June 4, 2021
Seattle Mariners — Kendall Graveman is out of his COVID-19 quarantine and back in Seattle, though he will likely pitch in a couple of sim games or go on a rehab assignment before being activated.
Hierarchy remains: *Montero | Middleton | Misiewicz.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — Scott Barlow was excellent Thursday, throwing two hitless innings to pick up his second save (his first came on April 15). He’s the league’s only pitcher with two six-out saves this season, and his season line is great — 1.86 ERA, 43 K in just 29 IP. Greg Holland hasn’t pitched since Monday, so perhaps it was no accident Barlow was out there with the game on the line Thursday. To be fair to Holland, though, Monday’s appearance was his third in three days, so perhaps extra rest was warranted. Mike Matheny will probably mix and match until his top option Josh Staumont makes his return (which could come soon).
Hierarchy remains: *Holland | Barlow | Zimmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — The Reds got length from two of their committee members on Thursday, as Tejay Antone tossed scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh before Lucas Sims spinned scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth for his fourth save. This bullpen remains very fluid, as Antone will likely be called upon whenever manager David Bell likes the matchups and not necessarily at the end of every close game. Things could get even more fluid when Michael Lorenzen, who hasn’t played yet this season, returns. He was hoping to secure a rotation spot but will pitch out of the ‘pen when he gets back, Bell said.
Hierarchy remains: *Antone | Sims | Hembree.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — The Red Sox activated old friend Brandon Workman, who exercised his opt-out clause and forced Boston’s hand. Workman got action in the ninth inning with a 5-0 lead on Thursday and allowed a solo shot to Yuli Gurriel but also recorded two strikeouts. Workman, who excelled as Boston’s closer in 2019, could become a regular in the late innings if he pitches well, but that remains to be seen.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Ottavino | Hernandez.
St. Louis Cardinals — Andrew Miller has returned to the active roster, but he’ll have to pitch well for weeks to factor into the late-inning mix. He has an 8.59 ERA in nine appearances so far this season.
Hierarchy remains: Reyes | Gallegos | Ponce de Leon.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
None, though any closer listed below has pitched in two of three and could conceivably get Friday off.
Tomorrow
1. Miguel Castro (NYM) – A Friday appearance would be three of four for Edwin Diaz.
2. Carlos Estevez (COL) – Same as above for Daniel Bard.
3. Chad Green (NYY) – Ditto for Aroldis Chapman.
4. Daniel Hudson (WAS) – You get the idea (re: Brad Hand).
