Betances records save for Yankees

May 3, 2015

New York Yankees –Dellin Betances picked up his first save of the season yesterday.  The Yankees wanted to give Andrew Miller the day off on Saturday and that allowed Betances to look dominant in the closers’ role for one night, as he struck out all four batters that he faced on only 14 pitches.  Miller should still see the majority of save chances, but Betances proved that he can get the job done if the Yankees want to give Miller extra rest at any point during the season.

Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Martin.

Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher got the call in the 9th last night and converted for his second save of the season.  Although Hatcher got the save, it was Yimi Garcia who faced the middle of the order in the 8th inning.  Garcia appears to the most important pitcher coming out of the Dodgers’ bullpen, and that should mean some save chances, but could also mean he is needed before the 9th on occasion.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

Baltimore Orioles — Brad Brach came on with 2 men on base and 2 outs in the 8th inning to protect a four run lead.  He got Steven Souza to foul out and then came back to pitch a perfect 9th for his first career save.  Brach has gotten off to solid start to the season and it appears the Orioles are starting to trust him in higher leverage situations.

Updated hierarchy: Britton | O’Day | Brach.

Minnesota Twins – The Twins activated Brian Duensing from the DL on Saturday and immediately inserted him into a tight situation in the 8th inning.  He ended up walking the only batter he faced, but he had a hold and a save before going on the DL and should continue to see time in the later innings.

Updated hierarchy: Perkins | Thompson | Duensing.

San Diego Padres — Brandon Maurer pitched a perfect 7th and 8th ahead of closer Craig Kimbrel last night.  The Padres’ usual setup man, Joaquin Benoit, has been battling dead arm and was unavailable.  Benoit is hoping to avoid a stint on the DL but if he continues to miss time, Brandon Maurer and Dale Thayer should fill in for him.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Benoit | Thayer.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jordan Walden, St. Louis Cardinals 
– Trevor Rosenthal has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Chris Hatcher, Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher could get the call on any given night.
3. Aaron Thompson/Brian Duensing, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has appeared in back-to-back games.