July 17, 2023
Washington Nationals — As we alerted you Sunday night, Hunter Harvey has a sore right triceps and is very likely to be placed on the IL today. This opens up the door for Kyle Finnegan to resume the closer role, and probably eliminates any chance that the oft-injured Harvey is traded this season.
Updated hierarchy: Finnegan | Thompson | Weems.
Los Angeles Angels — Chris Devenski was placed on the IL with a hamstring injury, but his place should be filled by Matt Moore, who returned from the IL this weekend.
Updated hierarchy: Estevez | Moore | Soriano.
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano was still out, resting his ailing back, which left Sunday’s save for Erik Swanson. Romano and the Blue Jays expect the closer to be available for Tuesday.
Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Entering with a one-run deficit in the eighth, closer Scott McGough gave up four runs and four hits to give the Blue Jays vital breathing room in an eventual 7-5 victory over Arizona. McGough has really struggled over his last seven appearances (8 IP, 21 baserunners, 9 ER), and we could see a return to a committee approach involving Andrew Chafin and/or Miguel Castro.
Hierarchy remains: McGough | Chafin | Castro.
Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles turned to Eduard Bazardo to protect a five-run lead on Sunday, but he gave up three quick hits against only one out. Felix Bautista and Yennier Cano had each pitched in two straight, and Bryan Baker finished the eighth with a man on, so Danny Coulombe entered to finish things off. Coulombe let two more runs in, but ultimately retired Luis Arraez on a sharp line drive to earn his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Bautista | Cano | Baker.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Griffin Jax (MIN) — Jhoan Duran has gone three in a row.
2. Michael King (NYY) — Clay Holmes has pitched in two straight.
3. Matt Moore (LAA) — Carlos Estevez has too.
4. Aroldis Chapman (TEX) — And so has Will Smith.
5. Colin Holderman (PIT) — And David Bednar.
6. Brusdar Graterol (LAD) — Also Evan Phillips.
Tuesday:
1. Yennier Cano (BAL) — A Monday appearance by Felix Bautista would be three out of four.
2. The Rogers brothers (SF) — Same with Camilo Doval.
3. Joel Payamps (MIL) — Devin Williams has gone in three straight and might get two days off.
4. Andrew Chafin/Miguel Castro (ARI) — It’s a very hot seat right now for Scott McGough.
