May 23, 2015
Texas Rangers — We expected that Shawn Tolleson and Keone Kela would get Friday off after some heavy usage. What we didn’t figure was that Jeff Bannister would call on Ross Ohlendorf and his Jazz Age delivery to pick up the save. Ohlendorf, who was in the minors all last year and got called up just last week, also pitched in a key set-up role on Wednesday, so we’ll reluctantly move him into the hierarchy, for now. But don’t run out to grab the Dorf just yet; this has a lot more to do with Bannister’s evidently lower opinion of Neftali Feliz and Tanner Scheppers. If either can get back in the good graces of the manager, Ross can go back to wooing flappers over glasses of giggle juice.
Updated hierarchy: *Tolleson | Kela | Ohlendorf.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — Jumbo Diaz continues to struggle, giving up two runs last night to run his ERA to 7.16. Meanwhile, J.J. Hoover hasn’t allowed a run since April 21 (12.1 innings); over that period, Hoover has more strikeouts (11) than baserunners allowed (8).
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Cingrani | Hoover.
Cleveland Indians — We think Zach McAllister, who got the call again in the eighth last night (albeit with a four-run lead), has moved ahead of Bryan Shaw, who gave up two runs on Thursday. McAllister has allowed one run (and struck out 21) in his last 12 appearances.
Updated hierarchy: Allen | McAllister | Shaw.
Washington Nationals — Casey Janssen has returned from the disabled list, but Matt Williams wasn’t quite sure how he’ll use him. Second in line seems a fair estimate until we get more information.
Updated hierarchy: Storen | Barrett | Janssen.
Milwaukee Brewers — Will Smith will appeal the eight-game suspension he received Friday for going clear with a rosin/sunscreen mixture, intended to keep him from getting too wicky-wicky-wild. Jeremy Jeffress, Brandon Kintzler, and Tommy Lee Jones are likely to become more relevant during Smith’s eventual absence.
Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Broxton | Smith.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Aaron Barrett/Casey Janssen, Washington Nationals — Drew Storen has pitched in three of the last four games (45 pitches).
2. Enrique Burgos, Arizona Diamondbacks — Brad Ziegler hasn’t thrown a ton of pitches, but he’s gone on three straight days.
3. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger has gotten three straight save opportunities, and McGee is still theoretically in the mix.
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