and-miss arm is enticing, but he can help a team’s ratios and might move his way up the Padres’ bullpen depth chart before long.
Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Perdomo.
St. Louis Cardinals — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Carlos Martinez was rested Thursday. But in his stead, Andrew Miller, not John Gant, picked up the save, his second of the year.
Updated hierarchy: Martinez | Miller | Gant.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen (ankle) did not pitch Thursday, but manager Dave Roberts said before the game the closer was likely available. So it’s safe for fantasy owners to trot him out there this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris recorded the save Thursday, but his ugly stretch continued (10 ER in 7 IP). He allowed a home run in an inning of work and ended the day by hurling a loud expletive at the Dodgers dugout, which nearly led to a kerfuffle and prompted Max Muncy to respond: “He’s blown about eight saves against us over the last two years, so I guess he was finally excited he got one.” Neris is appealing a three-game suspension for hitting David Freese, so tensions between the squads were running high. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was not pleased with Neris’s “unacceptable” conduct.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Morgan | Hammer.
Boston Red Sox — Nathan Eovaldi is flying with the Red Sox for their series against the Orioles and will likely be activated on Saturday. He figures to become the team’s closer on arrival, but don’t drop Brandon Workman just yet.
Hierarchy remains: *Workman | Barnes | Hembree.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — Reliever David Hernandez was placed on the 10-day IL with shoulder fatigue. Amir Garrett will make a minor-league rehab appearance on Friday, and if all goes well, he’ll be activated from the injured list on Saturday or Sunday. And Raisel Iglesias is still on paternity leave, so Michael Lorenzen will be the guy for saves on Friday and possibly this weekend.
Updated hierarchy: *Iglesias | Lorenzen | Hughes.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Michael Lorenzen — Raisel Iglesias is still on paternity leave.
2. Adam Morgan/JD Hammer — Hector Neris has pitched in four of his last six, throwing 67 pitches. Morgan has appeared in the same number of games, but his pitch count is slightly lower (61) and he hasn’t been hit as hard. Plus, with Neris tired and pitching poorly, perhaps it’s a good time to drop his appeal and take a three-game break.
3. Jake Diekman — Ian Kennedy has pitched in three of his last four, and threw 27 pitches in a save on Thursday.
Saturday:
1. Nick Anderson — Rubber-armed Sergio Romo has pitched in two straight, entering Friday. He has gone in three straight as recently as last week, but he’d likely sit out Saturday if he goes again on Friday.
2. Nick Wittgren — A Friday outing would be two straight and four of six for Brad Hand.
3. Seth Lugo — A Friday appearance for Edwin Diaz would be three of four for him.
