Dellin Betances and Luis Garcia head a bumper crop of save vultures

October 2, 2015

Washington Nationals — Felipe Rivero grabbed the first save chance for the post-Papelbon Nationals, delivering two perfect innings and earning praise from Matt Williams. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer have honored Papelbon with a new handshake, and Nats fans are pledging thousands of dollars to charity if the team cuts their ex-closer and eats his $11 million 2016 option.

Updated hierarchy: *Rivero | Treinen | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals — Wade Davis had a sore back on Thursday, so Ned Yost went with Ryan Madson for the save on Thursday night.

Hierarchy remains: Davis | Herrera | Madson.

Arizona Diamondbacks — Daniel Hudson had pitched on three of the last four days, allowing rookie Silvino Bracho to grab his first major league save this season to go with his 16 for the Mobile BayBears (whose mascots can appear at your function!) and three for the Visalia Rawhide (home of Mustache Appreciation Night).

Updated hierarchy: Ziegler | Hudson | Bracho.

New York Yankees — Dellin Betances nailed down the Yankees’ 10,000th win as a franchise, securing a wild card berth. Andrew Miller needed the night off after a two-inning outing on Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Wilson.

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.

Philadelphia Phillies — As we predicted, Ken Giles got a day off and Luis Garcia grabbed the save against the Mets on Thursday.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Garcia | Hinojosa.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks — Brad Ziegler remains on paternity leave.
2. Xavier Cedeno, Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger has pitched in three straight games.
3. Keone Kela, Texas Rangers — Kela won’t be used in consecutive games, but he’s had a few days off and Shawn Tolleson has gone in three straight.
4. Ryan Madson/Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals — Wade Davis might need another day off.