The All-Star break begins next week, so we have a short window to make closer moves before the second-half.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Over the past week, Mark Melancon picked up his first save since June 3rd, but he struggled twice over his last three outings (two runs and seven baserunners over three innings with four strikeouts). Melancon has 12 saves in 14 chances with weakness in his ERA (5.28) and WHIP (1.60). Kyle Nelson stumbled in two of his previous five outings, leading to a 4.91 ERA and no strikeouts over 3.2 innings.
Atlanta Braves
A.J. Minter dominated his last four games (no runs over four innings with no walks and five strikeouts) while delivering three saves. With Kenley Jansen back this week, he moves back to the Braves’ top setup man with an elite ERA (1.66) and WHIP (0.87). Jensen pitched a clean inning on Wednesday afternoon, pointing to him regaining the ninth inning this weekend. He is 20-for-24 in closing situations.
Baltimore Orioles
For the first time since 2016, the Orioles have a winning record in mid-July, thanks to a 10-game winning streak. Jorge Lopez earned a save in his previous four games (no runs over four innings with no walks and six strikeouts), upping his season total to 17 preserved wins in 21 tries. He has an 8.44 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over his past 5.1 innings with nine strikeouts.
Boston Red Sox
Wins have slowed up in Boston, resulting in Tanner Houck not recording a save since June 25th. He has a 2.53 ERA over his last 10.2 innings with 15 strikeouts and six saves. In his two rehab appearances at AAA, Garrett Whitlock allowed a pair of runs over four innings with four strikeouts. Boston expects to have him back for their series vs. the Yankees. John Schreiber extended his scoreless run to 17.1 innings with six hits, 23 strikeouts, and two saves.
