San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart

Closer1st in line2nd in line2025 CloserUpdated
SDRobert SuarezYuki MatsuiWandy PeraltaRobert Suarez3/12/24
(IL)

* = closer-by-committee

Previous updates:

March 11, 2024

San Diego Padres –  In Kevin Acee’s Padres Notes for the San Diego Union-Tribune, he shared Robert Suarez took a comeback batted ball off his shin, but should be fine. He’s getting imaging as a precaution. Both he and Yuki Matsui, are slated to appear in Wednesday’s Cactus League contest. 

March 10, 2024

San Diego PadresPer the Padres’ injuries and roster moves page on MLB.com, Yuki Matsui faced five hitters, retiring four of them on Sunday during live batting practice and could appear in a Cactus League game this week, which would put him back on track for being available on Opening Day in South Korea. He last appeared in a game on February 22. 

March 6, 2024

San Diego Padres – In AJ Cassavell’s Padres questions remain post for MLB.com, he questions if Yuki Matsui will be ready for Opening Day. If not, he will resume his set-up role during the first full week of the regular season, though back issues can linger. 

March 5, 2024

San Diego Padres –  A much better outing on Tuesday for Robert Suarez. He worked a scoreless seventh inning, giving up a hit and striking out two on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) while producing four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). He’s also featured by AJ Cassavell for MLB.com, titled ready to be the Padres closer. Kevin Acee, of The San Diego Union-Tribune, also reported Yuki Matsui threw a 30 pitch bullpen session, but the reliever would not speculate on his availability on Opening Day in South Korea. 

March 5, 2024

San Diego PadresMaking good progress after a back strain, Yuki Matsui will participate in Wednesday’s workout and could appear in two exhibition games before Opening Day per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune

March 2, 2024

San Diego PadresSomehow, Robert Suarez turned in a scoreless appearance despite allowing two hits and two walks, while striking out one for a scoreless sixth. He got credit for his first spring hold, but it was eventful. Through three games, he owns a 3:4 K:BB with a 4.29 WHIP, less than optimal.

March 2, 2024

San Diego Padres – Once again, Jeff Sanders providing an update about Yuki Matsui. In this post for The San Diego Union-Tribune, the southpaw reliever has resumed “light catch” and participated in running/jogging drills Friday morning. 

February 29, 2024

San Diego Padres – In this post by Jeff Sanders, of The San Diego Union-Tribune, he provided a roster projection for the relievers, with one spot remaining. He also noted Yuki Matsui will resume throwing on Thursday (February 29) or Friday (March 1). His roster projection does not include spring breakout, Jeremiah Estrada, but he may be worth tracking in deeper formats during the season, especially if injuries occur in the leverage ladder, which are inevitable. 

February 26, 2024

San Diego Padres – Per Dennis Lim of The Athletic on “X”, the MRI of Yuki Matsui showed no damage, but there’s no word on when he will return to game action. 

February 22, 2024

San Diego Padres – A nice debut in Spring Training for Yuki Matsui. He fired a clean fourth inning, striking out the side on 12 pitches against the Dodgers. 

September 28, 2023
San Diego Padres — The Padres’ big three all did their jobs to keep the game tied, and in the tenth inning, it was lefty Tom Cosgrove who earned his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Suarez | Barlow.

September 11, 2023
San Diego Padres – Robert Suarez returns today from his 10-game suspension and should slot back in to his previous high-leverage role.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Suarez | Barlow.

September 1, 2023
San Diego Padres — Robert Suarez has dropped his appeal of a 10-game suspension issued over foreign-substance use on the mound. Suarez began serving it Thursday. For the time being, expect Nick Martinez to gather some late-inning holds when the Padres have a slim lead.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Barlow | Martinez.

August 31, 2023
San Diego Padres — Steven Wilson was placed on the injured list with right hip inflammation, giving Scott Barlow another chance at high-leverage work. Barlow pitched a solid seventh and eighth with a one-run lead on Wednesday, only to see a rare Josh Hader blown save in the ninth. 

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Suarez | Barlow.

August 24, 2023
San Diego Padres – Robert Suarez is facing a 10-game suspension after being ejected from Wednesday’s game following a foreign substance check. We’ll let you know when the suspension becomes official.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Suarez | Wilson.

August 17, 2023
San Diego Padres – Scott Barlow has had a rough start to his Padres career, allowing 9 runs across his first four appearances, and while he’s settled down since (three scoreless innings this week), the Padres are still using Robert Suarez as their primary setup man. Barlow could ascend there if he gets himself sorted, but for now, we’ll bump him down a few notches until he sees some higher-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Suarez | Wilson.

August 2, 2023
San Diego Padres — The Padres traded for Royals closer Scott Barlow on Tuesday, giving them an experienced option for saves should Josh Hader be unavailable. We’ll see if the Padres simply deploy Barlow in the eighth or use him in a high-leverage spot regardless of inning.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Barlow | Suarez.

July 21, 2023
San Diego Padres — Robert Suarez has finally been activated off the injured list and should make his season debut soon. Last offseason, he received a $46 million deal to stay with the Padres, so it’s presumed he’ll be used for high-leverage work. If Thursday’s usage is any indication, Steven Wilson pitched the seventh inning with a one-run deficit and Josh Hader, Nick Martinez and Suarez never pitched in a game the Padres never had a lead. So we’ll make that swap in the hierarchy, though Suarez could be eased in, too. Stay tuned.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Suarez.

July 20, 2023
San Diego Padres — Steven Wilson has returned from the injured list and immediately resumed his high-leverage role, earning two holds this week.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Wilson.

July 6, 2023
San Diego Padres — It hasn’t been Luis Garcia pitching more high-leverage innings with Steven Wilson out; it’s been rookie lefty Tom Cosgrove, back from his own IL stint and boasting a 0.59 WHIP through 20.1 innings.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Cosgrove.

June 29, 2023
San Diego Padres — Steven Wilson, who has been extremely effective this season in middle relief, went on the IL, retroactive to June 25, with a right pectoral strain. Luis Garcia is likely to inherit Wilson’s role.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Garcia.

May 2, 2023
San Diego Padres – Domingo Tapia pitched the 8th inning with the Padres up by 3, then stayed on for the 9th once they stretched the lead even further to earn his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Martinez | Wilson.

April 30, 2023
San Diego Padres — Nick Martinez pitched two scoreless innings with five strikeouts yesterday to pick up his first save of the season.  Martinez started the year in the starting rotation but recently moved to the bullpen and since then, he has two scoreless appareances while recording a win and a save.  Martinez closed for a bit last year Josh Hader was sorting things out and it looks like he will serve in a set-up role now that he is back in the bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Wilson.

March 30, 2023
San Diego PadresRobert Suarez (arm stiffness) will join Drew Pomeranz on the injured list to start the year, leaving the seventh inning to the likes of Steven Wilson, Nabil Crismatt, and lefty Tim Hill.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Garcia | Wilson.

March 16, 2023
San Diego Padres – The Padres will begin the year with a stable corps of high-leverage relievers, led by closer Josh Hader and setup man Robert Suarez. Luis Garcia and Tim Hill will compete for the seventh-inning role, with Drew Pomeranz potentially factoring into late-inning plans once he returns from injury.

Starting 2023 hierarchy: Hader | Suarez | Garcia.
Holds candidates: Suarez, Garcia, Hill.

September 14, 2022
San Diego Padres — Josh Hader now has the Padres’ last three saves after he locked down a 2-0 win on Tuesday. That, combined with the fact that Nick Martinez hasn’t pitched since last Wednesday, is enough to drop the asterisk.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Garcia.

September 8, 2022
San Diego Padres — Josh Hader converted a second straight save opportunity on Wednesday, with Nick Martinez pitching the eighth in front of him. It was Hader’s first 1-2-3 inning in over a month. There’s been no official word on a move, but you know the Padres didn’t bring Hader to San Diego to set up a converted starter. We’ll toss a committee asterisk on here to account for the transition, but the job is  again Hader’s to lose.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Martinez | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee

September 1, 2022
San Diego Padres — With Nick Martinez unavailable, it was indeed Josh Hader (predicted in the Vulture Save Watch) who got the shot to convert a one-run save on Wednesday. Bob Melvin is hoping the experience will help Hader overcome his recent struggles.

Hierarchy remains: Martinez | Garcia | Hader.

August 30, 2022
San Diego Padres – After Nick Martinez earned a save on Monday, the Padres sent him out to protect a three-run ninth-inning lead on Tuesday. Martinez allowed a two-run homer but was able to convert his eighth save of the year. Yesterday we said we’d be quick to pull the asterisk with another Martinez save and we’re staying true to our word, though he will most likely get today off.

Updated hierarchy: Martinez | Garcia | Hader.

August 30, 2022
San Diego Padres – Before Monday’s game, Bob Melvin said that Nick Martinez was his preferred closer for the time being, and then went to Martinez in the 9th inning, whereupon the righty picked up his 7th save of the year. Melvin also said he wants to give Josh Hader (who after another awful outing Sunday has a 23.14 ERA with the Padres) more regular work, and Luis Garcia is still in the mix on occasion, but we’ll be quick to pull this asterisk if Martinez gets another save or two.

Updated hierarchy: *Martinez | Garcia | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

August 28, 2022
San Diego Padres – Nick Martinez pitched a scoreless 9th inning for his 6th save of the season.  Martinez has not allowed any runs in August, spanning 13.2 innings, and has really settled in to his relief role.  Luis Garcia picked up the first save after Josh Hader was removed from the closer’s job but Martinez now has recorded the last two.  This appears to be moving towards a committee so we will throw the asterisk on there and monitor it to see how it all shakes out.  

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Martinez | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

August 22, 2022
San Diego Padres – With Luis Garcia having pitched in two straight, Nick Martinez got the 9th inning opportunity for San Diego on Sunday, and converted for his 5th save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Garcia | Martinez | Hader.

August 21, 2022
San Diego Padres – After announcing that Josh Hader would get a break from closing, the Padres sent Luis Garcia out for the 9th inning to try and protect a one-run lead.  Garcia responded with a scoreless inning for his 3rd save of the season.  Garcia should continue to see save chances until Hader can get back to his old self.  

Updated hierarchy: Garcia | Martinez | Hader.

August 20, 2022
San Diego Padres – We told you this morning to expect the Padres to demote Josh Hader, and they did just that, as Bob Melvin announced that they will give Hader “a break” from closing in order to get him some more regular work. Luis Garcia should be the first Padre given a chance to close games, with Nick Martinez also in the mix.

