Relievers to Stream for Wins and Saves – 8/25

First, notes from last night and thoughts on today’s games:

• If you’re fishing for a vulture win you could take a chance with the Red Sox bullpen taking over for scheduled starter Kyle Hart. Boston brought in Ryan Weber to relieve Hart after his last start and should be considered the favorite to get the ball again on Tuesday.
• Tyler Chatwood is making his return from the IL for the Cubs and one has to wonder how long he may last. If he does leave early, Dan Winkler may be first out of the pen and given the opportunity to take the win.

 

• Rich Hill does not seem to be at full strength after returning from his most recent IL stint, and should not be expected to get through the fifth in his start on Tuesday. Jorge Alcala is the most well rested of the Minnesota bullpen and should be first up when Hill is pulled.
• The Brewers saw their perfect scenario unfold on Monday, with starter Brett Anderson going six innings and giving way to Devin Williams who struck out the side in the eighth. David Phelps then pitched a perfect eighth inning himself leading to Josh Hader’s sixth save of the season. That’s back-to-back days for Phelps, but both Hader and Williams hadn’t pitched since last Tuesday prior to Monday’s appearance so both should be available Tuesday if needed.

 

• Jonathan Hernández and Rafeal Montero combined to close out the final three innings for the Rangers, with Montero also recording his sixth save. Hernandez has gone in two straight, but Montero should be very much available on Tuesday if needed, even after throwing 31 pitches on Monday.
• In Minnesotta, Trevor May let up a run pitching through the seventh inning while Sergio Romo pitched an uneventful eighth, setting up Taylor Rogers for his seventh save on the year. All three pitchers threw on Sunday as well, with May combining for 37 pitches, Romo needing 31, and Rogers throwing 32. Considering Rich Hill shouldn’t be expected to go too deep into his start, any of these three could be used at the end of their game on Tuesday if the Twins find themselves with a late lead, but Tyler Duffey is well rested and could be used to give those guys some rest.

 

• Brandon Kintzler closed out a high scoring affair for the Marlins in D.C. and was rewarded with his sixth save on the season. That’s now three appearances in the last four days for both Kintzler and set up man Brad Boxberger. Miami used six different relievers in their Monday matchup, and since Kintzler only needed 16 pitches he should still be used in a save situation on Tuesday.
• Jordan Romano was tasked with closing out the game for the Blue Jays, not Anthony Bass, and he did so after allowing one walk and one hit to the Rays. That’s two straight save opportunities converted for Romano and should be safe for more until Ken Giles returns.

 

• Even after taking the loss on Saturday, Bud Black went with Daniel Bard for the save on Monday, using Carlos Estévez to set him up in the eighth. That’s Bard’s second save on the season and builds upon one of baseball’s best feel god stories of the year. It’s interesting to note, even fully rested, Jairo Diaz was left in the bullpen, while Bud Black decided to use both  in the eighth and Bard in the ninth. All three should be available on Tuesday, as this situation is still not any clearer.
• All those clamoring for Hansel Robles to make his way back into the ninth inning may be waiting a bit longer. Robles was brought in while the Angels were down by six in the seventh inning and continued to add to the Astros’ lead by giving up two runs on two hits and a walk. Ty Buttrey’s job looks to be a bit safer after tonight, even with the Angels losing.

 

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