The third member of the Royals closer committee gets his first save

September 16, 2017

Kansas City Royals — Mike Minor has been repeatedly mentioned as an option in the Royals’ closer committee, but it wasn’t until last night that he got his first save — by striking out the side to end the Indians’ historic winning streak. He’s been better than Brandon Maurer and Kelvin Herrera, so it only makes sense to slot him in with Scott Alexander as the save favorites.

Updated hierarchy: *Alexander | Minor | Maurer.
* = closer-by-committee

Cincinnati Reds — Wandy Peralta hasn’t pitched in two weeks, sidelined with a hip injury. Kevin Shackelford, who led the Reds’ AAA affiliate in saves this season, has stepped up in Peralta’s absence with eight straight scoreless appearances.

Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Shackelford.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Alex Wilson — Shane Greene has pitched in two in a row (45 pitches).
2. Kevin Shackelford — The top two Reds options both got five outs on Friday night.
3. Chris Devenski — Ken Giles has gone in three straight.

Sunday:
1. Addison Reed — Craig Kimbrel has gone in two straight (39 pitches). He’s still likely to pitch if needed on Saturday because none of the top options are well-rested.
2. C.J. Edwards/Pedro Strop — Wade Davis threw 25 pitches on Friday and probably won’t go three in a row.
3. Tommy Hunter — Same with Alex Colome (31 pitches).