Updated hierarchy: Garcia | Martinez | Hader.

August 20, 2022
San Diego Padres – Things continue to get worse for Josh Hader. Brought into a tie game in the 9th, he gave up a walk, then threw the ball away on a grounder, which allowed the runner to score from first. Then to add injury to injury, he gave up a 2 run shot to Alex Call before getting pulled. Hader ended up with the loss, and has now given up more of his own runs (6) than he has recorded outs in his last 3 appearances (4). People are pointing to a change in arm slot as a potential source of his problems, and he doesn’t have much time to fix it as the Padres are now just one game ahead of the Brewers for the final wild car spot in the NL. We are watching for an announcement that Hader will get lower leverage work, and will alert if one gets made, but it may be time to get ahead of the game and grab Luis Garcia.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Garcia | Martinez.

August 19, 2022
San Diego Padres – Where has Josh Hader been? The all-star closer acquired in a shocking deal at the deadline appeared in a game Thursday for the first time in NINE days. He wasn’t very sharp, allowing two inherited runners to score in a tie game in the ninth inning, handing the loss to starter Yu Darvish. His previous appearance was a bit of a meltdown, in which he allowed three runs while trying to protect a three-run lead to blow the save Aug. 9. He still does not have a save for San Diego (though he does have a win) and currently holds an 8.10 ERA with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts in his 3.1 IP with the Padres.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Garcia | Martinez.

August 19, 2022
San Diego Padres – Where has Josh Hader been? The all-star closer acquired in a shocking deal at the deadline appeared in a game Thursday for the first time in NINE days. He wasn’t very sharp, allowing two inherited runners to score in a tie game in the ninth inning, handing the loss to starter Yu Darvish. His previous appearance was a bit of a meltdown, in which he allowed three runs while trying to protect a three-run lead to blow the save Aug. 9. He still does not have a save for San Diego (though he does have a win) and currently holds an 8.10 ERA with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts in his 3.1 IP with the Padres.

Hierarchy remains: Hader | Garcia | Martinez.

August 1, 2022
San Diego Padres – The Padres made a big splash on Monday afternoon, acquiring star closer Josh Hader for Taylor Rogers, Dinelson Lamet, and two prospects. Hader will immediately move in to the 9th inning role in San Diego.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Garcia | Martinez.

August 1, 2022
San Diego Padres – The first post-Taylor Rogers save chance went to Luis Garcia on Sunday, and the righty converted with a perfect 9th inning. Garcia was the leading candidate to take this job over, and if he has a run of success out of the gate, he’s got every shot of keeping it. This situation remains fluid, but for now, Garcia is the best arm to own here.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Martinez | Crismatt.
* = closer-by-committee

July 31, 2022
San Diego Padres
— The Padres will give Taylor Rogers a break from closing and go with a committee to replace him.  Luis Garcia should be in the mix for saves along with Nick Martinez, who was recently placed on the paternity list, Nabil Crismatt, and lefty Adrian Morejon, who has some impressive stuff.  We will see if the Padres trade for a closer at the deadline or if Rogers can work his way back to the closer’s role.

Updated hierarchy:  Garcia | Martinez | Crismatt.
* = closer-by-committee

July 28, 2022
San Diego Padres
— Taylor Rogers blew another save on Wednesday, his sixth in a 22-game stretch that has been as awful as the first 20 games were fantastic. Questioned after the game, he defended his performance (“tied for the [league] lead” in saves), but manager Bob Melvin said he would consider a closer change “down the road.” That usually means “after I get a chance to tell the guy to his face,” so we expect an announcement before Friday’s game. We like Luis Garcia a little bit better than Nick Martinez, but the two will probably split chances if Rogers gets a break. Watch this space.

Hierarchy remains: Rogers | Garcia | Martinez.

July 27, 2022
San Diego Padres
— After Taylor Rogers blew a one-run lead in the ninth, the Padres retook the lead in the 10th and gave the ball to Nick Martinez for the save. Martinez converted for his fourth save of the season, though it was his first save of less than three innings. Martinez, who has a pair of eighth-inning holds this month, is becoming a go-to reliever for the Padres, especially against lefties.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Garcia | Martinez.

July 9, 2022
San Diego Padres — Quick, which Padres reliever has the most saves since June 20? If you said Nick Martinez, you’d be right. Martinez recorded another 3 inning save last night. Martinez now has 3 saves and a win in 6 appearances out of the bullpen, which is a remarkable decision rate, however he is more likely to end up back in the rotation than he is to consistently see save and hold chances.

Hierarchy remains: Rogers | Garcia | Crismatt.

June 30, 2022
San Diego Padres — Another Wednesday, another long save for Nick Martinez. Only 20 more to go to catch Taylor Rogers.

Hierarchy remains: Rogers | Garcia | Crismatt.

June 23, 2022
San Diego Padres — With a big lead, the Padres turned to Nick Martinez, who reinvented himself during a stint in Japan. Martinez got 11 outs for his first major-league save.

Hierarchy remains: Rogers | Garcia | Crismatt.

June 8, 2022
San Diego Padres — The Padres placed Robert Suarez on the IL Tuesday with a right knee injury, which means we’ll place Nabil Crismatt on our hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Garcia | Crismatt.

May 21, 2022
San Diego Padres — Taylor Rogers got a rest after throwing 27 pitches on Thursday, but Luis Garcia couldn’t hold onto a 2 run lead in the 9th. When the Padres took the lead back in the 10th it was Robert Suarez who was left to pick up his first save on the year. Suarez has been a solid reliever for the Padres, and has made some high leverage appearances, and with Steven Wilson getting optioned to AAA, he joins the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Garcia | Suarez.

May 7, 2022
San Diego Padres — The Vulture Save Watch connected again with Taylor Rogers getting the night off. Robert Suarez got the 8th inning ahead of Steven Wilson, who gave up a single and a walk, but closed the door for his first save. Rogers should be good to go for the rest of the weekend.

Hierarchy Remains: Rogers | Wilson | Garcia.

May 5, 2022
San Diego Padres — In a doubleheader on Wednesday, Robert Suarez blew a save in a loss and Luis Garcia pitched a scoreless eighth in a win. We’ll bump Suarez out of the hierarchy for now.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Wilson | Garcia.

April 24, 2022
San Diego Padres — With Pierce Johnson on the IL with forearm tendinitis, Steven Wilson pitched a perfect 7th inning to pick up his 4th hold of the season.  The rookie has been pitching well out of the Padres’ bullpen and should see more time in the later innings.  Robert Suarez got the win in extras last night and has now strung together 4 straight scoreless appearances, including 7 strikeouts over 4.2 innings.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Suarez | Wilson.

April 10, 2022
San Diego Padres — Pierce Johnson pitched a scoreless 8th inning ahead of closer Taylor Rogers yesterday.  Johnson now has two 8th inning holds and that is enough to get him onto our hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Suarez | Johnson.

April 8, 2022
San Diego Padres — Before Opening Day, the Padres swung a deal for lefty Taylor Rogers and manager Bob Melvin confirmed Rogers would be his closer. Unfortunately, Rogers was unavailable and that proved costly for San Diego. Robert Suarez, the favorite for saves before the Rogers trade, had a disastrous debut. He faced three batters, walking the first two and hitting the third. He also mixed in a wild pitch before he was pulled in favor of Craig Stammen, who threw a wild pitch of his own before allowing a game-ending home run. Yikes! Rogers arrives at the right time and we’ll get rid of that committee label.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Suarez | Lamet.

April 7, 2022
San Diego Padres — Taylor Rogers should start the year at the top of the Padres’ hierarchy after the team acquired him on Thursday, but we’ll keep an eye out to see how Bob Melvin deploys his bullpen in the early stages of the season. One thing we know for sure is Emilio Pagan will not be part of Melvin’s plans, as he is off to Minnesota.

Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Suarez | Lamet.
* = closer-by-committee

March 30, 2022
San Diego Padres — Bob Melvin has said he wants to name a closer by the start of the season but he might end up with a committee to start the season.  Robert Suarez and Emilio Pagan are likely to be part of that committee but one guy to keep an eye on is Dinelson Lamet.  We have seen a number of starters move to the bullpen with great success and Lamet has a chance to be another example of that.  We will slide Lamet onto the hierarchy and continue to monitor this situation — which, yes, also includes Pierce Johnson, the Curveball King.

Updated hierarchy: *Suarez | Pagan | Lamet.
* = closer-by-committee

March 24, 2022
San Diego Padres — Somehow the Padres went the last 7 1/2 weeks of the 2021 season without a bullpen update, which we’re going to go ahead and claim is a record. Expect the opposite this season. Mark Melancon’s departure for Phoenix has left San Diego without an obvious closer for the first time in 30 seasons. The top candidate is probably Robert Suarez, who led the Japan Central League in saves the last two years; also in the mix are ex-Ray Emilio Pagan, fireballers Dinelson Lamet and Luis Garcia, and (once he recovers from flexor tendon surgery) Drew Pomeranz. We’ll throw a committee tag on here to start, but it may be worth speculating that Suarez grabs the job.

Starting 2022 hierarchy: *Suarez | Pagan | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Pagan, Garcia, Tim Hill, Austin Adams.

August 12, 2021
San Diego Padres — Daniel Hudson made his long-awaited San Diego debut, and it could have gone better. A single, a double, and two walks chased Hudson after 18 pitches. With Drew Pomeranz headed back to the injured list, Hudson should be a big part of the Padre bullpen, and he’ll have nowhere to go but up after today.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Hudson.

August 11, 2021
San Diego Padres —  Drew Pomeranz had to leave Tuesday’s game after recording two outs in the eighth inning with forearm tightness, an issue he’s been dealing with all season. The good news is that Daniel Hudson, who had been on the COVID IL, is expected to finally be available to pitch for his new team on Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

July 31, 2021
San Diego Padres —  The Padres made a small move to help out the back of their bullpen, acquiring Daniel Hudson from the Washington Nationals. Hudson is currently on the COVID IL, but he was having an excellent July prior to being traded. We will see how he gets used in San Diego when he returns from the IL, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he challenged for a hierarchy spot quickly.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

July 30, 2021
San Diego Padres — After coming this close to acquiring Max Scherzer from the Nationals, the Padres were outdone by their division rival Dodgers. Since they were already talking with Washington, the Padres went ahead and struck a deal for Daniel Hudson, who is currently on the COVID-19 injured list. San Diego has a deep bullpen, but Hudson could compete for holds when he’s healthy.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

July 18, 2021
San Diego Padres — The Padres activated Drew Pomeranz from the IL.  He should immediately jump back into his spot on the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

July 10, 2021
San Diego Padres — The Padres placed Drew Pomeranz on the IL yesterday with forearm inflammation. Pomeranz has been excellent when healthy, but has had trouble staying on the active roster this year. Although we would love to add Daniel Camarena to the hierarchy after his heroics at the plate the other night, we will go with Austin Adams, who picked up the 8th inning hold last night.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Adams.

