September 5, 2019
Cleveland Indians – Given a four-run lead, Brad Hand gave up a two-run homer, then loaded the bases with one out in the ninth. Nick Wittgren came in to bail him out, but it was Oscar Mercado who really deserved the save.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Goody | Wittgren.
San Francisco Giants — Reyes Moronta is out for the season (and maybe the next) with a torn labrum. Sidearmer Tyler Rogers (Taylor’s twin and a groundball machine) got the seventh inning tonight, and is as likely as anyone to fill Moronta’s role this month.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Rogers.
Washington Nationals – In his second appearance back from the injured list, Sean Doolittle allowed two baserunners but no runs in a scoreless ninth, down four runs. Doolittle will keep getting low-leverage work for the next few weeks as he gets back into shape.
Hierarchy remains: *Hudson | Strickland | Rodney.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — Pitching for the second straight day and third time in four days, Jose Urena blew a two-run lead and took the loss against Pittsburgh. This is unlikely to change Miami’s plan to see how he handles the closer role this month.
Hierarchy remains: *Urena | Stanek | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tim Hill — Ian Kennedy has gone in four of five, and Scott Barlow has gone back-to-back (43 pitches).
2. Ryne Stanek — Jose Urena is getting a day off.
3. Matt Barnes — Brandon Workman has pitched in three of four, four of six, and five of eight.
4. Kyle Barraclough? — Will Smith threw 30 pitches on Wednesday, and the other top Giants relievers are pretty tired.
Friday:
1. Edwin Diaz/Justin Wilson — Seth Lugo pitched two innings on Wednesday and might get two days off after back-to-back appearances. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Wilson get a shot over Diaz.
2. Tony Watson — If Smith goes Thursday, he shouldn’t go Friday.
