July 27, 2019
Arizona Diamondbacks — Greg Holland’s struggles continued as he blew a save and took the loss last night. This follows a Wednesday outing where he walked the only two hitters he faced, and has led to some speculation that Arizona may either replace him at closer or trade for a more reliable arm. After the game, manager Torey Lovullo indicated that they would make any change in the closer’s spot prior to a game, not in the middle of it. Speaking of which, Lovullo and his staff will discuss Holland’s role prior to today’s game. Holland has three blown saves in July, and with Arizona at a decision point of whether to compete this year or not, Holland may be on thin ice as the closer. Yoshihisa Hirano would be the immediate beneficiary if Holland is removed, but keep an eye on the trade market, as Arizona may find themselves buying before the deadline.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Hirano | Lopez.
Texas Rangers – The first save of the Rangers’ committee went to Chris Martin, who closed out a three-run game for his fourth save of the year. Martin looked a bit shaky, giving up a leadoff double and a walk before retiring the next three hitters. Josh Leclerc pitched the eighth ahead of Martin, facing the top of the order. It’s clear that Martin and Leclerc are the top two choices in the Texas bullpen until Shawn Kelley returns, though Martin may get more looks at saves to further boost his value ahead of the deadline.
Hierarchy remains: *C.Martin | Leclerc | B.Martin.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets — A day after Edwin Diaz left the a game with a foot injury, Mickey Callaway decided to give him another night of rest. Instead, Seth Lugo pitched a clean ninth inning for his first save of the year. Diaz’s X-rays came back negative, but in a three-run game the Mets decided not to take a chance with his landing foot. Look for Diaz to be available tonight in perhaps one of his final few outings in a Mets uniform this season.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Lugo | Familia.
Tampa Bay Rays – True to their form, the Rays are using every reliever everywhere. Diego Castillo served as the opener last night, Chaz Roe locked up his 15th hold and Colin Poche pitched a clean ninth inning in a two-run game to earn his first save of the year. Poche is a strikeout machine whose overall stats have been hampered by some bad luck (0.97 WHIP vs. 6.46 ERA), while Oliver Drake hasn’t pitched since July 20. Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado played catch with no issues and is close to throwing off a mound.
Updated hierarchy: *Pagan | Castillo | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Kyle Barraclough was called up from AA yesterday and immediately found himself in a high-leverage spot. Needing to get just one out in a tie game with runners on first and second, Barraclough immediately threw a wild pitch before giving up a three-run homer to hang Tony Sipp with the loss. Back to Double-A for you, Kyle!
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Rodney | Suero.
Chicago Cubs — A Holland was on the move yesterday, although it was Derek and not Greg. Derek Holland was traded from the Giants to the Cubs to shore up their left-handed relief options. Holland hasn’t been great this year, but his stats against lefties are solid enough to make him a LOOGY option in Chicago. Holland may be in the mix for holds, but probably won’t be a target for clear save chances unless Joe Maddon gets real cute.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Strop | Kintzler.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Yoshihisa Hirano — Not only has Greg Holland struggled lately, but he’s pitched in three of five.
2. Joe Kelly — Kenley Jansen threw 34 pitches last night and 25 on Thursday, so he will likely get a break tonight.
Sunday:
1. Jeremy Jeffress — Today would be back-to-back and three of four for Josh Hader.
2. Anthony Bass /Cory Gearrin — The same is true for Roenis Elias and Anthony Bass.
3. Nick Wittgren — Brad Hand was held out of Friday’s game, but he threw 34 pitches on Thursday so a long outing today could earn him Sunday off.
4. Ty Buttrey/Cam Bedrosian – Hansel Robles was also held out yesterday, but today would make four of five for him. Look for whoever doesn’t pitch today to get any save chance on Sunday.
5. Andrew Miller/John Gant – Today would be three in a row for the entire St. Louis hierarchy, so expect anyone who rests today to get the ball on Sunday.