July 9, 2021
San Diego Padres — We love relievers here at Closer Monkey, but this update isn’t about what a reliever did on the mound. Daniel Camarena, a 28-year-old rookie reliever, slugged a grand slam Thursday off future Hall-of-Famer Max Scherzer for his first career hit! He’s the first reliever to hit a grand slam in 36 years! Plus, his older brother was in attendance and understandably went nuts. Well done, sir. Great moment.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

July 1, 2021
San Diego Padres — For pitching the bottom of the fifth in a game that was called before the start of the sixth, Tim Hill earned a save of sorts.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

June 30, 2021
San Diego Padres — The Padres activated Drew Pomeranz on Tuesday and he earned a seventh-inning hold in his first appearance since May 9. The lefty was off to a good start before hitting the IL and should once again be a factor in the late innings for San Diego.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

June 23, 2021
San Diego Padres — With guys like Emilio Pagan and Craig Stammen unavailable on Tuesday, the Padres had to turn to Nabil Crismatt and rookie Mason Thompson to get the ball to Mark Melancon. Thompson, in his MLB debut, came into the eighth inning with two outs and a two-run lead.. He threw a wild pitch during a leadoff walk, but bounced back to induce an inning-ending groundout. It remains to be seen if Thompson gets any more high-leverage work this year, but he could be a candidate to close next season.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Stammen.

June 12, 2021
San Diego Padres — In this, our eleventh season of bullpen updates, Joe Beimel has been mentioned just once, six years ago, in a post that marked his first save since six years before that. Well, Beimel’s back, baby, pitching in the mid-90s at age 44 and headed to Double-A San Antonio. See you again in 2027, Joe!

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Stammen.

May 30, 2021
San Diego Padres — Miguel Diaz picked up a 12th-inning save for the Padres, who scored a run in the eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th en route to their victory. Diaz has been solid this season in relief, but shouldn’t be factor in the Padres’ usual late-inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Stammen.

May 20, 2021
San Diego Padres — It’s Craig Stammen who’s been getting the late-inning work in Drew Pomeranz’s absence, pitching ahead of Emilio Pagan twice over the weekend and then getting the eighth inning with a three-run lead on Wednesday.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Stammen.

May 14, 2021
San Diego Padres – Drew Pomeranz (lat tightness) was placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday. Tim Hill could factor into the late-innings mix more often now.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Hill.

May 4, 2021
San Diego Padres – Drew Pomeranz continued his strong season with a clean, 2-strikeout 8th inning ahead of Mark Melancon. Emilio Pagan has been perfectly decent — and the placement of these two might be trivial if the Padres decide on a committee approach should Melancon miss time — but for now, we’re moving Pomeranz (1.54 ERA, 20 Ks in 11.2 IP) ahead in the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pomeranz | Pagan.

April 19, 2021
San Diego Padres – Mark Melancon got his sixth save on Sunday and seems locked in to the ninth inning role. Emilio Pagan and Drew Pomeranz are still good relievers to own, but they’ll likely only get chances when Melancon is unavailable. We’re removing the asterisk.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

April 16, 2021
San Diego Padres — Craig Stammen pitched the final three innings of the team’s 8-3 victory Thursday to earn his first save of the season in unconventional style. He shouldn’t factor into the team’s late-inning plans very often.

Hierarchy remains: *Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
* = closer-by-committee

April 4, 2021
San Diego Padres — The Padres recorded their third save in three days, but this one was of the three-inning variety with the Padres cruising to a 7-0 win.  Ryan Weathers, son of former reliever David Weathers, struck out three over three scoreless innings to pick up his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: *Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
* = closer-by-committee

April 3, 2021
San Diego Padres — For the second day in a row, Mark Melancon got the save opportunity, with Emiliano Pagan in a setup role. Manager Jayce Tingler has said the Padres will use different combinations in the late innings, but he’s turned to Melancon for the first two save chances, and Melancon may be creating some separation from the other options. He could produce significant value for this very strong Padres team.

Hierarchy remains: *Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
* = closer-by-committee

April 2, 2021
San Diego Padres – While “club sources” hinted that Emilio Pagan would likely be the closer to start the year, manager Jayce Tingler seemed to indicate something very different Thursday. Pagan pitched the seventh inning in a tie game and Drew Pomeranz went into the game with a one-run lead in the eighth inning, leaving Mark Melancon with a clean save chance, which he converted with a seven-pitch ninth inning. Pagan’s appearance suggests he’ll still see high-leverage looks, but perhaps as a relief ace type and not necessarily as the save-getter. After the game, manager Jayce Tingler said as much, citing who would pitch the seventh inning as the most important bullpen decision he made. He added, “You may see some different combinations (in the ninth inning).” We’ll slide Melancon to the top for now, and because of the relative uncertainty, let’s put a committee tag on this until we see Melancon (or someone else) take hold of the closer role.

Updated hierarchy: *Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
* = closer-by-committee

March 24, 2021
San Diego Padres – Emilio Pagan might well be the Padres closer when the season begins, beat writer Kevin Acee recently reported. Pagan pitched with an injury last year but is healthy this spring and has experience closing. Manager Jayce Tingler has admitted he would prefer one guy get the job “in an ideal world,” and many within the organization say they assume Pagan will be that guy, Acee reported. Couple that with the fact that Drew Pomeranz is dealing with tightness and inflammation in his arm, and we’re looking at a shuffled hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Pagan | Melancon | Pomeranz.

March 5, 2021
San Diego Padres – The Padres may not be in on Josh Hader right now but they do have several options to pitch the ninth inning. San Diego signed both Mark Melancon and Keone Kela in February, and Melancon seems more likely than Kela to end up as the closer. Don’t forget about Drew Pomeranz and Emilio Pagan, both of whom closed at one time or another last year.

Starting 2021 hierarchy: Melancon | Kela | Pomeranz.
Holds candidates: Kela, Pomeranz, Pagan
.

September 11, 2020
San Diego Padres – Emilio Pagan is back from the injured list and should be in the mix in the late innings behind Trevor Rosenthal. Taylor Williams, who was acquired from the Mariners before the deadline, was sent down to the team’s alternate training site in a corresponding move.

Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Pomeranz | Pagan.

September 10, 2020
San Diego Padres – With a 1 run lead going into the 7th, and everyone (mostly) rested we got a clean look at how the Padres intend to use their bullpen in close games. They started with Dan Altavilla, who was just picked up in a trade from the Mariners. He pitched a clean inning and turned it over to Drew Pomeranz, who was activated from the IL last week. Pomeranz worked around a pair of singles to escape the inning, which left the save to recently acquired Trevor Rosenthal, who converted for his second save as a Padre. After losing Kirby Yates to surgery, the Padres were aggressive at the trade deadline to bolster their bullpen, and we think last night’s game is a good indication of how they will line up when everyone is rested. 

Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Pomeranz | Altavilla.

September 3, 2020
San Diego Padres – Emilio Pagan was placed on the IL with a biceps injury yesterday. He had picked up a few saves as the interim closer, but with the acquisition of Trevor Rosenthal and the activation of Drew Pomeranz, Pagan was bumped down in the hierarchy. We think based on recent usage Pierce Johnson, who is riding a seven-game scoreless streak, would be the long shot for vulture saves at this point. 

Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Pomeranz | Johnson.

August 29, 2020
San Diego Padres – The Padres traded for Trevor Rosenthal on Saturday to improve their bullpen. We expect him to close right away, with Emilio Pagan to be the primary setup man.

Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Pagan | Stammen.

August 24, 2020
San Diego Padres – With Kirby Yates and Drew Pomeranz sidelined, it seems that Emilio Pagan will be The Guy for the Padres for the time being; he got the 9th for the third straight time on Sunday, converting for his second save. We’re kicking his short-lived asterisk.

Updated hierarchy: Pagan | Stammen | Quantrill.

August 22, 2020
San Diego Padres — As we warned you Friday morning, Drew Pomeranz wound up on the IL with a shoulder strain. The Padres will play matchups in the ninth, turning to Emilio Pagan, Craig Stammen, Matt Strahm, or Cal Quantrill. Pagan is at the front of that list for a reason; he converted the first opportunity last night.

Updated hierarchy: *Pagan | Stammen | Quantrill.
* = closer-by-committee

August 21, 2020
Slam Diego Padres – Manager Jayce Tingler said Drew Pomeranz is suffering from shoulder tightness and is considered day-to-day. Expect Emilio Pagan to step in for save chances in the interim. This is a situation worth monitoring closely.

Hierarchy remains: *Pomeranz | Pagan | Stammen.
* = closer-by-committee

August 19, 2020
San Diego Padres – Cal Quantrill, who started and threw 66 pitches over 3.2 innings on Saturday, needed only four pitches to earn his first career save on Tuesday. He recorded the final out to strand two runners and preserve a 6-4 win. Quantrill relieved Emilio Pagan, who got the final two outs of the eighth inning and secured the first two outs of the ninth. Closer Drew Pomeranz pitched in the seventh inning, facing the top of the order in a move that Jayce Tingler said was intended to “stop the momentum” of the Rangers. Tingler’s comments suggest that Pomeranz is the desired person to close out games, but based on yesterday’s usage, we’ll make this a committee until further notice.

Hierarchy remains: *Pomeranz | Pagan | Stammen.
* = closer-by-committee

August 16, 2020
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates has officially been placed on the IL, and he had an MRI done that revealed bone chips in his elbow.  Yates will get a second opinion tomorrow.

Hierarchy remains: Pomeranz | Pagan | Stammen.

August 15, 2020
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates exited after just six pitches earlier in the evening and will have an MRI on his elbow. Something has been off with Yates all season long, and whether this injury was a symptom or a cause remains to be seen, but look for Drew Pomeranz to close in his absence.

Updated hierarchy: Pomeranz | Pagan | Stammen.

