August 25, 2023
Texas Rangers – Will Smith allowed a solo home run Thursday in his inning of work. That on its own is no big deal, but the appearance was his third straight that he’s been scored upon. He has allowed runs in six of his last eight appearances, raising his season ERA from 2.70 on Aug. 3 to 4.27 after Thursday’s action. He has just three strikeouts in his 6.1 innings over that stretch. Aroldis Chapman, meanwhile, did allow a run in his previous appearance Monday, but he has mostly been lights out with the Rangers. Across his 17 appearances with Texas, he has allowed runs in just two of them and has 33 strikeouts in just 18 innings. This isn’t a committee yet, but it’s veering that way.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Chapman | Sborz.
Boston Red Sox – Boston got some good news Thursday regarding the status of closer Kenley Jansen (hamstring). Jansen said he felt good Thursday and he’ll see how his hamstring feels in the coming days. Reporter Christopher Smith said Jansen sounded confident he’d be able to avoid the injured list. Chris Martin could be in line for vulture saves until Jansen is ready to go.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Martin | Winckowski.
Minnesota Twins – The Vulture Save Watch nailed this one! Griffin Jax earned his second save of the year Thursday after Jhoan Duran threw 34 pitches the previous day and was presumed to be unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Duran | Jax | Pagan.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Chris Martin (BOS) – Kenley Jansen is dealing with a hamstring ailment and could need some time to heal.
2. Jason Adam (TB) – Pete Fairbanks has gone in two straight.
3. Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC) – Adbert Alzolay has also gone in two straight.
4. Lucas Erceg (OAK) – Trevor May has pitched in three of four.
5. Kevin Ginkel (ARI) – Paul Sewald has also gone in three of four.
6. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Does Camilo Doval need more rest after two rough appearances Tuesday and Wednesday?
Saturday:
1. Chris Martin (BOS) – Will Kenley Jansen be ready to go by Saturday?
2. Hunter Harvey (WAS) – A Friday outing would be three of four and four of six for Kyle Finnegan.
3. Yennier Cano (BAL) – Entering Friday, Felix Bautista has pitched in two of three. Another outing Friday would likely mean Cano could get a shot Saturday.
4. Bryan Abreu (HOU) – An appearance Friday would be four of six for Ryan Pressly.
5. Lucas Sims (CIN) – If he goes Friday, it would be three of four for Alexis Diaz
