July 5, 2023
Chicago Cubs — The Cubs remade their bullpen a bit Tuesday, calling up hard-throwing righty Daniel Palencia. He came on in a tight spot Tuesday night, pitching scoreless tenth and eleventh innings on just 12 pitches to earn his first major league win. Meanwhile, it would appear Julian Merryweather has pitched his way into more late-inning looks for the Cubs. He earned a seventh-inning hold Tuesday and has recorded five holds since the start of June. Manager David Ross turned to him again Tuesday after he had a rough outing Monday in which he allowed three runs – his first earned runs allowed since May 26 – and perhaps this shows he has the manager’s trust more than Michael Fulmer, who pitched in a bulk role Monday, has a 4.50 ERA on the season and hasn’t had a hold in three weeks.
Updated hierarchy: *Alzolay | Leiter Jr. | Merryweather.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Andrew Nardi was placed on the injured list Tuesday with left triceps inflammation. Huascar Brazoban has been impressive as of late and could see more late-inning appearances as a result.
Updated hierarchy: Puk | Floro | Brazoban.
Cleveland Guardians – Emmanuel Clase had his third straight rough outing Tuesday, allowing a game-tying home run to Ozzie Albies to blow the save. He also allowed four runs in an outing Sunday and two runs (one earned) in an appearance Thursday. Prior to this stretch, his previous run allowed came May 26, so he was going strong for a while and of course he has earned the benefit of the doubt. His ERA (3.54) and WHIP (1.18) are pretty pedestrian for an elite closer, though we’re sure fantasy managers are enjoying his 24 saves, a total that’s one back from the major league lead.
Hierarchy remains: Clase | Stephan | Hentges.
Texas Rangers – A day after a deflating blown save, Will Smith was called into the game Tuesday in a save situation with two runners on, two outs and a four-run lead and delivered for his 15th save.
Hierarchy remains: *Smith | Chapman | Sborz.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — Lucas Sims notched a pair of strikeouts in a clean ninth inning Tuesday for his first save of the season, as predicted by Tuesday morning’s Vulture Save Watch. Alexis Diaz had gone in two straight and three of four.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Sims | Farmer.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. A.J. Minter (ATL) – Raisel Iglesias has gone in three straight.
2. Brusdar Graterol (LAD) – Evan Phillips has also pitched in three in a row.
3. Aroldis Chapman (TEX) – Will Smith has gone in two straight and three of four.
4. Daniel Palencia/Michael Fulmer (CHC) – Adbert Alzolay has pitched in two of three, and both outings were taxing (52 total pitches). Mark Leiter Jr., meanwhile, has gone in two straight and Julian Merryweather has gone in three of four. Who would be next? Perhaps it’s Daniel Palencia, who looked impressive in his major league debut. Michael Fulmer also lurks as a potential option.
5. Nick Martinez (SD) – Josh Hader has appeared in two straight days.
Thursday
1. Andres Munoz (SEA) – If he goes Wednesday, that would be four of five for Paul Sewald.
2. Adam Ottavino (NYM) – If David Robertson pitches Wednesday, that would be three of four and five of seven for him.
3. Lucas Sims (CIN) – An outing Wednesday would be four of six for Alexis Diaz.
4. Sam Moll (OAK) – Trevor May threw 20 pitches to earn the save Tuesday and another appearance Wednesday would be two straight and four of six for him.
5. Trevor Stephan (CLE) – Emmanuel Clase has had two rough appearances this week. If he goes again Wednesday, that would be two straight and three of four.
6. Erik Swanson (TOR) – If Jordan Romano appears Wednesday, that would be two straight and three of four for him.
7. Jose Alavardo (PHI) – Same as above for Craig Kimbrel.
8. Elvis Peguero (MIL) – The above is also true for Devin Williams.
9. Bryan Abreu (HOU) – Ditto for Ryan Pressly.
