August 22, 2019
Cleveland Indians – Despite Brad Hand’s third straight blown save on Wednesday — the latest disappointment of a subpar two-month period (7.32 ERA, 2.03 WHIP) — Terry Francona is not considering a change in the ninth inning. “We can’t run from Brad.” Apparently Brad can’t run to first either. Hand’s velocity looks fine, but his location has been questionable; with the Indians still in the heart of the wild card race, Francona’s confidence in his most talented reliever is almost certainly the right play.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Wittgren | Goody.
Seattle Mariners — A month after he was acquired from Minnesota for cash considerations, the clock finally struck midnight for Matt Magill. Emilio Pagan blew the save for the Rays in the top of the ninth, but Magill gave it right back in the bottom of the inning. It’ll probably take another bad outing before he loses his slot at the top of the Seattle committee, though.
Hierarchy remains: *Magill | Bass | Tuivailala.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers — By closing out the last batter in the seventh, Junior Guerra put himself in position to earn a rare rain-shortened save.
Hierarchy remains: Hader | Albers | Peralta.
Chicago Cubs — Brandon Morrow will not pitch this season, is unlikely to return to the Cubs, and may call it a career after learning that he needs surgery on his ailing right ulnar nerve. Morrow’s last appearance was July 15, 2018.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Wick | Strop.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Edwin Diaz — Seth Lugo went two innings on Thursday.
2. Rowan Wick — Craig Kimbrel has gone in three of four since his return.
3. Joe Kelly — Kenley Jansen will see his workload heavily limited down the stretch to an average of one appearance per series.
4. Blake Treinen — Liam Hendriks went 1.2 innings Wednesday, his second straight day of work.
Friday:
1. Nick Wittgren — Brad Hand might get another chance Thursday, but he likely won’t go in three straight.
2. Ty Buttrey — After three straight appearances and four out of five for Hansel Robles, he might get two straight days off.
3. Joe Kelly/Pedro Baez — See above.