September 2, 2023
Atlanta Braves – With only 4 games on the schedule on Thursday, there weren’t ever going to be many vulture save possibilities, but we picked Kirby Yates as one of them. With both Raisel Iglesias and AJ Minter unavailable, Yates indeed got the save chance and converted for his 3rd save on the year. Expect Iglesias and Minter to be back in action over the weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Minter | Yates.
St. Louis Cardinals — Ryan Helsley was activated before Friday’s game and immediately pitched a clean 8th inning in a tie game. JoJo Romero took the loss in extra innings, which may be just the crack in the door that Helsley needs. It’s a bit too early to hand him the top of the committee, but Helsley makes for a great speculative add in leagues where you’re chasing saves as he has an excellent chance to be in the mix for the rest of the season.
Updated hierarchy: *Romero | Helsley | Gallegos.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — In the first game of a doubleheader the Cubs brought Keegan Thompson on to protect a 3 run lead in the 8th inning. When the Cubs extended the lead to 5 he stuck around for the 9th to earn his first save on the season. Thompson has exactly one save in each of his first 3 years in the majors, and with a month left in the season he has a chance to achieve a career high if he can get another opportunity, but it would likely have to be a similar situation to last night.
Hierarchy remains: Alzolay | Leiter Jr. | Merryweather.
New York Mets – When the Mets took a 1 run lead in the bottom of the 8th it was Drew Smith who got the call to try to shut the door. Smith had given up solo homers in each of his last 2 appearances, but Buck Showalter felt good enough to run him out there again, and he delivered. Things looked dicey after a leadoff walk, but he picked off the pinch runner and got the last two outs to earn his 3rd save on the year. This is about as pure a committee as you could find right now, but given Smith’s most recent save he bumps up to first in line.
Updated hierarchy: *Ottavino | Smith | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee
Vulture Save Watch:
- Giovanny Gallegos/Ryan Helsley (STL) — JoJo Romero threw 35 pitches in a loss last night, while Helsley may not be ready for back to back games.
- Andrew Nardi (MIA) — Tanner Scott threw 30 pitches last night.
- Matt Brash (SEA) — Andres Munoz threw 27 pitches last night and has gone in 2 of 3.
- Jason Foley (DET) — Today would be 3 in a row for Alex Lange.
For Sunday:
- Joel Payamps (MIL) — Devin Williams threw 20 pitches last night, so another long outing could earn him a rest.
- Lucas Sims (CIN) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Alexis Diaz.
- Mark Leiter Jr./Julian Mayweather (CHC) — The entire Cubs hierarchy pitched during yesterdays double header and has gone in 3 of 4.
- Griffin Jax/Emilio Pagan (MIN) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax.
- Trevor Stephan/Matt Moore (CLE) — Today would be 4 of 5 for Emmanuel Clase.