June 29, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Sam Dyson’s stint as Giants closer may be nearing an end. After allowing the tying and go-ahead runs last night, he’s now got four blown saves and has allowed 6 runs in his last 4.2 IP. Mark Melancon got the 8th inning hold and might get the next opportunity, if Bruce Bochy deems him ready.
Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Melancon | Watson.
Seattle Mariners – With Edwin Diaz and Alex Colome unavailable, having both pitched three straight, the Mariners went to James Pazos and then Nick Vincent in a tie game. When they took the lead in the 10th inning, Juan Nicasio entered and picked up his first save of the season. We still consider him behind both Pazos and Vincent on the depth chart, though it’s rare anyone other than Diaz or Colome will be needed for saves on most nights.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Colome | Pazos.
Philadelphia Phillies – With a 3-run lead entering the 9th, Gabe Kapler opted for Tommy Hunter, but when Hunter proceeded to allow the first two batters to reach base, Seranthony Dominguez started getting loose. After a groundout, Dominguez was summoned, and he would strike out the two batters he faced, locking down the save. Count on Kapler deploying his bullpen in an unusual manner from time to time, but over the past month, Dominguez has 5 saves while the entire rest of the bullpen has 4. He remains the favorite going forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hunter | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – All signs are pointing towards this job being Hector Rondon’s to lose. On Tuesday, Rondon was ready to come in for the save when the Astros offense decided to get home run happy and blow the game open in the 8th, and last night AJ Hinch once again turned to Rondon to close out a 1 run game. Rondon did allow a hit, but struck out the other 3 batters he faced, giving him 38 K’s in 30 IPs so far this season. Hinch will probably still opt for other relievers on occasion, but we’ll consider removing Rondon’s asterisk in the near future.
Hierarchy remains: *Rondon | Giles | Devenski.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Trevor Hildenberger – Fernando Rodney threw 35 pitches in a blown save last night.
Tomorrow
1. Joe Kelly/Matt Barnes – If Craig Kimbrel or Joe Kelly go tonight, it’ll be three straight.
2. Lou Trivino – If Blake Treinen goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and four of five.
3. Alex Colome/James Pazos – If Edwin Diaz or Alex Colome go tonight, it’ll be four of five.
