Relievers to Stream for Wins and Saves – 8/19

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

• Last night, 12 pitchers saw action for the second consecutive night. Among these relievers, which we strongly suggest you avoid are:

1. Josh Taylor and Heath Hembree of the Boston Red Sox
2. Codi Heuer and Zack Burdi of the Chicago White Sox
3. Will Harris  and Daniel Hudson of the Washington Nationals
4. Ian Gibaut and Joely Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers
5. Jarlin Garcia of the San Francisco Giants
6. Rowan Wick of the Chicago Cubs
7. Nabil Crismatt of the St. Louis Cardinals
8. Anthony Bass of the Toronto Blue Jays

 

• Additionally, last night, 31 pitchers pitched multiple innings. Though for the most part, this shouldn’t be a problem, we do want to suggest that you avoid the following players who pitched more than 2 IP:

1. Lou Trivino (2.1 IP) and Daniel Mengden (4 IP) of the Oakland Athletics
2. Taylor Widener (3 IP) of the Arizona Diamondbacks
3. Nick Nelson (3 IP) of the New York Yankees
4. Daniel Norris (4 IP) of the Detroit Tigers
5. Jamie Barria (4 IP)of the Los Angeles Angels

 

• The options for the Closer position for the Blue Jays will be complicated should Toronto have a lead entering the 9th inning. Anthony Bass has pitched 3 IP in two consecutive days, whereas Jordan Romano was used for 1 IP last night.

 

• Cleveland Indians closer Brad Hand needed 17 pitches to close the door against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has not allowed a run since July 29 and should be available if needed tonight.
• Promptly after Kenta Maeda surrendered his first hit and run of the night, Taylor Rogers of the Minnesota Twins entered the game in a save situation leading 3-1. Unfortunately, he allowed a game-tying double to Avisail Garcia. The Twins would eventually win the game in the 12th inning.

 

• Ryan Pressley of the Houston Astros entered the game in the 10th inning to try to preserve a 1-run lead. He gave up the tying run, requiring his team to come back in the 11th to win the game.

 

• Mark Melancon entered the game in the 9th inning with the intention of keeping the game close between the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals. He allowed 1 ER, throwing 25 pitches to get out of the inning. He should be available tonight, if needed.
• Daniel Hudson of the Nationals was needed for a second consecutive night to record a save. Fortunately, last night he was successful. Stay away from Hudson today as he’s been used in two consecutive nights.

 

• Rowan Wick has pitched a combined 2 IP in the last two nights. He did not allow a run in either appearance and earned 1 SV. The Cubs will look to avoid Wick today.
• Josh Hader was utilized in a non-save situation against the Twins last night and did his job, tossing 1 IP while not allowing a run. Though he did throw 22 pitches, he should be available if needed tonight.
• Keone Kela was brought into the game last night in order to preserve a tie, and he did his job. Kela wound up tossing 1 IP while allowing 0 ER and striking out two batters. Though he threw 22 pitches, he should be available if needed today.

 

• The Colorado Rockies, who were without Carlos Estevez after he was hit in the hand by a line drive, wound up using Daniel Bard in a non-save situation. Fortunately, Estevez underwent X-rays on his right hand and they came back negative. He should be cleared to go.
• The San Diego Padres needed the help of a number of relievers to close the doors on the Texas Rangers yesterday. Both Drew Pomeranz and Emilio Pagan entered the game and earned holds, while Cal Quantrill needed 4 pitches to record the final out of the night for the save. All should be available if needed by the Pads.

 

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