June 22, 2021
Cincinnati Reds – Tejay Antone was activated from the IL this morning and should reclaim a high-leverage position in Cincinnati’s committee. Given how short he was out, it should be safe to get him back into your lineup right away.
Updated hierarchy: *Sims | Antone | Hembree.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – With more than half of their projected opening day bullpen on the IL, the Blue Jays have made a couple moves in recent days in the hopes of holding things together. The more relevant, but less interesting, acquisition was Jacob Barnes, who struggled early in the season for the Mets but had a decent run of competence for the Brewers earlier in his career and could potentially crack the hierarchy if he starts off well in Toronto. But the move that made the Monkeys happy was the minor league contract they just gave to John Axford — now 38 and with a greying (whiting, even) beard — who popped up earlier this year when he pitched for the Canadian team in Olympic qualifiers. Suffice it to say we’re cheering for him to make it back to the bigs.
Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Bryan Shaw/Nick Wittgren – Emmanuel Clase has gone back to back and James Karinchak has gone three straight.
Tomorrow
1. Josh Sborz/Joely Rodriguez – If Ian Kennedy goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Seth Lugo – If Edwin Diaz goes today, it’s back to back.
