August 5, 2016
Cleveland Indians – Losers of three straight games against the hapless Minnesota Twins, the first-place Indians were desperate for a win Thursday. Things were so desperate that manager Terry Francona turned to Andrew Miller with a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning — no, not the 9th… or even the 8th. Miller recorded four outs to secure a hold (though some ESPN Fantasy players may have seen that for a time Thursday, ESPN credited Miller with a hold AND a save). Tito’s explanation after the game? “I prefer not to use him that early,” said Francona. “That won’t have happen a lot. This was a little bit of a unique situation. Cody (Allen), Bryan Shaw and Miller were probably going to finish the game. So to wait, didn’t seem to make any sense.” Notice the order Francona said those names. We’ll read into it a little bit, but not too much, and designate this situation a committee. Miller may be called upon to get the most crucial outs at any point in a game, while Allen may pick up more saves if Miller has already been used.
Updated hierarchy: *Miller | Allen | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – Former closer Steve Cishek was placed on the disabled list Thursday with a hip injury. Tom Wilhelmsen and the recently acquired Drew Storen may see opportunities when 22-year-old phenom Edwin Diaz isn’t available to close for the M’s.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Wilhelmsen | Storen.
Texas Rangers – Former Brewers closer Jeremy Jeffress got into his first game with the Rangers Thursday, pitching a scoreless seventh inning in an eventual 4-1 win. After the game, manager Jeff Banister called Jeffress’s arm “electric.” As for the other Texas arms, Matt Bush pitched the eighth inning while Jake Diekman, who hasn’t pitched since July 31, warmed in the bullpen. It’ll be interesting to see who gets any save chances when Dyson is unavailable, but our money is on Jeffress – for now – in a crowded-but-talented bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Jeffress | Diekman.
Boston Red Sox – Brad Ziegler earned the vulture save for the Red Sox in an extra-innings victory over the Mariners Thursday night. Craig Kimbrel earned the win after getting the last out in the ninth and striking out the side in the 10th.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Ziegler | Tazawa.
Oakland A’s – Ryan Dull picked up his second of the season on Thursday after pitching a clean 10th inning. John Axford and Ryan Madson had already appeared in the game. In related bullpen news, injured reliever Sean Doolittle is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Madson | Axford | Dull.
Cincinnati Reds – Opening Day closer JJ Hoover, armed with a 13.50 ERA, hasn’t pitched in the majors since late June. He cleared waivers Thursday and was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. He’s completely off the Reds’ 40-man roster.
Hierarchy remains: Cingrani | Iglesias | Lorenzen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jason Grilli, Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna has pitched in two straight and in three out of the last four days.
2. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians — Who will get the next Cleveland save? Andrew Miller or Cody Allen?
3. Fernando Salas/J.C. Ramirez, Los Angeles Angels — Mike Scioscia has labeled this a committee, so any one of Cam Bedrosian (the favorite), Fernando Salas or J.C. Ramirez could get the next Angels save.