PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Options behind Vazquez in the PIT bullpen

Pittsburgh Pirates

After blowing save chances in three consecutive late May appearances (and four of six appearances from May 20-31), the closer seat of Felipe Vázquez (LHP, PIT) was starting to come into question. Vazquez’s normally solid Ctl—he has a career 3.0 mark—has dipped lately, with the southpaw walking six batters and posting a 57% FpK in 11.2 IP between May 8 and June 6.

The party line out of Pittsburgh is that tipping pitches could be playing a role in his struggles. If his Ctl continues to lag and he suffers more multi-run blowups, who could take advantage in the Pirates bullpen?

Since George Kontos' (RHP, CLE) May release, Michael Feliz (RHP, PIT) and Kyle Crick (RHP, PIT) have seen the majority of setup work. Feliz had...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

This week, we check in on young infielders with upside in S.F. and Arizona, are reintroduced to an old NL West friend in L.A.
Aug 29 2026 3:05am
Luke Adams, Cooper Hjerpe, Owen Ayers, and BJ Murray may be among the guys called up to make their MLB debut in the NL Central
Aug 28 2026 3:05am
Angel Genao has been getting plenty of playing time in Cleveland, often at the expense of Brayan Rocchio. Plus, the possible return of Drew Thorpe for CHW, the bullpen outlook in DET, Sal Perez's 2H rebound, and Joe Ryan's recovery in MIN.
Aug 27 2026 3:06am
The A's have been depleted by injuries, but are getting some needed outfield help soon.
Aug 26 2026 3:05am
Could George Springer's playing time continue to slip as his struggles continue? Plus, Blaze Alexander nearing a return for BAL, and rotation updates for TB, BOS, and NYY.
Aug 25 2026 3:05am

Tools