August 13, 2017
Los Angeles Angels — Cam Bedrosian converted his second straight save opportunity since Bud Norris was removed as closer. Keynan Middleton got the win, and Blake Parker struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning. Bedrosian could be on his way to asserting himself as the primary closer for the Angels, but we will see how things play out in the next couple days before we pull the committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Bedrosian | Parker | Middleton.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies — After Hoby Milner got the first out of the ninth, Luis Garcia came on and recorded the last two outs for his second save of the season. As we mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch, Hector Neris had pitched a lot recently, and it looks like the Phillies will use Milner and Garcia in the ninth when Neris is not available.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Garcia | Milner.
Arizona Diamondbacks – When Fernando Rodney entered the ninth inning yesterday, it was not a save opportunity, but when he left, it was. Rodney, who had not pitched since August eighth, started the ninth with a 6-0 lead, but got pulled after giving up four hits and two runs. David Hernandez came on to get the last out and record his first save since getting traded to the Diamondbacks. Rodney had not given up a run in over a month prior to Saturday, and his job as closer should be safe for now.
Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Bradley | Hernandez.
Toronto Blue Jays — Dominic Leone struck out three in 1.2 scoreless innings for his sixth hold of the season. It was Leone’s fourth hold in the month of August, and he seems to have settled into a role at the back-end of the Blue Jays’ bullpen
Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Leone
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Blake Parker/Yusmeiro Petit – Cam Bedrosian has pitched in two of three and the Angels have been cautious with him since coming back from his injury. Parker has pitched in three of four, and Keynan Middleton has pitched in four of five.
2. Tony Watson/Pedro Baez – Kenley Jansen has pitched in three of the past four.
Monday
1. Michael Lorenzen – If Raisel Iglesias pitches on Sunday, it will be three of four, including a 41 pitch outing on Friday.
2. Junichi Tazawa – Brad Ziegler has pitched in two straight.