August 12, 2020
San Diego Padres – The Padres had a 6-1 lead entering Tuesday’s ninth inning but still had to call upon Drew Pomeranz for the save, as the Dodgers  had the tying run on deck after cutting their deficit to 6-2. Pomeranz needed just one pitch to preserve the victory. After the game, Jayce Tingler explained why he went to Pomeranz and not Kirby Yates and said that we could see Yates, who has been experiencing soreness, today if needed.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Pomeranz | Pagan.

August 11, 2020
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates has struggled mightily this season, but that wasn’t the reason that he was held out of the 9th in favor of Drew Pomeranz yesterday. Rather, it was that he was experiencing soreness before the game and held out as a precaution. Pomeranz, who picked up the same, remains a strong middle relief option and good speculative add.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Pomeranz | Pagan.

August 1, 2020
San Diego Padres — Kirby Yates is on the hot seat after a wild ninth inning that saw him nearly give back a three-run lead the Padres had been gifted by Wade Davis. Drew Pomeranz stepped in to save the night, and is knocking on the door of the ninth inning, as Yates just looks like a totally different pitcher this season. Alarmingly, he’s given up half of the earned runs he allowed last season, in only 4% of the innings.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Pomeranz | Pagan.

July 29, 2020
San Diego Padres — With the Padres leading the Giants by two runs in the ninth inning, Jayce Tingler turned to Drew Pomeranz, not Kirby Yates, to close out the game, which Pomeranz did by striking out the side on 14 pitches. Yates last pitched on Sunday, taking the loss in his second straight outing. Tingler confirmed after Tuesday’s game that he simply wanted to give Yates an extra day of rest. We’ll move Pomeranz ahead of Emilio Pagan, who worked the eighth inning on Tuesday.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Pomeranz | Pagan.

July 20, 2020
San Diego Padres — Andres Munoz is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Pagan | Pomeranz.

February 26, 2020
San Diego Padres — Kirby Yates had an exceptional 2019 and will look to continue that success in 2020. Leading the majors with 41 saves, Yates was a dominant force whenever the Padres could get him the ball. Behind Yates, the Padres had a lot of trouble finding any consistency and looked to address that in the offseason with the additions of Drew Pomeranz and Emilio Pagan. Pagan was a solid reliever, and even spent time closing, for Tampa, while Pomeranz made up for a rough tenure as a starter in San Francisco with a strong second half of the season as a reliever in Milwaukee. Both will look to be bridge options for the Padres in 2020. Waiting in the wings is fireballer Andres Munoz. Munoz exploded onto the scene with eight scoreless appearances before struggling a bit down the stretch, but with a 100 MPH fastball and a plus slider, he projects as a top reliever going forward. Yates is certainly the closer, but with no contract extension, he could find himself traded before the deadline if San Diego is out of contention.

Starting 2020 hierarchy: Yates | Pagan | Munoz.
Holds candidates: Pagan, Munoz, Pomeranz, Craig Stammen.

August 30, 2019
San Diego Padres — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Kirby Yates was rested Thursday, making way for Andres Munoz to convert the first save chance of his career. He became the youngest Padre ever to record a save. It’ll likely be the first of many in the future for the promising youngster.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Munoz | Stammen.

August 14, 2019
San Diego Padres — Craig Stammen has struggled lately, having allowed a run in each of his last three appearances. That includes one run in the sixth inning last night, which was unearned because of a throwing error Stammen himself committed. If Kirby Yates is unavailable, it makes sense to let potential future closer Andres Munoz have a crack at the ninth inning over Stammen.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Munoz | Stammen.

August 3, 2019
San Diego Padres — Kirby Yates has been excellent for San Diego this year and that continued when he picked up his 32nd save last night. However, the Padres have been searching for a way to get him the ball, and young fireballer Andres Munoz looks ready to bridge that gap. He pitched another clean inning last night, striking out one and maintaining his 0.00 ERA. Munoz may not see save chances right away, but he has closer of the future written all over him.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Munoz.

July 31, 2019
San Diego Padres — Will Kirby Yates be closing games in San Diego after today? Jon Heyman reports that the Padres are still fielding calls on Yates but the two sides have also discussed an extension. If a team does meet the high price tag and San Diego does trade Yates, Craig Stammen should take over the ninth inning while Andres Munoz would be worth stashing as a potential closer of the future.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Perdomo.

July 19, 2019
San Diego Padres — Highly regarded relief prospect Andres Munoz was recently called up after showing big strikeout potential in the minors (14.6 K/9). So far, the 20-year-old fireballer has done fine work in the big leagues (4.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 Ks, 0.00 ERA), including two shutout innings with three strikeouts Thursday, with two pitches over 102 mph! He’s starting to climb most-added lists in fantasy leagues, partly because the allure of the young swing-and-miss arm is enticing, but he can help a team’s ratios and might move his way up the Padres’ bullpen depth chart before long.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Perdomo.

June 29, 2019
San Diego Padres — With a one-run lead in the seventh inning, the Padres gave the ball to Luis Perdomo. He pitched a clean inning to record his third hold in his last four appearances. Perdomo has allowed just one run in June and is riding a nine-game scoreless streak. While Trey Wingenter hasn’t been bad, Perdomo has been getting the higher-leverage looks lately.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Perdomo.

June 27, 2019
San Diego Padres — Craig Stammen got the last out of the eighth with the bases loaded and a five-run lead, and that qualified him for a save when he finished up the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.

June 20, 2019
San Diego Padres — As we predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kirby Yates got Wednesday afternoon off after earning a save each of the last three days, so Craig Stammen navigated a nervy ninth inning for his third save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.

May 30, 2019
San Diego Padres — Over his last three appearances, Adam Warren has allowed seven runs and retired seven batters, not the ratio you want in a middle reliever. He’s fallen behind Trey Wingenter — back from the IL with three straight scoreless outings — and former top prospect Matt Wisler.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.

May 25, 2019
San Diego Padres – As was predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Craig Stammen got the call to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. He closed out the Blue Jays to earn his second save of the year. Kirby Yates should be available now after two days of rest.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Warren.

May 7, 2019
San Diego Padres – Craig Stammen got the last out of the 8th inning in a 2-run game, then stayed on to pitch the 9th after the Padres extended their lead. It was his first save of the season. Stammen remains the clear handcuff here, but beyond him things are murky, as 7th inning man Trey Wingenter just hit the IL.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Warren.

April 24, 2019
San Diego Padres — Kirby Yates lowered his ERA to 0.69 last night, which is nice.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.

April 12, 2019
San Diego Padres — As predicted by the Vulture Save Watch, Kirby Yates got Thursday off. Craig Stammen did pitch, but it was in a fireman role after the Diamondbacks crawled back from a 6-1 deficit to tie the game. So no save for him unfortunately… but don’t complain too much! He ended up recording one out and got credit for the win when the Padres took the lead in the next half inning. Trey Wingenter cleaned things up in the ninth for his first save.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.

April 4, 2019
San Diego Padres — It appears that 24-year-old Trey Wingenter, who is scaring children on the mound, has moved ahead of Phil Maton in the San Diego bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Wingenter.

February 21, 2019
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates should get the chance to build on his fantastic 2018 and start the year as the Padres’ closer. Craig Stammen should keep his eighth-inning role, with Phil Maton, Jose Castillo, Robert Stock, and newly-signed Aaron Loup also in the setup mix. Matt Strahm is another arm to watch in the late innings, but he has his eye on a rotation spot. Oh, and when Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. lead the Padres to the 2022 title, it’ll be current Sod Poodle Andres Munoz and his 103 MPH fastball striking out Aaron Judge to close out Game 6 at Petco.

Starting 2019 hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Maton.
Holds candidates: Stammen, Maton, Castillo, Loup.

September 4, 2018
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates returned from the bereavement list yesterday, firing a scoreless inning. He’ll resume closing immediately.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Strahm.

September 1, 2018
San Diego Padres — Kirby Yates was placed on bereavement leave and will miss the next few days. Phil Maton and Matt Strahm both picked up holds last night before the Padres scored five runs and took away the save situation. We expect Craig Stammen to get a majority of the save chances while Yates is out.

Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Strahm.

August 11, 2018
San Diego Padres — Lefty Matt Strahm picked up his third hold of the season on Friday. Meanwhile, Phil Maton has not secured a hold since July 23.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Strahm.

July 20, 2018
San Diego Padres — With Brad Hand off to Cleveland, Kirby Yates will take the reins as the new closer for the Padres — at least as long as he remains on the team. Craig Stammen and Phil Maton would be likely to benefit if Yates moves too.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Maton.

July 19, 2018
San Diego Padres — With the departure of Brad Hand to Cleveland, Kirby Yates is best-situated to become the Padres closer.

Updated hierarchy: Yates | Stammen | Maton.

July 4, 2018
San Diego Padres — Kirby Yates went on paternity leave Tuesday and will likely be back on Friday. We also learned after Tuesday’s game that Brad Hand was unavailable due to a family matter, but he is expected to be back on Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

June 14, 2018
San Diego Padres — Keep an eye on Jose Castillo, who struck out all four batters he faced last night — he’s a big 22-year-old lefty with a nasty slider, who sped through AA and AAA this season.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

June 10, 2018
San Diego Padres – For the second time already in June, it was Kirby Yates who got the ninth inning instead of Brad Hand.  Hand faced the 3-4-5 hitters in the Marlins lineup in the eighth inning for his third hold in his past five appearances.  That left Yates for the ninth and he converted his second save.  We aren’t ready to declare this a committee yet, but it’s clear the Padres aren’t afraid to use Hand before the ninth and Yates should continue to see saves in those situations.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

June 4, 2018
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates picked up his first save of the season after Brad Hand faced the heart of the order in the 8th inning. Yates continues to be the Handcuff here.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

May 30, 2018
San Diego Padres – With the 2-3-4 hitters due up for Miami in the eighth inning, Andy Green called on closer Brad Hand to take care of business an inning earlier than usual. Hand retired the side in order, with Yates originally intended to vulture a save until the Padres extended their one-run lead to a five-run advantage. Green mentioned before the season that Hand may not be employed exclusively in the ninth, so this idea isn’t completely out of left field. We’ll see if Green continues to finally follow through on his preseason promise.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

April 20, 2018
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates was activated off the disabled list on Thursday when first eligible. He should resume his role at the back end of the Padres bullpen going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

April 10, 2018
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates was placed on the disabled list yesterday with a right ankle injury. Holds in this bullpen will likely be few and far between, but look for Jordan Lyles to benefit. Craig Stammen moves up as the likely handcuff Hand-cuff.

