August 30, 2017
Houston Astros – Will Harris looked sharp on Tuesday in his first appearance since July 5. He retired the side in the sixth inning on just eight pitches, including a strikeout.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Devenski | Harris.
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels won, 7-2, on Tuesday night, and normally that wouldn’t elicit a report from us, barring a three-inning save. However, Cam Bedrosian was the only main reliever used in the victory, coming into the eighth inning with the Angels in the midst of a two-on, two-out jam. Bedrosian needed just five pitches to get the required out, and perhaps Mike Scioscia was just being extra cautious. What will be interesting is who gets Wednesday’s save chance. Bedrosian seemingly should be available for a rare second straight day given he threw just five pitches Tuesday, but if the Angels are keeping with their strict regimen for Bedrosian, expect Blake Parker to get the ball in the ninth inning.
Hierarchy remains: *Bedrosian | Parker | Norris.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Justin Wilson has struggled since coming to Chicago at the trade deadline, posting a 4.00 ERA in his month with the Cubs. CJ Edwards, Pedro Strop and Koji Uehara are Joe Maddon’s preferred late-inning arms right now when the Cubs have a lead. Wilson may get back into the mix as the playoff race hits the final couple weeks, but for now he’s seeing time in low-leverage situations.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Edwards | Strop.
New York Mets — Jeurys Familia’s second post-DL appearance went a lot smoother than his first one, as he struck out three, walked one and did not allow a hit in 1.2 innings of work with the Mets trailing by four. While it was low-leverage work, it was a promising sign for Terry Collins and the Mets that Familia appears to be shaking off any rust from his long layoff.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Blevins | Familia.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Joe Kelly – Both Craig Kimbrel and Addison Reed have pitched in three straight games.
Tomorrow
1. Archie Bradley – Fernando Rodney threw 31 pitches on Tuesday night, meaning he could see a day off Thursday if he has another lengthy outing today.
2. CJ Edwards – If Wade Davis pitches today it will be his third straight appearance.