September 19, 2017
Boston Red Sox – After Doug Fister only managed to get six outs, the Red Sox emptied their bullpen amidst a slugfest against the Orioles. The game went to extras, and after the Sox took the lead in the 11th, Carson Smith earned his first save of the season. Smith was the 10th Boston pitcher of the game and is unlikely to get any additional save chances down the stretch.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Reed | Kelly.
Miami Marlins – Before Monday night’s game, the Marlins said that Brad Ziegler was available to pitch, having apparently recovered from a nagging back injury. But the team wouldn’t need him, as they ran out to a huge lead against the Mets, allowing Vance Worley to pitch the final three innings and earn his first save of the year. Worley does not figure into the usual late inning plans in Miami.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.
San Diego Padres – While the Padres remain hopeful that Phil Maton can be the team’s future closer, he hasn’t pitched in many high-leverage spots lately. Instead, Craig Stammen and Buddy Baumann have been sharing the 7th inning, bridging the gap between the starters and set-up man Kirby Yates. If you’re in a super-deep league and are looking for holds, we’re guessing these guys are available.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Yates | Stammen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Brad Brach – Zach Britton has gone back to back games (2.1 IP).
2. Joe Kelly – Craig Kimbrel and Addison Reed have both pitched in four of five.
Tomorrow
1. Brad Brach/Mychal Givens/Darren O’Day – See above. Britton, Brach, Givens, and O’Day have all gone in back to back games, so monitor who is used tonight to see who will be available tomorrow.
2. Addison Reed/Joe Kelly – See above. Monitor tonight’s usage to see who will be available tomorrow.
3. Chris Hatcher/Santiago Casilla – If Blake Treinen and Chris Hatcher go tonight, it’ll be three straight. Monitor usage to see who will be available tomorrow.
4. Dellin Betances/David Robertson – Aroldis Chapman pitched 1.2 innings last night, and Dellin Betances has gone in back to back games. Monitor usage to see who will be available tomorrow.
5. Kirby Yates/Craig Stammen/Buddy Baumann – Brad Hand, Kirby Yates, and Craig Stammen have all gone back to back. Monitor usage to see who will be available tomorrow.