Updated hierarchy: Hand | Stammen | Lyles.

April 8, 2018
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates left the game after just one pitch last night.  Yates is hoping to avoid a trip to the disabled list, but if he does miss an extended period of time, Kazuhisa Makita could see more time in the later innings.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Stammen.

February 28, 2018
San Diego Padres – The Padres are set at closer with All-Star lefty Brad Hand, though he may not be exclusively deployed in the ninth. Behind Hand, the Padres have plenty of options, with Kirby Yates and Craig Stammen the guys to likely start as the key setup men for manager Andy Green. Keep an eye on Japanese submariner Kazuhisa Makita, whose unique delivery and 80 MPH fastball will be debuting in the majors this year.

Starting 2018 hierarchy: Hand | Yates | Stammen.
Holds candidates: Yates, Stammen, Makita, Phil Maton.

August 11, 2017
San Diego Padres – Brad Hand was called into Thursday’s game in the middle of Joey Votto’s at-bat with a 2-2 count. The Pads were leading, 3-2. Hand walked Votto before allowing a grand slam and then a solo HR. He was charged with just two runs (both home-run hitters) in an otherwise ugly outing. But don’t worry, Hand is not in danger of losing his closer’s role. Thursday’s usage just shows that manager Andy Green is willing to use his best reliever in the most important spot of a game, even in the middle of the at-bat, regardless of the inning.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Maton.

August 8, 2017
San Diego Padres – Following an extended series of injuries, Carter Capps finally returned to the big leagues. Armed with the same somehow-legal delivery but significantly less velocity than before, Capps walked two hitters and gave up three earned runs, meaning his ERA starts out at 40.50. We’ll wait for him to get a few solid outings under his belt before we put him on the hierarchy, but if he can recapture his old form, watch out. Last time he was in the bigs — in 2015 — Capps struck out 58 hitters in 31 innings while posting a 1.16 ERA and 0.81 WHIP.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Maton.

August 6, 2017
San Diego Padres — Brad Hand pitched a perfect ninth inning for his eighth save of the season.  We will kick the committee asterisk, and Hand should continue to excel in any save chances that the Padres get for him.

Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Maton.

July 30, 2017
San Diego Padres — With Brad Hand unavailable yesterday after pitching three game in a row, Kirby Yates recorded his first save of the season.  Phil Maton pitched the eighth inning, so it would appear that Yates is the first choice to close if Hand is dealt.

Updated hierarchy: *Hand | Yates | Maton.
* = closer-by-committee

July 29, 2017
San Diego Padres — Brad Hand picked up his fourth save of the year and ordinarily would kick the committee asterisk. We’re going to keep it just a little longer, though, to account for the uncertainty that could follow if he’s traded. Both Phil Maton and Kirby Yates have been pitching very well and getting late-inning holds ahead of Hand. Maton is younger and could be the team’s closer of the future, while Yates has a better strikeout rate, but could be traded himself. Saturday’s game could be a useful signal, as Hand has gone in three straight. Note that Carter Capps will also be an option when he returns from AAA. If there’s a clear successor anointed, we’ll let you know, but for now, it looks like a continuing committee — unless Hand stays a Padre.

Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Maton | Yates.
* = closer-by-committee

July 27, 2017
San Diego Padres – Brad Hand got the first post-Brandon Maurer save chance and converted. Hand has been sensational of late and should be traded to a contender by Monday. In the meantime, he should continue to be the favorite for saves in San Diego, though Andy Green has said that matchups may dictate that Hand pitch earlier in games.

Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Maton | Yates.
* = closer-by-committee

July 25, 2017
San Diego Padres – Brad Hand is now the likely closer in San Diego after the Brandon Maurer trade, though Hand will also probably be dealt soon, leaving the 9th inning to either Phil Maton, Kirby Yates, or Carter Capps. Yates has the better numbers right now, and hasn’t allowed a run in his last 12 appearances. Maton, 6 years younger, is the likely closer of the future for the Padres, and could get the call if the Padres want to see what he can do. Capps, meanwhile, hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 13 AAA appearances as he makes his way back from injury. With no clear indication from Andy Green as of yet, we’ll watch this situation closely. By not immediately giving the job outright to Hand, it’s possible Green continues using him all over, which would provide a look at who is the favorite for the post-deadline 9th.

Updated hierarchy: *Hand | Maton | Yates.
* = closer-by-committee

July 24, 2017
San Diego Padres – The Padres have dealt Brandon Maurer to the Royals as part of a multi-player swap. Maurer will set up for Kelvin Herrera, and Brad Hand assumes the closer role in San Diego.

Updated hierarchy: Hand | Maton | Yates.

July 24, 2017
San Diego Padres – In what was likely an attempt to showcase him as they continue to field offers, the Padres gave Brad Hand the ninth inning last night, and the lefty responded with a perfect inning. The Padres are still holding firm on their high asking price for Hand, but regardless of what happens, we continue to think that the best reliever on the market is unlikely to see a big shift in value if he’s dealt. He’s a setup man now, and that’s what he’ll probably be come July 31, as well.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Maton.

July 22, 2017
San Diego Padres — The bad Brandon Maurer showed up last night. Up three in the ninth, he got two quick outs, raising the Padres’ win expectancy to 99.6%. Then came a walk, single, and three-run homer. San Diego ultimately came back to win in 11, thanks to two perfect innings from Phil Maton. If Maurer hasn’t killed his value — and if the Padres aren’t asking too much for Brad Hand — Maton and Kirby Yates could be the last arms left here very soon.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Maton.

June 22, 2017
San Diego Padres — It was rookie Phil Maton in the seventh for the Padres on Wednesday night. San Diego trusts him already and, if Brad Hand and/or Brandon Maurer head elsewhere before the trade deadline, Maton could inherit an even more important role.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Hand | Maton.

June 18, 2017
San Diego Padres — Phil Maton came on to get the last two outs of the eleventh inning to secure his first career save.  Brandon Maurer, who blew the save in the ninth, and Brad Hand both appeared earlier in the game.  Maton is a young hard throwing righty who had great strikeout numbers in the minors, and could be a guy to keep your eye on later in the season.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.

June 15, 2017
San Diego Padres — It’s been nearly three weeks since anyone but Brandon Maurer sniffed a save opportunity for the Padres. We’ll bid farewell to the committee asterisk.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.

June 1, 2017
San Diego Padres — Brandon Maurer’s third straight save — against the heart of the Cubs’ order in a one-run game — is enough to get him back atop the Padres’ committee, for now.

Updated hierarchy: *Maurer | Hand | Buchter.
* = closer-by-committee

May 30, 2017
San Diego Padres – After two straight saves for Brad Hand last week, Brandon Maurer has gotten two straight chances for the Padres this week, converting them both. We’ll leave Hand at the top of the committee for now, as he actually had the tougher assignment on Monday, entering with the bases loaded and one out in the 7th. He induced a double play ball, then stayed on for a clean 8th.

Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Maurer | Buchter.
* = closer-by-committee

May 29, 2017
San Diego Padres – Brad Hand collected consecutive saves against the Mets earlier this week, but Andy Green said that he wasn’t the new closer, and that they’d play matchups in the 9th inning going forward. Green turned out to be a man of his word, and Hand was used in the 8th inning yesterday while Brandon Maurer got the 9th. Look for Maurer and Hand to continue splitting opportunities.

Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Maurer | Buchter.
* = closer-by-committee

May 26, 2017
San Diego Padres — For the second straight night, Padres manager Andy Green gave a save opportunity to Brad Hand Thursday, electing to use the lefty in the ninth and previously established closer Brandon Maurer in the eighth. Both pitchers allowed one run, but Maurer was able to preserve the lead and Hand was able to save it. There was no indication after the game that Green offered clarity on the situation, though one beat writer mused that Hand — who has interested several other teams and may be the first Padre dealt this season — is the “Padres closer-but-not-really-but-actually-he-probably-is,” for now. Great assessment.

Updated hierarchy: *Hand | Maurer | Buchter.
* = closer-by-committee

May 25, 2017
San Diego Padres — Struggling Brandon Maurer got the eighth with a one-run lead over the Mets, leaving the ninth for lefty trade target Brad Hand. Not content with the normal degree of difficulty, Hand loaded the bases (on two weak singles and a walk) before escaping the inning unscathed through two strikeouts and a fly ball. Hand now has 35 strikeouts in 26 innings, and is probably the best lefthanded reliever on the market. After the game, Andy Green said that Hand is not the closer, but that the team will “bounce guys around and utilize them the best way possible going forward right now.” We’ll call that a committee and keep Maurer up top for now, since Hand will likely be moving on soon.

Updated hierarchy: *Maurer | Hand | Buchter.
* = closer-by-committee

May 21, 2017
San Diego Padres — Brandon Maurer got some work last night with the Padres getting blown out, and his struggles continued.  He gave up an earned run on a hit and two walks.  Maurer has now given up at least one run in four of his past five appearances.  The Padres haven’t indicated that they are ready to make any changes, but if Maurer continues to pitch like this, they might not have a choice.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.

May 18, 2017
San Diego Padres — There’s still no word on when Carter Capps will return from extended spring training, but the issue is becoming more and more urgent. Over the last week (four outings), Brandon Maurer has allowed nine runs and 12 baserunners in only 2.2 innings. Although lefty Brad Hand (31 K in 24 IP; 1.88 ERA) has probably passed Ryan Buchter as Maurer’s current understudy, Capps is just as good a bet to close from June on.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.

May 15, 2017
San Diego Padres – Brandon Maurer was given just about the hardest assignment imaginable on Sunday, summoned in the 8th inning with the bases loaded, 1 out, and just a one-run lead. But after giving up the go-ahead single — which would have been perfectly forgivable — Maurer allowed two other baserunners to reach, and was eventually charged with 3 earned runs. That makes two bad outings in his last three appearances for Maurer, who we will watch to make sure he rebounds this week.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Hand.

May 1, 2017
San Diego Padres – Jose Torres picked up the save in extra innings for the Padres on Sunday; Brandon Maurer, Ryan Buchter, and Brad Hand had already seen action. The Padres have an embarrassment of riches in terms of solid lefthanded relievers, but keep an eye on Torres going forward, as he’s only 23 years old and now has a 0.69 WHIP and 18 Ks through 13 IPs. He’s been a little unlucky in that a huge percentage of the baserunners he’s allowed have gone on to score, which is why his ERA sits at 4.85, but thus far, he hasn’t been used like a LOOGY, pitching effectively against lefties and righties.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Hand.

