September 30, 2016
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St. Louis Cardinals – Battling a sore groin and pitching in his second straight night, Seung Hwan Oh gave up the tying run to the Reds to blow the save. But like any good “Final Boss,” Oh won anyway after the Cardinals “scored” in the bottom of the ninth. The Cardinals desperately needed the win, as they are now 1 game back of the second Wild Card spot with just the season’s final weekend to go. It’s hard to believe Oh will be available Friday given the injury, meaning Kevin Siegrist could be worth a speculative add for a potential sneaky save this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Oh | Siegrist | Bowman.
Philadelphia Phillies – Jeanmar Gomez entered Thursday’s game with the score tied in the eighth inning and gave up four runs on three hits, taking the loss. We don’t know whether Michael Mariot or Hector Neris is the better bet to close in Philadelphia’s final series, but it would be hard to believe Gomez sees another save chance this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Gomez | Mariot | Neris.
*closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs and Pirates played their way to a rain-shortened tie, the major leagues’ first since 2005. We’re mainly including this because we’re sad that pitchers can’t earn a “T” as a decision, because that would’ve allowed the game’s only reliever, Travis Wood, to pick one up.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Rondon | Strop.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals – Oh is battling a sore groin and has pitched in two straight.
2. Michael Mariot/Hector Neris, Philadelphia Phillies – Please, anyone but Gomez!
3. Hector Rondon, Chicago Cubs – The Cubs may continue to rest their stars, including Aroldis Chapman, who pitched in three of four earlier this week.
