Andrew

Kittredge

Kittredge allowed a one out double to Michael Massey in the ninth but retired the next two batters he faced to close out the frame and secure the win. Kittredge has now been called upon to close out games in back-to-back days for the Orioles, and could become a part of the team’s closer committee for as long as Ryan Helsley remains sidelined.

Tyler Wells was used against the top of the order in a tie game in the eighth, and wound up allowing a run on a pair of doubles by Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki. However, he wound up with the win here as the Orioles plated two in the bottom of the eighth. Kittredge stepped in against 6-8 hitters. He needed some help, as Nico Hoerner was caught stealing ahead of an Ian Happ single, but Kittredge eventually got Michael Conforto to line out to left to end the threat. Don’t be surprised if Wells is used as a pure fireman at points this year, but Wells likely remains the head of the closer committee for fantasy purposes.

Andrew Kittredge had the save chance in a 3-0 game tonight with Ryan Helsley unavailable, but he gave up a homer and a walk while recording one out. Cano took over with Mookie Betts up and immediately generated a double play ball, only for third baseman Coby Mayo to botch the play and wind up with no outs. Mayo next retired Alex Freeland, but then Leody Taveras had a game-ending fly to right bounce off his glove for an error, making the score 3-2. Still undaunted, Cano struck out Kyle Tucker to end the contest afterwards. It was his first save of the year, but we’d give him two, just for how much the defense let him down. Helsley will likely be back in the closer’s role on Sunday.

Rico Garcia was utilized in the eighth inning of this one with Kittredge handling the ninth. The 36-year-old right-hander made it look awfully easy, needing just six pitches (all strikes) to get through the inning — which included Julio Rodriguez reaching on an error. Kittredge has really struggled for most of the season, compiling a 6.75 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and a 15/4 K/BB ratio over 14 2/3 innings on the season. He’s not going to usurp the closer’s role anytime soon.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz delivered a positive update, noting that Helsely is merely dealing with elbow inflammation and that there isn’t a high level of concern. The 31-year-old closer will be cleared to resume throwing once the swelling subsides and isn’t expected to require a lengthy absence. Andrew Kittredge’s closing experience makes him the clear favorite to take over the ninth-inning role, but rookie Anthony Nunez has the stuff to handle the role. Rico Garcia is another name to watch in the closing mix for the next couple weeks.

He’ll return to a high-end role in the Orioles bullpen, but would appear unlikely to be able to do much but make footholds while Ryan Helsley is on the bereavement list. He could eventually find his way into the holds mix if he pitches well.

Both of the outs he recorded came on strikeouts, so we guess that’s something. Kittredge could still return to the Orioles in the next week or so, but there is no fantasy value to be had here. He doesn’t need to be rostered in any formats, even as an IL stash.

Kittredge was away for most of the week due to paternity leave. He should only need another couple of outings — likely including a back-to-back — before he’s ready to rejoin the Orioles’ bullpen.

Kittredge will be away from the Tides while taking care of something more important than baseball. The 36-year-old has a chance to be back with Baltimore as a high-leverage option by the end of April.

Kittredge has been battling shoulder inflammation for much of spring training. He will likely need a few outings before he joins Baltimore’s bullpen, where he will be part of the bridge to closer Ryan Helsley. The 36-year-old has 21 career saves in nine MLB seasons and is not a lock to be the fallback option at closer if Helsley were to get hurt, so he’s not worth holding onto in most fantasy formats.