August 11, 2021
Chicago Cubs — The Cubs activated Rowan Wick from the IL prior to the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader. Wick pitched a perfect seventh inning in that contest with the Cubs trailing, 6-2. It was his first MLB appearance since Sept. 16, 2020. We’ll move Wick right to the top of this committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Wick | Heuer | Rodriguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — The Red Sox bullpen has been a disaster lately, with Matt Barnes giving up four runs in the ninth to finish a night that saw the Sox blow a 4-1 lead. Barnes has been a frequent contributor to that disaster, and Alex Cora acknowledged that he needs to do a better job of giving Barnes some rest. Meanwhile, Hansel Robles has yet to earn a hold since arriving in Boston, with Josh Taylor, Garrett Whitlock and Hirokazu Sawamura the guys getting the bulk of the high-leverage chances ahead of Adam Ottavino and an overworked Barnes.
Updated hierarchy: Barnes | Ottavino | Taylor.
San Diego Padres — Drew Pomeranz had to leave Tuesday’s game after recording two outs in the eighth inning with forearm tightness, an issue he’s been dealing with all season. The good news is that Daniel Hudson, who had been on the COVID IL, is expected to finally be available to pitch for his new team on Wednesday.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers traded Joe Kelly to the IL in exchange for the return of Corey Knebel on Tuesday. Knebel, making his first MLB appearance since April, allowed his first two batters to reach but followed that by striking out Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto before Justin Bruihl finished the sixth inning. The Dodgers will hope Knebel can be an important part of their late-inning plans as they fight for a division title.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.
Cleveland Indians – Emmanuel Clase has not only been pitching better than James Karinchak lately, but he’s also picked up his team’s last five saves. Tuesday was yet another instance where Karinchak got the eighth (and blew a one-run lead) and Clase worked the ninth. See ya later, asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: Clase | Karinchak | Shaw.
Milwaukee Brewers – After Devin Williams recorded the final three outs in game one, Brent Suter picked up his first MLB save to complete a doubleheader sweep of the Cubs. Brad Boxberger retired both batters he faced in the bottom of the sixth to keep the Brewers ahead in the opener.
Hierarchy remains: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.
Oakland A’s – The Oakland bullpen was outstanding in Tuesday’s win, with Andrew Chafin throwing a perfect 10th inning to earn his first save of the season. Lou Trivino worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth to get the game to extras.
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Diekman | Chafin.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Trevor May (NYM) — The Mets…
2. Gabe Klobosits (WAS) — …and Nationals will finish a suspended game today before playing their regularly scheduled contest.
3. Adam Ottavino (BOS) — Matt Barnes needs to rest.
4. Greg Holland (KC) — Scott Barlow has gone in three straight while Holland was the Royals’ only hierarchy member to get yesterday off.
5. Emilio Pagan (SD) — Mark Melancon has pitched in three of four, including a four-out save yesterday.
6. Josh Sborz/Joe Barlow (TEX) — Spencer Patton threw 32 pitches in a blown save on Tuesday.
7. Brad Hand (TOR) — Jordan Romano has pitched in three of four.
Thursday:
1. Richard Rodriguez (ATL) — If Will Smith pitches today that will be two in a row.
2. Anybody but Matt Barnes (BOS) — As we mentioned in today’s update, Barnes needs rest. Even with Wednesday off, the Sox may do anything they can to give their closer another day.
3. Bryan Shaw (CLE) — If either Emmanuel Clase or James Karinchak pitches today, that will be two straight and three of four. Shaw enters today having pitched in three of four, so if the entire hierarchy works Wednesday then options could be limited for Thursday.
4. Brad Boxberger (MIL) — While both Boxberger and closer Devin Williams will have pitched in two straight if they work today, Boxberger only threw eight pitches on Tuesday.
5. Jake Diekman (OAK) — Today would be back-to-back and three of four for Lou Trivino.
6. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Same for Alex Reyes.