August 2, 2022
Atlanta Braves – The Braves dealt Will Smith to the Astros late Monday evening for starter Jake Odorizzi. Smith could potentially crack the Houston hierarchy in time; the Braves, meanwhile, will look to Tyler Matzek and Collin McHugh to fill in.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Minter | Matzek.
Cincinnati Reds – Hunter Strickland returned from the bereavement list and immediately collected his 7th save. He’s a candidate to get traded today, and even if he stays put, Alexis Diaz will continue to push him for the job. We’ll see how things shake out this afternoon.
Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Diaz | Sanmartin.
Oakland A’s – The Yankees acquired Frankie Montas and closer Lou Trivino in a deal with the A’s on Monday afternoon. Obviously, Montas is the big acquisition here, but the Monkey’s concerns are more about who handles the 9th for the A’s now — and we think it’s likely a mix of Zach Jackson and AJ Puk. Dany Jimenez is due back soon, as well.
Updated hierarchy: *Jackson | Puk | Acevedo.
* = closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – The Padres made a big splash on Monday afternoon, acquiring star closer Josh Hader for Taylor Rogers, Dinelson Lamet, and two prospects. Hader will immediately move in to the 9th inning role in San Diego.
Updated hierarchy: Hader | Garcia | Martinez.
Milwaukee Brewers – With Josh Hader on the move, Devin Williams ascends to the closer role. Taylor Rogers will try and work himself back to form in a new environment.
Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Rogers.
Chicago Cubs – Scott Effross appeared to be in line for save chances if the Cubs traded David Robertson, but Effross himself was traded on Monday to the New York Yankees. We will slide Mychal Givens into the hierarchy, but more moves are possible for Chicago. Stay tuned.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Wick | Givens.
TRADE ROUNDUP
Scott Effross to the Yankees: Effross, who leads the league in appearances, has a funky sidearm delivery and could become a weapon for the Yankees down the stretch. He doesn’t crack the hierarchy yet, but we feel he’ll likely get some big innings and could ascend quickly.
Matt Bush to the Brewers: The veteran righty could become a key cog in the Brewers bullpen, as it’s likely that Milwaukee mixes and matches Bush, Brad Boxberger, and Taylor Rogers in the late innings as a bridge to Devin Williams.
Chris Stratton to the Cardinals: Stratton began as a key piece for the Pirates, but struggled for much of the season. Perhaps a change of scenery will help, but it’s unlikely he ascends to the St. Louis hierarchy unless he can show some sustained success.
Jake Diekman to the White Sox: There’s upside here, as Diekman tallied 51 Ks in 38.1 innings. But despite that K rate, the lefty has been borderline unwatchable, walking 30 hitters in the same span. We’ll see if the White Sox can help him figure out his control issues.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Ian Kennedy/Joe Mantiply – Mark Melancon has gone back to back, including a 1.2 inning appearance yesterday. Kennedy has also gone two straight and might be down as well, though he’s thrown fewer pitches.
2. Eli Morgan – Emmanuel Clase and Trevor Stephan have both gone back to back and three of four.
3. Alex Colome – The Rockies have a doubleheader today…
4. Luis Garcia – …against the Padres.
Tomorrow
1. Garrett Whitlock – If Tanner Houck goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Alexis Diaz – Same for Hunter Strickland…
3. Josh Staumont – …and Scott Barlow…
4. Michael Fulmer – …and Gregory Soto.
