August 5, 2018
Chicago White Sox — For the third consecutive game, the White Sox held a narrow late in the game and for the third time in a row, they called on someone new to close it out. Thyago Vieira, making his third appearance since getting called up in late July, struck out a pair to record his first career save. Juan Minaya and Xavier Cedeno combined to work the 7th and 8th in a tie game, with Cedeno getting the win. Vieira’s number in the minros were not great, but he can hit 100 MPH with his fastball and was impressive in his previous outing. The White Sox seem content to mix and match, but we will move Vieira to the top of the committee based on his potential.
Updated hierarchy: *Vieira | Cedeno | Avilan.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Ken Giles pitched a scoreless ninth inning, and although it was not a save opportunity with the Blue Jays up 4, we will move Giles to the head of the committee. Ryan Tepera was used in the eighth inning ahead of Giles. We will leave it as a committee right now since John Gibbons could choose to ease Giles in by still using Tepera occasionally, but we expect Giles to get the bulk of the save chances for the Blue Jays for the rest of the season.
Updated hierarchy: *Giles | Tepera | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader recorded a one-out save yesterday after the Rockies loaded the bases down 4 in the top of the ninth. Corey Knebel pitched a scoreless seventh inning with the Brewers up 6 as they are using him in different roles to try to get him back in a groove. The Brewers have a number of quality options to close out games and if the committee continues to be successful, it could be hard for Knebel to regain his status as the primary closer.
Hierarchy remains: *Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Jose Leclerc pitched a perfect inning for his first save of the season. Leclerc has scoreless outings in fifteen of his last sixteen appearances and could thrive in the closer’s role for the Rangers.
Hierarchy remains: Leclerc | Claudio | Gearrin.
New York Mets – Robert Gsellman got the last four outs on Saturday to record his sixth save of the season. Gsellman and Anthony Swarzak should continue to split save chances.
Hierarchy remains: *Swarzak | Gsellman | Lugo.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Lou Trivino – Blake Treinen has also pitched in two straight, including a 2 inning, 30 pitch outing on Friday.
2. Ryan Tepera – Ken Giles has appeared in back-to-back games.
Monday
1. Carl Edwards – If Pedro Strop pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.
