Hernandez meltdown elevates Hinojosa’s stock

April 5, 2016

Texas Rangers – In a bizarre home opener where the Rangers won despite managing only one hit against King Felix, Jake Diekman pitched a perfect 8th inning ahead of Shawn Tolleson’s first save of the season. Both Sam Dyson and Keone Kela were warming in the Texas ‘pen at the time, so we won’t make a change just yet, but it certainly looks like Diekman will be in the late-innings mix in Arlington.

Hierarchy remains: Tolleson | Dyson | Kela.

Atlanta Braves – Thirty-nine year old Jason Grilli did little to lock down his provisional closer spot in Atlanta on Opening Day. Brought in with a one-run lead in the 9th, Grilli coughed up a run, and was tagged with a blown save. Given the fluid situation in the Braves’ bullpen, expect Grilli to be on a short leash going forward.

Hierarchy remains: *Grilli | Vizcaino | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies – Opening day was not kind to David Hernandez. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin tapped Hernandez to hold a one-run lead in the 8th inning, and while it’s unclear whether he would have stayed in the game had he pitched well — Phillies beat writers were speculating that Dalier Hinojosa would get the 9th — it was a moot point, as Hernandez melted down, giving up 3 earned runs on two walks and a hit without recording a single out. Regardless of what the plan was, it seems likely that Hinojosa will get the next opportunity.

Updated hierarchy: *Hinojosa | Hernandez | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee

Luke Gregerson to close for Houston

April 4, 2016

Houston Astros — After staying mum on Sunday, A.J. Hinch announced Monday that Luke Gregerson will be the team’s “primary closer.” While this is a bit of a surprise, Giles had struggled all spring, finishing with a 6.75 ERA and 1.61 WHIP. His strikeouts were still there, though, so he should be able to right the ship soon and will be in line for saves if Gregerson falters.

Updated hierarchy: Gregerson | Giles | Neshek.

Neftali Feliz could have a bigger-than-expected role

April 4, 2016

Pittsburgh Pirates – With a three-run lead in the seventh inning, the Pirates went to Tony Watson first, handing the 8th inning to Neftali Feliz. Matchup-wise, it made sense, as Watson faced a pinch hitter followed by two lefties, but it was still a little bit surprising to see Feliz thrust into such an important spot right away. Watson remains the handcuff for Mark Melancon, but the fact that the Pirates trusted Feliz with the 8th suggests he’ll be a good source for holds this season.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Feliz.

Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers have sustained another injury in their bullpen, this time to would-be set-up man Corey Knebel. Knebel will start the season on the DL, leaving the Brewers to mix and match in the 8th inning.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Blazek | Thornburg.

Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn has hit the DL for the first time in his career. The move is retroactive to March 25, so he’ll be eligible to return relatively soon, but in the mean time, look for Craig Breslow to get the important lefties in late game spots.

Updated hierarchy: Ramos | Morris | Breslow.

Just a flesh wound for Andrew Miller

April 1, 2016

New York Yankees — Wikipedia informed Andrew Miller that his broken pisiform bone wasn’t very important, so the lefthander decided he’ll pitch through the injury. “It’s my right hand; I don’t really need it,” Miller said, in a quote that reads like an April Fool’s joke about Carlos Marmol. The news was not as good for Bryan Mitchell, who could miss a few months with a broken big toe.

Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.

Pittsburgh Pirates — Jared Hughes has a strained lat and will start the year on the DL. Taking his place is Neftali Feliz, who will try to add another high point to his roller-coaster career.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Watson | Feliz.

Philadelphia Phillies — Speaking of roller coasters, Andrew Bailey is back on the outs in Philly, and (unlike Festus Ezeli) will probably be cut today. Jeanmar Gomez stands to benefit from Bailey’s fall from grace.

Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Hinojosa | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee

San Diego Padres — Jon Edwards will start the season on the disabled list with a stiff elbow. With Nick Vincent’s move to Seattle, this probably leaves Brandon Maurer as San Diego’s best seventh-inning man.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Quackenbush | Maurer.

Andrew Miller drilled with line drive, Bailey falling in Philly

March 31, 2016

New York Yankees — Yankees closer-for-the-first-30-games Andrew Miller was drilled in the right wrist with a line drive and exited the game after throwing just one pitch. A CT scan revealed a chip fracture on Miller’s non-throwing hand, and he will see a specialist to determine what to do next. Dellin Betances will close if Miller is not ready for the start of the season. Also, youngster Bryan Mitchell, who has been impressive this spring, injured his toe and will need an MRI.

Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.

Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies bullpen is beginning to take shape after a few cuts, but manager Pete Mackanin is still not ready to declare a closer. He did say, however, that David Hernandez and Dalier Hinojosa are the top candidates at this point. Andrew Bailey is fighting for one of the last remaining spots in the bullpen. For now we will put Hernandez back at the top of the hierarchy, but this is a situation that we will continue to monitor.

Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Hinojosa | Bailey.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros — Luke Gregerson had an impressive spring training debut, as he struck out the side on nine pitches.  Manager AJ Hinch has said he could mix and match with his bullpen and that even if he does name a closer, he won’t be afraid to use that guy before the ninth inning if necessary. We still like Ken Giles to get the majority of save opportunities, but Gregerson could see some chances — and Giles may be on a shorter leash if he is declared the closer.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Gregerson | Neshek.

Colorado Rockies – Jason Motte, who was in contention to close for the Rockies, will likely start the season on the disabled list. Jake McGee should still get the first shot at closing games, but Miguel Castro and Chad Qualls are also options.

Updated hierarchy: McGee | Castro | Qualls.