August 9, 2019
Boston Red Sox — After Chris Sale torched the Angels with eight dominant innings, Brandon Workman retired the side in order for his seventh save, even after a heavy recent workload. He recently got a vote of confidence from Alex Cora and it appears the manager wasn’t kidding.
Hierarchy remains: Workman | Eovaldi | Barnes.
Miami Marlins — Austin Brice has been activated from the injured list. He was impressive before getting sidelined in July, and he could become a factor in high-leverage innings out of the gate. Meanwhile, Drew Steckenrider is scheduled to visit with Dr. James Andrews for an evaluation of his right elbow.
Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Quijada | Stanek.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets — The Mets have signed former All-Star reliever Brad Brach, released by the Cubs this week after an ugly season (6.13 ERA). The signing is a low-risk gamble for the Mets, who need someone besides Seth Lugo to pitch well in the bullpen as they make a playoff push.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Lugo | Wilson.
Detroit Tigers — The Tigers have designated Trevor Rosenthal for assignment, leaving their theoretical holds to the anonymous Blaine Hardy, Jose Cisnero, and Nick Ramirez. The last-place Tigers have won just twice this month, so this is more of a bookkeeping issue.
Updated hierarchy: Jimenez | Farmer | Ramirez.
New York Yankees — Luis Cessa picked up his first save this season with a three-inning effort to close out a 12-6 win. He is obviously not a regular member of the team’s late-inning crew.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Nathan Eovaldi — Brandon Workman has worked in three of four and four of six.
2. Nick Wittgren — Brad Hand has gone in two straight, and threw 31 pitches during a four-out save Thursday. Wittgren also pitched Wednesday and Thursday, but had a lighter workload (just 23 pitches).
Saturday:
1. Buck Farmer — A Friday outing would be three of four for Joe Jimenez. Farmer has also been busy (three of four, four of six), so if he also goes Friday, perhaps Nick Ramirez or Blaine Hardy could get a shot on Saturday.
2. Michael Lorenzen — If Raisel Iglesias has a taxing outing on Friday, he might be out Saturday, as it would be his third game in five days (and his fifth in eight).
