July 17, 2017

Washington Nationals – It’s been nearly a full day since the Nationals traded for Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle, and finally this morning, we got some insight into how they’ll be used: GM Mike Rizzo told MLB Radio in an interview that the team initially targeted Madson and would not use a closer-by-committee. The inference there was that Madson would get the first crack, but Rizzo might not be done trading, and with a handful of other lefties in the pen, Doolittle could get a look as well.

Updated hierarchy: *Madson | Doolittle | Albers.

* = closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s – Santiago Casilla is unaffected by the Madson/Doolittle deal, but the other relievers in this bullpen just got a major boost in value, as Casilla remains a viable trade target over the next few weeks. Blake Treinen, just acquired from the Nationals, might get a new shot at the 9th inning if he can work out his issues. Liam Hendriks has the stuff (50 Ks in 38.1 IP) to be a closer sooner rather than later, though he has some control issues. Lefty Daniel Coulombe is also a possibility if they go the committee route.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Hendriks | Coulombe.

St. Louis Cardinals – The Cardinals took their new closer-by-committee for a spin, giving Brett Cecil a chance at the 9th inning. Three batters later, the score was tied; three more, and the Cardinals had lost. Trevor Rosenthal, who pitched a clean 8th, would be the next reliever in line for a shot, but he pitched in all three games over the weekend and won’t be available today.

Updated hierarchy: *Rosenthal | Oh | Cecil.

* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH

Today

1. Steve Cishek – Edwin Diaz and Nick Vincent have pitched in three straight.

2. Dellin Betances – Aroldis Chapman has pitched on three straight days.

Tomorrow

1. Cam Bedrosian – If Bud Norris goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.

2. Pedro Baez – Kenley Jansen pitched 1.1 innings last night.

3. Tommy Kahnle/Anthony Swarzak – Both David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle have gone back to back; watch today’s usage to see who will be available tomorrow.

4. Joakim Soria – Kelvin Herrera has pitched back to back games.

5. Matt Barnes – Craig Kimbrel has pitched back to back games.