June 4, 2018

Los Angeles Angels – Justin Anderson picked up his second save of the season, but it wasn’t the smoothest outings. After quickly retiring the first two hitters, he issued full-count walks to the next three batters before inducing a game-ending flyout. Our best guess is that the next opportunity goes back to Blake Parker, who likely wasn’t in this one because he’d pitched in each of the two previous days.

Hierarchy remains: *Parker | Anderson | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee

Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera got the final five outs (3 Ks) of a 4-run game on Sunday. While it wasn’t a save chance, it was another strong outing by the righty, who bolstered his case to stay atop this committee as his competition has faltered.

Hierarchy remains: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon returned to action on Sunday, and struck out the side in a perfect 7th inning. The job might be Hunter Strickland’s to lose at this point, but Melancon could quickly position himself to take over should Strickland start to struggle.

Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Watson | Melancon. 

Chicago Cubs – Brandon Morrow had pitched three days in a row, so he got Sunday afternoon off and lefty Brian Duensing picked up the save. Duensing is having a fine season, but this was matchup based, and he usually won’t be the guy who gets the ball when Morrow is unavailable.

Hierarchy remains: Morrow | Cishek | Strop.

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.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. David Robertson – The Yankees and Tigers have a doubleheader today.
2. Joe Jimenez – The Yankees and Tigers have a doubleheader today.

Tomorrow
1. Kirby Yates – Brad Hand threw 25 pitches last night; another long outing tonight and Yates could be in line for another save tomorrow.
2. AJ Minter – Arodys Vizcaino threw 28 pitches last night; another long outing tonight and Minter could be in line for the save tomorrow.