CALL TO THE ‘PEN

Mark Melancon was knocked around for the second time this year, allowing five baserunners and three runs against the Cubs. Melancon’s velocity has been down all year, leading some to believe he’s pitching through an injury. Tony Watson is worth a speculative stash. … Once again, Dellin Betances was used in the eighth inning and Andrew Miller was called on to close things out in the ninth for the Yankees. It wasn’t the prettiest of appearances for Miller, who entered the 5-1 game with runners on second and third and two outs. He walked the first two batters he faced, but settled down long enough to strike out Jose Iglesias and end the game. … Cody Allen got the call in the ninth inning of a four-run game, and he responded with a perfect outing. Even though it wasn’t a save situation, Allen owners are likely relieved to see him bounce back after Monday’s blowup. For what it’s worth, Bryan Shaw was used to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth, indicating that he’s the guy to grab if Allen struggles again in the near future. … Fernando Rodney turned in a perfect frame in a non-save situation, giving him two straight spotless appearances after two consecutive poor appearances. … Chad Qualls pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his first save of the season. Qualls was only in there for the Astros because Luke Gregerson was getting the night off after pitching three straight days. 

SP RANKINGS

  1. Clayton Kershaw, LAD at SF 2. Johnny Cueto, CIN at MIL 3. David Price, DET vs. NYY 4. Corey Kluber, CLE at CWS 5. Madison Bumgarner, SF vs. LAD 6. Sonny Gray, OAK at LAA 7. Jeff Samardzija, CWS vs. CLE 8. Doug Fister, WAS vs. STL 9. Cole Hamels, PHI vs. MIA 10. John Lackey, STL at WAS 11. James Shields, SD at COL 12. Jason Hammel, CHC at PIT 13. Jimmy Nelson, MIL vs. CIN 14. Yovani Gallardo, TEX at ARI 15. Joe Kelly, BOS at TB 16. Archie Bradley, ARI vs. TEX 17. Jered Weaver, LAA vs. OAK 18. Dillon Gee, NYM vs. ATL 19. J.A. Happ, SEA vs. HOU 20. Roberto Hernandez, HOU at SEA 21. Vance Worley, PIT vs. CHC 22. Jarred Cosart, MIA at PHI 23. Jeremy Guthrie, KC vs. MIN 24. Aaron Sanchez, TOR vs. BAL 25. Nate Karns, TB vs. BOS 26. Ubaldo Jimenez, BAL at TOR 27. Adam Warren, NYY at DET 28. Eric Stults, ATL at NYM 29. Mike Pelfrey, MIN at KC 30. Kyle Kendrick, COL vs. SD

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