April 13, 2017
San Diego Padres — Carter Capps moved ’em on and headed ’em up, helping the Lake Elsinore Storm to a shutout victory over the mighty Visalia Rawhide on Tuesday. Capps probably has a few more weeks out on the trail, but if you have a DL slot available and he’s somehow on your waiver wire, snap him up while you can.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Hand.

April 9, 2017
San Diego Padres — The Padres gave closer Brandon Maurer the night off on Saturday after pitching in the prior two games.  Ryan Buchter recorded his first save of the season, and he should continue to see save chances when Maurer is unavailable until Carter Capps is ready to return.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Hand.

April 3, 2017
San Diego Padres — Carter Capps will begin the season on the DL, though his stay there is not expected to be long. Brad Hand was mentioned by manager Andy Green as someone that will see some late-inning work in Capps’ absence.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Buchter | Hand.

March 1, 2017
San Diego Padres — This is Brandon Maurer’s job to lose, but if Carter Capps is healthy, lose it he should. Capps has a new (probably still illegal) two-hop delivery following Tommy John surgery, and his upside is far higher than the rather pedestrian Maurer. Ryan Buchter and Brad Hand were extremely solid lefties last year and may be called on in the eighth if Capps isn’t quite ready by Opening Day.

Starting 2017 hierarchy: Maurer | Capps | Buchter.
Holds candidates: Buchter, Hand, Kevin Quackenbush.

September 29, 2016
San Diego Padres — Ryan Buchter hasn’t pitched in nine days, and although there’s been no explanation that we can find, it’s possible the rookie might be done for the season.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Hand | Quackenbush.

September 26, 2016
San Diego Padres – Brad Hand finished the 8th inning for the Padres and then stayed on for the 9th, presumably to pitch to Brandon Belt, who was due up second. But Hand was cruising, so after retiring Belt, he also got the game’s final out, picking up his first save of the season. Outside of San Diego, it’s likely that few people have heard about the job that the lefty is doing, but the bullpen certainly seems to suit him, as he’s now struck out 105 hitters on the season in just 85.2 innings.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.

September 14, 2016
San Diego Padres – As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Brandon Maurer did indeed get a day off, but so did Ryan Buchter, which left Kevin Quackenbush to pick up the save after the Padres erased a 4-1 ninth-inning deficit. Brad Hand had thrown in four straight games, but he didn’t pitch a full inning in any of those outings. We’ll move Quackenbush back into the hierarchy for now, but don’t be surprised if Hand gets some more late-inning chances.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Buchter | Quackenbush.

September 6, 2016
San Diego Padres – Over the past few weeks, the Padres have quietly stopped using Kevin Quackenbush in late inning situations. At the same time, Ryan Buchter returned to San Diego and has pitched well. Last night Brad Hand was tapped to hold the lead in the eighth innings. With Hand and Buchter’s stock rising and Quack’s falling, we will adjust our hierarchy accordingly.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Buchter | Hand.

September 2, 2016
San Diego Padres — The Padres called up Ryan Buchter when rosters expanded Thursday. Buchter was having a solid season, though slowed up a bit in August (4.50 ERA in seven appearances) before he was sent down to the minors to get some rest. With Buchter rejoining a mediocre bullpen, he may be in line to pitch in tight spots in baseball’s final month.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Quackenbush | Buchter. 

August 28, 2016
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts for his first save of the season.  The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted that Brandon Maurer would have Saturday off and that Quackenbush would get the save.  However, Brad Hand was available and pitched the eighth inning.  Quackenbush saved six games for the Padres down the stretch in 2014 and it looks like he has moved ahead of Hand in the Padres bullpen and could continue to see save chances when Maurer is not able to go.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Quackenbush | Hand. 

August 21, 2016
San Diego Padres — Ryan Buchter was sent down to Triple-A on Saturday afternoon.  Buchter got off to a great start this season but has faded a little bit recently and the Padres want him to get some rest.  We will move recently called up Kevin Quackenbush to second in line for now, but Brandon Morrow might be another guy to watch.  The former starter has made four scoreless appearances out of the Padres bullpen over the past couple weeks.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Hand | Quackenbush. 

July 30, 2016
San Diego Padres — The Padres acquired Carter Capps in a seven-player deal with Miami. Capps is out for the year after Tommy John surgery, but is a strong candidate to close in San Diego next season.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Hand. 

July 23, 2016
San Diego Padres — Lefty Brad Hand pitched the eighth inning in a three-run game; although he gave up a run, he earned his third hold in the last week, edging him past Kevin Quackenbush in our hierarchy. Hand could see another promotion soon, as Ryan Buchter has been drawing interest from teams in the market for lefthanded relief help.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Buchter | Hand. 

July 2, 2016
San Diego Padres — True to his word, Andy Green gave Brandon Maurer the first save opportunity in the post-Fernando Rodney era, although it wasn’t the smoothest debut. Maurer entered in the ninth, up four with two men on, and allowed a run-scoring double, an RBI groundout, and a wild pitch that lowered the lead to one. After yet another double, Maurer escaped with back-to-back groundouts for his first save. The 25-year-old has the inside track for now, but Ryan Buchter might well press him for saves while this bullpen settles.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Quackenbush. 

July 1, 2016
San Diego Padres — Manager Andy Green has said that Brandon Maurer, and his 5.73 ERA, will get the first crack at the ninth inning.  Maurer has been much better recently and Ryan Buchter is coming off his worst outing of the season.  Buchter should still challenge for the ninth inning, and since he has been better than Maurer so far this season, we like his chances to at least get a shot at some point.  However, we will move Maurer to the top for now based on what Andy Green had to say this afternoon.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Buchter | Quackenbush. 

July 1, 2016
San Diego Padres – The cupboard is pretty bare in San Diego after the departure of closer Fernando Rodney, but Ryan Buchter was named the primary set-up man in early June and we suspect he has the best shot to close for the Padres, who have yet to make any official announcement.

Updated hierarchy: Buchter | Villanueva | Quackenbush. 

June 30, 2016
San Diego Padres – The cupboard is pretty bare in San Diego after the departure of closer Fernando Rodney, but Ryan Buchter was named the primary set-up man in early June and we suspect he has the best shot to close for the Padres, who have yet to make any announcements.

Updated hierarchy: Buchter | Villanueva | Quackenbush. 

June 3, 2016
San Diego Padres — The Mariners tagged Padres relievers for 10 runs in an amazing 16-13 comeback win after being down 12-2. Brandon Maurer was among the relievers touched up, yielding three runs without recording an out (to be fair, fellow hierarchy mate Ryan Buchter gave up four runs in 0.2 IP). It has been a really, really rough week for Maurer (9 ER in 1.1 IP since May 30), and he now sports a 7.11 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. Padres manager Andy Green said after the game that the club will “re-evaluate” Maurer’s role moving forward. As for other options for holds in San Diego, Carlos Villanueva is probably the best choice from a thin group.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Buchter | Villanueva.

June 1, 2016
San Diego Padres — Forget the presidential race; the surest sign of the apocalypse might just be that it’s June and Fernando Rodney still hasn’t allowed an earned run. By this point last year, he had 16, good for an 8.18 ERA. Anyway, if Rodney weren’t dominating, he might need to look over his shoulder — his right shoulder, of course — at catcher Christian Bethancourt, who came in on Tuesday and mixed a 96 mph fastball with a heart-stopping 53 mph eephus.

Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Buchter | Maurer.

May 15, 2016
San Diego Padres — Carlos Villanueva got the call in the bottom of the twelfth inning and notched his first save of the season.  Fernando Rodney, Ryan Buchter, and Brandon Maurer all worked earlier in the game.

Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Buchter | Maurer.

May 13, 2016
San Diego Padres — The Vulture Save Watch correctly projected a night off for Fernando Rodney, but it was Ryan Buchter — not Brandon Maurer — who earned his first career save Thursday (seemingly surprising Padres beat writers in the process). Buchter has been lights-out this season (0.54 ERA, 23 Ks in 16.2 IP, 0.96 WHIP), and should be considered the favorite to get a save when Rodney is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Buchter | Maurer.

May 3, 2016
San Diego Padres — In the last week, Kevin Quackenbush has thrown only 4 in-game pitches, while Ryan Buchter has thrown 57, all in the 7th inning, lowering his ERA to 0.71 in the process. It is hard to imagine that Andy Green would not ride the hot hand going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Maurer | Buchter.

April 6, 2016
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush worked the seventh with the Padres trailing 3-0 on Tuesday. If the Padres ever do get a lead this season, manager Andy Green said that we can expect Brandon Maurer to protect it in the eighth inning ahead of Fernando Rodney.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Maurer | Quackenbush.

April 1, 2016
San Diego Padres — Jon Edwards will start the season on the disabled list with a stiff elbow. With Nick Vincent’s move to Seattle, this probably leaves Brandon Maurer as San Diego’s best seventh-inning man.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Quackenbush | Maurer.

March 2, 2016
San Diego Padres – Old friend Fernando Rodney will likely emerge from spring training as the team’s closer, but how long he remains in the ninth inning is a complete mystery. The other mystery is who emerges from a wide-open bullpen. Former Toronto Closer Casey Janssen was invited to camp, but has to make the team first. Kevin Quackenbush is nursing a sore hamstring after a not-so-good 2015. Jon Edwards saved 23 games in triple-A last season, but he has control issues. Nick Vincent was a solid September call-up, while former Drew Pomeranz may be an option if he’s not slotted into the starting rotation.

Starting 2016 hierarchy: Rodney | Quackenbush | Edwards.
Holds candidates: Quackenbush, Edwards, Pomeranz.

October 2, 2015
San Diego Padres — Shawn Kelley is at full strength again and pitched the seventh in front of Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel on Thursday.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley.

September 17, 2015
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush has had a rough couple outings, failing to record an out in two straight appearances. Meanwhile, Nick Vincent has been stellar since his Sept. 1 recall, not allowing an earned run in 10 September appearances. While the Padres don’t figure to win too many games down the stretch, Vincent could be a sneaky source of holds if they start playing better. 

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Vincent.

