September 1, 2016
Los Angeles Angels — With the waiver deadline deal of Fernando Salas to the Mets, we expect a combination of J.C. Ramirez and Deolis Guerra (traded from the Mets eight years ago for Johan Santana) to handle the L.A. closing duties going forward. Whichever guy gets the job full-time will be the Angels’ fifth closer of the season.
Updated hierarchy: *Ramirez | Guerra | Morin.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — After five appearances in six days, the Nationals finally gave Mark Melancon a breather. Lefthander Marc “Scrabble” Rzepczynski started the ninth inning against a switch hitter and a lefty, leaving just the final out for Shawn Kelley. Since arriving in a trade from Oakland late last week, Rzepczynski has seen immediate use in the late innings, including eighth-inning holds on Monday and Wednesday. Dusty Baker has a history of trusting lefthanded relievers (Sean Marshall, Aroldis Chapman, Felipe Rivero), and it looks like Scrabble could be his latest.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Kelley | Rzepczynski.
New York Mets — We give the newly acquired Fernando Salas a slight edge over Jim Henderson, given Salas’s good performance since the All-Star break.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | Reed | Salas.
Texas Rangers — Jeremy Jeffress apologized and entered rehab on Wednesday, avoiding any suspension by MLB. He’s expected to be in treatment for about a month, leaving open the possibility that he could rejoin the Rangers for the postseason.
Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Diekman | Bush.
Cleveland Indians — You can earn a save by retiring one man with a five-run lead, just as long as you enter the game with the bases loaded. That’s how Bryan Shaw got his first save of the season last night.
Hierarchy remains: *Allen | Miller | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Jonathan Papelbon evidently won’t be pitching for Boston or anyone else this season; his indecision stretched beyond the deadline for postseason eligibility. The Sox need some kind of bullpen help. Wednesday night, Fernando Abad and Junichi Tazawa combined to blow a lead before the offense bailed the team out again.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Ziegler | Buchholz.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. C.J. Edwards, Chicago Cubs — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in three straight games, including a 31-pitch outing on Wednesday.
2. Addison Reed, New York Mets — Jeurys Familia has also gone in three straight.
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