May 20, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez has had a very impressive start to his major league career and on Saturday, he recorded his first career save. Dominguez has not allowed a hit or walk in his first six career appearances, the longest such streak to start a career in major league history. With Gabe Kapler, you never know who is going to get the next save, but Dominguez certainly deserves to be in the mix.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — For the second time in three games, the White Sox actually had a lead in the 9th inning and they called on Nate Jones again for the save. Jones recorded the last two outs of the ninth and has received (and converted) the last two save opportunities for the White Sox. That is enough to push Jones to the top of the committee. Joakim Soria is close to dropping out of the hierarchy altogether and Jace Fry is a guy to watch. Fry, a lefty, pitched a perfect eighth and came back out for the first out of the ninth before giving way to Jones. Fry has not allowed a hit this season, and if the White Sox decide to match up more in the ninth, he could become more of a factor.
Updated hierarchy: *Jones | Rondon | Soria.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Sergio Romo made his first major league start yesterday, and struck out the side in a perfect inning. Since it went so well, the Rays have decided to start Romo again on Sunday. Once he stops starting, he should return to his role at the back end of the Rays bullpen, but in the meantime, Jose Alvarado and Chaz Roe should help set-up Alex Colome.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Romo | Alvarado.
Cincinnati Reds – Amir Garrett picked up his sixth hold on Saturday by pitching a scoreless seventh inning. He also let out quite a yell after he struck out Javier Baez to end the inning, causing the benches to clear.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Hughes | Garrett.
VULTURE START WATCH
Today:
1. Sergio Romo – Sergio Romo will start for the second straight day on Sunday. Can he make it three in a row on Monday or will the Vulture Start Watch be gone for good after today?
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Josh Fields – Kenley Jansen saved both games of the doubleheader yesterday and has pitched in two of three.
2. Santiago Casilla/Yusmeiro Petit – Blake Treinen has pitched in two straight, throwing at least 20 pitches in both appearances.
3. Bruce Rondon – Nate Jones has pitched in three of four.
Monday
1. Bruce Rondon – If Jones pitches on Sunday, he should get Monday off