September 9, 2015
San Diego Padres — The Padres bullpen has battled injuries of late, with both Shawn Kelley and Joaquin Benoit dealing with problems. Benoit (back spasms) and Kelley (forearm) were both unavailable on Tuesday, which led to Kevin Quackenbush picking up an eighth-inning hold. Quackenbush isn’t supposed to be part of the late-inning plans, but may get more looks if Benoit and Kelley are still nursing their respective injuries. Benoit is day-to-day and the Padres hope to know more about Kelley on Wednesday after he played catch before Tuesday’s game.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Quackenbush.

September 4, 2015
San Diego Padres — Both Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit threw 30+ pitches Wednesday night, leaving the Padres in a bit of a pickle on Thursday night. Both Kimbrel and Benoit told interim manager Pat Murphy they were good to pitch, but he opted to rest Kimbrel (52 pitches Tuesday and Wednesday combined) at the advice of the world-famous Closer Monkey Vulture Save Watch, of course. Benoit nailed down a clean ninth inning on just 13 pitches to earn his second save; he’ll be unavailable Friday, but Kimbrel should be good to go.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley.

August 11, 2015
San Diego Padres — Shawn Kelley struck out three in one inning of work against the Reds in a tight ballgame last night. With the scoreless outing, Kelley lowered his ERA to 2.85 on the year. His recent usage — and Brandon Maurer’s recent struggles — suggests that Pat Murphy will rely on him in the late innings and put him in position to add to his holds total.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley.

July 31, 2015
San Diego Padres — The Padres are expected to “own the last day” before the non-waiver trade deadline, which comes at 4 pm on Friday. Among the many names being discussed is closer Craig Kimbrel, who may have recorded his 30th and final save for San Diego Thursday night. The Yankees are the team most linked to Kimbrel, which would give New York a killer bullpen, but may also kill his value if he’s relegated to a set-up role behind Andrew Miller. Watch out for the Astros, too. If Kimbrel is shipped out of town, expect Joaquin Benoit to get the first crack at closing in San Diego — but Benoit might well be moving too.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Benoit | Maurer.

May 28, 2015
San Diego Padres – Brandon Maurer got the 8th inning ahead of Craig Kimbrel on Wednesday to pick up his fifth hold on the year. Although he gave up a run to break his 13-inning scoreless streak, Maurer currently sports the best ERA and WHIP on the team at 2.25 and 0.83, respectively. Bud Black and pitching coach Darren Balsley recently praised the young righty, saying he has found his niche in the 7th inning. Expect Maurer to continue to get the ball in that spot, and on nights when Benoit is unavailable, to see the 8th as well.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Maurer.

May 4, 2015
San Diego Padres – Recently-recalled Kevin Quackenbush got his first hold of the year on Sunday, pitching the 7th inning ahead of Joaquin Benoit and Craig Kimbrel. Quackenbush might see more hold opportunities going forward, especially if Joaquin Benoit’s “dead arm” turns into something more significant.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Quackenbush.

May 3, 2015
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.

April 25, 2015
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush and his newly trimmed beard have been recalled from Triple-A, and he could move into the Padres’ hierarchy very quickly. On Friday night, he was used in the eighth and ninth with the Padres narrowly trailing.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Benoit | Thayer.

April 20, 2015
San Diego Padres – Joaquin Benoit picked up his first save of the year on Sunday. Craig Kimbrel was unavailable after pitching back to back nights and three of four. Score another one for the Vulture Save Watch.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Benoit | Thayer.

April 18, 2015
San Diego Padres — It’s been Dale Thayer, not Shawn Kelley, getting high-leverage work ahead of Benoit and Kimbrel for the Padres.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Thayer.

April 5, 2015
San Diego Padres — Craig Kimbrel has moved to San Diego in a blockbuster trade and will immediately step into the closer’s role. With Kevin Quackenbush possibly going to AAA, Shawn Kelley may move into his job.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Kelley.

March 8, 2015
San Diego Padres – Another NL West team in transition was the San Diego Padres, who added Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and James Shields in a busy offseason. A much stronger lineup should present the team with more hold and save opportunities — assuming they actually have more leads — so consider a mid-round investment in closer Joaquin Benoit, who was excellent last year in his first season in the National League (1.41 ERA, 11 saves). Holds-chasers should take a look at Kevin Quackenbush, who could also inherit the closer role if Benoit struggles. The Padres also added Shawn Kelley from the Yankees and Brandon Maurer, a former starter with a big arm, from the Mariners.

Starting 2015 hierarchy: Benoit | Quackenbush | Vincent.
Holds candidates: Quackenbush, Vincent.

September 25, 2014
San Diego Padres — For the first time in nearly a month, Joaquin Benoit picked up a save thanks to a perfect ninth inning. He lowered his ERA to 1.52 and has picked up a save in seven of his last eight outings. While veteran Vulture Save Watch resident Kevin Quackenbush may get Thursday’s chance if needed, Benoit should get another crack at the ninth inning before the season is over.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

September 23, 2014
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush earned another save in Joaquin Benoit’s stead. Benoit’s first appearance (on Sunday) was uneventful, so if the Padres are telling us the truth, he should return to the closer role soon.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

September 21, 2014
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush recorded his 5th save of the season on Saturday night.  The Padres have said that Joaquin Benoit is available out of their bullpen, but they would prefer to use him in a lower leverage situation since he hasn’t pitched in over three weeks.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

September 20, 2014
San Diego Padres — Joaquin Benoit is available again for the Padres but may not be used in save opportunities immediately.  Manager Bud Black reiterated that Benoit is their closer, but since he hasn’t pitched since August 26th, they might ease him back into the role.  Kevin Quackenbush should continue to see some save chances until Benoit is ready to take over full time.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

September 13, 2014
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush picked up his third save of the season yesterday, as closer Joaquin Benoit remains out.  Benoit still wants to pitch again this season and he is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Sunday.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

September 2, 2014
San Diego Padres — With Joaquin Benoit still sidelined with shoulder discomfort, Kevin Quackenbush came on for the save. Quackenbush is still on tap for any save opportunities while Benoit recovers.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

August 31, 2014
San Diego Padres — Closer Joaquin Benoit is feeling discomfort in his shoulder again.    The Padres expect Benoit to pitch again this season but they do not have any timetable for this return.  Kevin Quackenbush will handle the closing duties while Benoit is sidelined.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

August 27, 2014
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush struck out the side in the eighth against Milwaukee, and Kato Kaelin wept.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

August 21, 2014
San Diego Padres — As predicted in the Tuesday Vulture Save Watch, Kevin Quackenbush filled in for the injured Joaquin Benoit and picked up his first career save on Wednesday. After the game, Bud Black said that the team is considering placing Benoit on the disabled list, and will take the next day or two to assess Benoit’s condition.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

July 30, 2014
San Diego Padres — Still a “good chance” that Joaquin Benoit gets traded in the next few days, opening the door for Kevin Quackenbush.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

July 23, 2014
San Diego Padres — 25-year-old Kevin Quackenbush had six saves in six attempts at El Paso earlier this year, and so far in the big leagues, he’s put up a sub-1.00 WHIP and averaged more than a strikeout per inning. Recent comments from Bud Black suggest that if Joaquin Benoit ends up being traded, “Quack” will inherit the ninth.

Updated hierarchy: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

July 19, 2014
San Diego Padres — Huston Street has been traded to the Angels and set-up man Joaquin Benoit will assume the 9th inning duties.  It sounds like the Padres will use a number of different guys in the set-up role, with Dale Thayer, Kevin Quackenbush and Nick Vincent, when he returns from injury, being mentioned.

Updated hierarchy: Benoit | Thayer | Quackenbush.

July 18, 2014
San Diego Padres — With the departure of Huston Street to Los Angeles, Joaquin Benoit is set to take over the ninth inning for the Padres. San Diego is still considering deals for Benoit, but the price has increased. Somebody has to be second in line, and for now we think it’s Tim Stauffer. Down the road, the Padres could turn to R.J. Alvarez, a closer prospect they picked up in the trade.

Updated hierarchy: Benoit | Thayer | Stauffer.

July 16, 2014
San Diego Padres – Huston Street has made peace with the likelihood that he will be traded, probably to an AL contender. If Street goes, Joaquin Benoit is likely to stay, as the team doesn’t want to lose both of their best options. The Padres are apparently asking for a lot for either reliever, and we think Street is more likely to move, leaving the San Diego ninth open for Benoit. TRADE DEADLINE BUY: Joaquin Benoit.

June 17, 2014
San Diego Padres — Nick Vincent was placed on the 15-day DL due to right shoulder fatigue. Dale Thayer will be the likely replacement for Vincent.

Updated hierarchy: Street | Benoit | Thayer.

June 5, 2014
San Diego Padres — Nick Vincent has been consistently used in the seventh inning to get to Joaquin Benoit and Huston Street, and he may have edged ahead of Dale Thayer in the Padres pen.

Updated hierarchy: Street | Benoit | Vincent.

April 20, 2014
San Diego Padres – Joaquin Benoit picked up the save on Saturday.  Huston Street had thrown 52 pitches over his previous two outings and was just getting the night off.  No hierarchy change.

March 13, 2014
San Diego Padres — Huston Street: bad peripherals last year, a history of injuries, a tweaked groin, and Joaquin Benoit waiting behind him. Ranked #25 in our preseason closer rankings.

March 7, 2014
San Diego Padres – The Padres brought in veteran Joaquin Benoit to bolster their bullpen after losing Luke Gregerson to the A’s, but Huston Street is still the closer for the foreseeable future.  Benoit will set-up, while Dale Thayer is a good bet for 7th inning work.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Huston Street, Set-up – Joaquin Benoit, 2nd in line – Dale Thayer.

September 18, 2013
San Diego Padres — With Huston Street on bereavement leave, Luke Gregerson picked up a save on Tuesday. No hierarchy change.

September 16, 2013
San Diego Padres – Nick Vincent pitched the 8th inning ahead of Huston Street on Sunday, and has been getting some important innings as of late.  Dale Thayer, meanwhile, has been going through a rough stretch, having allowed 6 earned runs in his last 4.1 innings.  Hierarchy change: Nick Vincent to 2nd in line, replacing Dale Thayer.

August 5, 2013
San Diego Padres – Colt Hynes, a 28-year-old rookie who has been in the bigs for about 3 weeks, got his first career hold on Sunday, facing the heart of the Yankees order in the 8th inning and escaping unscathed.  In the minors this year, Hynes had a strikeout-to-walk ratio that would make even Cliff Lee jealous, as the lefty racked up 58 strikeouts while walking only 2 hitters (yes, 2, as in two, dos, deux, due; that’s not a typo) in 47.1 innings.  While Hynes hasn’t broken on to our hierarchy yet, based on that ratio alone, he’s become a reliever to watch in the second half.  No hierarchy change.

