July 5, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — 23-year-old rookie Victor Arano didn’t quite convert his first save opportunity (June 18), but he made it through two scoreless innings on Wednesday to become the eighth Phillies reliever with a save in 2018. Only five of Arano’s 28 appearances this season have come in late/close situations, but he has good numbers (2.32 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 9.6 K/9) and could see an increased role going forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hunter | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals — Although Bud Norris felt a slight “stinger” in his finger during his ninth-inning appearance, causing a slight delay, he stayed on to finish a scoreless inning.
Hierarchy remains: Norris | Hicks | Tuivailala.
Cincinnati Reds — With Raisel Iglesias coming off three straight days of work, Jared Hughes picked up the vulture save that we expected.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Hughes | Garrett.
Miami Marlins — You weren’t surprised to see Brad Ziegler get the Independence Day save for Miami. Nothing surprises you. You read the Vulture Save Watch.
Hierarchy remains: Barraclough | Steckenrider | Ziegler.
Houston Astros — Okay, we were a day late with our call on this one — Hector Rondon got a day off immediately after a 35-pitch outing, leaving Ken Giles to lock down the Independence Day save.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Giles | Devenski.
Cleveland Indians — With Wednesday night’s save, Cody Allen became Cleveland’s all-time leader in the category, passing Bob Wickman.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Ramirez | Perez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jeremy Jeffress — Corey Knebel has gone in three straight, and we think Josh Hader will get two days off after his three-inning performance on Tuesday. Jeffress threw 23 pitches yesterday but is coming off four days’ rest.
