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Trevor Richards RP | CHW
Marlins' Trevor Richards: In ninth-inning mix
Richards could be part of the Marlins' closer mix following the Sergio Romo trade, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.
Only recently moved to the bullpen, Richards picked up his first career hold Sunday when he walked one batter in a scoreless seventh inning. Miami manager Don Mattingly invoked the name of another Trevor -- Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman -- when discussing how the 26-year-old's plus changeup could be effective in relief, but calling that comparison premature would be an understatement. Even so, the Marlins have little to lose by experimenting with the closer role down the stretch to see if anyone can step up and seize it, so Richards could well get some save chances.
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Jarlin Garcia RP | PIT
Marlins' Jarlin Garcia: Might see save chances
Garcia could be part of the Marlins' closer mix following the Sergio Romo trade, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.
In Miami's first game following the trade, Garcia worked a perfect ninth inning while striking out two batters to protect a four-run lead. The southpaw could end up being a matchup choice for manager Don Mattingly, getting the call against lefty-heavy lineups in the ninth. He hasn't seen a lot of high-leverage work to date though -- on the season, Garcia has a 2.51 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 25:8 K:BB through 32.1 innings with two wins and a hold in 29 appearances.
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Nick Anderson RP | ATH
Marlins' Nick Anderson: In closer mix
Anderson could be part of the Marlins' closer mix following the Sergio Romo trade, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.
The right-hander has the best combination of stuff and performance of any remaining Miami reliever, but that might actually work against him seeing consistent save opportunities, as manager Don Mattingly seems inclined to use him in the toughest spots and not necessarily the ninth inning. "I think [Anderson] has probably been the guy with the most dominant stuff out of the 'pen," Mattingly said. "I'd still like to be able to use Andy in leverage with the best part of [opponents'] order and lineup. That may be the ninth, that may be the eighth. So, we'll use him accordingly, and just try to figure out the next part of that." There's also the possibility Anderson gets dealt himself, as no one in the Marlins' bullpen seems untouchable. On the season, he has a 3.95 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 68:16 K:BB through 43.1 innings with two wins, a save and seven holds in 44 appearances.
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Adrian Morejon RP | SD
Padres' Adrian Morejon: Struggles with control in start
Morejon completed 1.2 innings and gave up two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out two against the Giants on Sunday. He did not factor into the decision.
Morejon hurled one inning three days prior and was not expected to pitch more than a few innings Sunday in what was essentially a bullpen game. He struggled with his command, throwing only 22 of 40 pitches for strikes and walking three batters while giving up a pair of runs. The 20-year-old worked primarily as a limited-inning opener with Double-A Amarillo this season, so it stands to reason that he may be asked to fill a similar role for as long as he is with the big club.
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Will Smith RP | KC
Giants' Will Smith: Picks up unsteady save
Smith struck out one batter and allowed two runs on two hits in one inning against the Padres on Sunday but held on to pick up the save.
Fortunately, Smith entered with a three-run cushion, rendering Wil Myers' two-run blast inconsequential to the Giants' playoff push. Though the team's recent run of success has cooled off trade rumors a bit, the possibility of Smith switching teams remains as Wednesday's trade deadline approaches. The 30-year-old is one of the most sought-after relievers on the market, as he has converted 26 of 28 save opportunities while posting a 2.72 ERA and 0.91 WHIP along with a 66:11 K:BB in 46.1 innings this season.
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Elieser Hernandez RP | ATL
Marlins' Elieser Hernandez: Hurls four strong innings
Hernandez allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings Sunday against the Diamondbacks. He didn't factor into the decision.
Hernandez was recently moved back to the starting rotation, and even though his outing lasted just four innings, he held the opposition to one run. The 24-year-old right-hander will head into his next start with a 4.93 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 41 punchouts over 38.1 innings this season. His next start lines up for Saturday in Tampa Bay.
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David Hernandez RP | ARI
Reds' David Hernandez: Faces hitters
Hernandez (shoulder) threw a round of live batting practice Sunday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
The Reds will presumably wait and see how Hernandez's shoulder responds to the workout before determining whether he'll need a minor-league rehab assignment before returning from the 10-day injured list. Hernandez has missed just over the minimum amount of time with the shoulder injury, but the Reds may want to see him sort out some mechanical issues during an appearance in the minors before reinserting him into their bullpen.
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Dakota Hudson SP | LAA
Cardinals' Dakota Hudson: Allows three runs in loss
Hudson (10-5) yielded five runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings Sunday, striking out five and taking the loss against Houston.
Hudson allowed a pair of solo homers to George Springer and Yordan Alvarez in the first and third innings, respectively, but those were the only two runs to cross the plate on him through four frames. Then, before he could record an out in the fifth, Jose Altuve took him deep for a three-run shot followed by another single and a walk, ending his afternoon. Hudson will carry a 3.88 ERA into next Sunday's outing in Oakland.
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Edwin Diaz RP | LAD
Mets' Edwin Diaz: Holds on against Pirates
Diaz allowed a two-run home run but still nailed down his 23rd save of the season while pitching two-thirds of an inning in an 8-7 victory against the Pirates on Sunday.
The Mets took a five-run lead into the ninth, but after a two-run homer and single, the tying run came into the on-deck circle with one out, and the Mets turned to their closer, who made his first appearance following a minor toe injury. Diaz allowed a homer to the first batter he faced, but then he retired the next two batters to preserve a one-run win. Homers have been an issue for Diaz all season and are the main reason he owns a 4.95 ERA, but he is 23-for-27 in save chances with 61 strikeouts in 40 innings as well.