July 18, 2013
San Diego Padres – Huston Street is available, and even Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer might be on the market as the Padres move into sale mode after a recent collapse. Street seems most likely to be traded, which would improve Gregerson’s value as it lowered Street’s. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: BUY Luke Gregerson, SELL Huston Street.

June 24, 2013
San Diego Padres – Summoned in a tie game on Sunday, Huston Street gave up two solo HRs and took his fourth loss of the season.  Street only has one blown save all season, but his peripherals have been absolutely dreadful all year long.  In 26.1 innings, he’s struck out only 15 hitters while walking 8.  After yesterday, he’s allowed 10 home runs, the most of any full-time reliever in the NL.  And hitters are OPS-ing .923 against him, the 2nd worst among active NL pitchers with at least 20 IPs.  (Heath Bell is 1st.)  Frankly, it’s a miracle that he’s gone 15 for 16 in save opportunities, and while there’s no one behind him pitching lights out — Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer have both been good, but not great — Street’s hold on his job is becoming more tenuous.  Huston Street to Hot Seat.

June 15, 2013
San Diego Padres – The Padres activated Huston Street from the DL on Friday and he will immediately return to the closer’s roleHierarchy change: Huston Street to Closer, Luke Gregerson to Set-up, Dale Thayer to 2nd in Line.

June 13, 2013
San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson put two runners on in the 9th inning last night before being lifted for Tommy Layne.  Nick Vincent eventually got the save.  We’d normally put Gregerson on the Hot Seat after something like this — it certainly doesn’t show a lot of confidence when you pull your would-be closer with 2 outs in the 9th inning when you’re still up by three runs — but Huston Street’s rehab is going fine, and he’s expected back in a couple days.  No hierarchy change.

June 11, 2013
San Diego Padres — After Tim Stauffer gave up a three-run homer to let the Braves back into the game in the ninth inning, it was Dale Thayer (as predicted in yesterday’s VSW) who nailed down the ensuing (chancy) save. No hierarchy change.

June 7, 2013
San Diego Padres — After Luke Gregerson pitched the 10th and 11th innings of a tied game, the save opportunity fell to Brad Boxberger in the 12th. No hierarchy change.

June 2, 2013
San Diego Padres – On the night that Huston Street was placed on the DL with a strained calf, Luke Gregerson got the call in the 9th inning.  Bud Black said that both Gregerson and Dale Thayer could be used in the 9th inning in Street’s absence, though “Luke is probably the guy we will turn to more.”  Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up, Joe Thatcher to 2nd in line, Huston Street to DL.

June 1, 2013
San Diego Padres – Huston Street has been placed on the DL with a strained calf.  Luke Gregerson is the best bet for saves in his absence.  Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up, Joe Thatcher to 2nd in line, Huston Street to DL.

September 22, 2012
San Diego Padres – Huston Street was activated from the DL on Friday and should resume his closing duties. Hierarchy change: Huston Street to Closer, Luke Gregerson to Set-up, Dale Thayer to 2nd in Line.

September 21, 2012
San Diego Padres – Given a one-run lead, Luke Gregerson put two men on to start the ninth – so Bud Black played the platoon advantage for the rest of the inning, using five different pitchers who loaded the bases with no outs, only to escape unscathed. Anthony Bass was the last man standing, striking out Aaron Hill for his first career save. No hierarchy change.

September 6, 2012
San Diego Padres – Tom Layne picked up his second save of the season on Wednesday, retiring the only batter he faced. Luke Gregerson had pitched to the first three hitters of the inning (allowing the third to reach) and is still the best bet for saves until Huston Street returns. No hierarchy change.

September 1, 2012
San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson collected his third consecutive save on Saturday, just a few hours after Huston Street suffered a setback in his rehab. Dale Thayer got the first two save chances after Street’s injury, but Gregerson has picked up the last three, and should continue to see chances until Street returns. Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up.

August 28, 2012
San Diego Padres – Dale Thayer returned from paternity leave yesterday, but he was used in the 8th inning, while Luke Gregerson picked up the save in the 9th. Gregerson has been on fire, having not allowed a run since July 3. He’s now likely sharing opportunities with Thayer until Huston Street returns. No hierarchy change.

August 27, 2012
San Diego Padres – With Dale Thayer still on paternity leave, Luke Gregerson picked up a save in his absence. Thayer returns today and will resume closing until Huston Street is healthy. No hierarchy change.

August 23, 2012
San Diego Padres – Tom Layne, who coming into the game had 3.1 career major league innings, picked up the save on Wednesday, throwing a perfect 9th inning with the Padres up by 2 runs. After blowing a save on Tuesday, Dale Thayer was given the night off, but Layne suddenly becomes a pitcher to watch in San Diego. Hierarchy change: Tom Layne to 2nd in line, replacing Brad Brach.

August 22, 2012
San Diego Padres – Dale Thayer blew the save last night, and has now allowed runs in 2 of his 4 appearances since Huston Street hit the disabled list. If he blows another game, the Padres might give Luke Gregerson a shot at closing until Street returns. Dale Thayer to Hot Seat.

August 11, 2012
San Diego Padres – Huston Street took his 21 1/3-inning scoreless streak to the disabled list today after straining his calf on the final play of last night’s game. Bud Black offered three options to the San Diego Union-Tribune last night: a return to Dale Thayer, an elevation of Luke Gregerson, or the dreaded “closer-by-committee.” Although Gregerson has the best numbers in the Padres pen, it seems most likely that Black will keep him in the set-up role and go back to Thayer come the 9th. Hierarchy change: Huston Street to DL, Dale Thayer to Closer, Brad Brach to 2nd in Line.

July 12, 2012
San Diego Padres – Huston Street is a great bet to move somewhere else before the All Star Break, and a trade would either cause his value to rise slightly (if he goes to a contender and continues to close out games) or plummet (if he becomes a set-up man).  But a definite beneficiary is Luke Gregerson– or possibly Dale Thayer– who could see saves once Street lands elsewhere.  BUY+: Luke Gregerson.  BUY: Dale Thayer.  SELL: Huston Street. 

July 3, 2012
San Diego Padres – Clayton Richard couldn’t quite close out a complete game on Monday, as Joe Thatcher was summoned to record the final out in a 6-2 game. There were a couple men on base, so Thatcher earned his first save of the season. The lefty is unlikely to get many save chances going forward, even if Huston Street is dealt. No hierarchy change.

June 14, 2012
San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson picked up the 8th inning hold for the second straight day on Wednesday. Dale Thayer, who flamed out spectacularly as the fill-in closer just as Huston Street was returning from the DL, has been used minimally since. Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Set-up, Dale Thayer to 2nd in line.

June 9, 2012
San Diego Padres – Andrew Cashner is being moved to the rotation. He will start today’s game, and if he pitches well, he’ll be sent to the minors to be stretched out. Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to 2nd in line, replacing Andrew Cashner.

June 6, 2012
San Diego Padres – Huston Street returned from the DL on Wednesday, and threw a shaky, but scoreless 9th inning in a tie game, earning the win when the Padres walked-off in the bottom half. Street is expected to resume closing immediately. Hierarchy change: Huston Street to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up, Andrew Cashner to 2nd in line.

May 31, 2012
San Diego Padres – Pitching in a tie game on Wednesday, Dale Thayer gave up a walk off home run to Darwin Barney. In his last two outings, Thayer has given up 7 earned runs in just 1.2 innings. Dale Thayer to Hot Seat.

May 9, 2012
San Diego Padres – Dale Thayer collected his 2nd save in as many days for the Padres on Tuesday, who opted to use Andrew Cashner in the 8th inning and Luke Gregerson in the 7th. Cashner’s meltdown on Sunday appears to have cost him, as Thayer, who has 173 career minor league saves, has inherited the closer role in Huston Street’s absence. Hierarchy change: Dale Thayer to Closer, Andrew Cashner to Set-up.

May 8, 2012
San Diego Padres – As noted yesterday, Andrew Cashner was given the night off after a long outing on Sunday, but the Padres opted to use Dale Thayer in the 9th inning, leaving Luke Gregerson in the 8th inning role. Should Cashner falter again, it could be Thayer (173 career minor league saves) who nabs the most opportunities in Huston Street’s absence. Hierarchy change: Dale Thayer to Set-up, Luke Gregerson to 2nd in line.

May 7, 2012
San Diego Padres – Despite throwing 100+ mph gas all night, Andrew Cashner was knocked around on Sunday, giving up 4 earned runs in a tie game in the 8th inning. He’s still likely the Padres go-to guy while Huston Street recovers, but could quickly lose that distinction if he falters again. Andrew Cashner to Hot Seat.

May 6, 2012
San Diego Padres – The Padres will place Huston Street on the disabled list after he suffered a right posterior shoulder strain on Friday. After being hurt last night, Street said he didn’t think the injury was too serious, but perhaps that was wishful thinking; Andrew Cashner will close in his stead, and Bud Black said that Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer could also see occasional opportunities. Hierarchy change: Huston Street to DL, Andrew Cashner to Closer, Luke Gregerson to Set-up, Dale Thayer to 2nd in line.

April 8, 2012
San Diego Padres- Luke Gregerson was the set-up man for the Padres late last season, but yesterday, they went to Gregerson in the 7th inning of a tie game, saving Andrew Cashner for the 8th. Hierarchy change: Andrew Cashner to Set-up, Luke Gregerson to 2nd in line.

March 18, 2012
San Diego Padres- The Padres acquired Huston Street in the offseason, and Luke Gregerson, one of the few established arms in San Diego’s bullpen, will likely get first crack at saves if he falters. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Huston Street, Set-up- Luke Gregerson, 2nd in line- Andrew Cashner.

Dec. 15, 2011
San Diego Padres- The Padres acquired Huston Street from the Rockies for a player to be named later, and Street will likely assume the closer’s role vacated by Heath Bell. Hierarchy change: Huston Street to Closer, replacing Heath Bell.

Sept. 14, 2011
San Diego Padres- After a rough patch that saw him fall out of the 8th inning role, Chad Qualls has re-established himself as the primary set-up man for Heath Bell. Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to Set-up, Luke Gregerson to 2nd in line.