[EDITOR’S NOTE: We are running our annual Donation Drive this week. Thank you, as always, for supporting us!]
August 6, 2018
Atlanta Braves – AJ Minter couldn’t hold a 1-run lead in the 9th inning, but the Braves broke the tie in the 10th, allowing Jesse Biddle to pick up his first career save. The rookie lefthander has had a fine season, but doesn’t factor in to Atlanta’s usual late-inning plans at present.
Hierarchy remains: Minter | Brach | Winkler.
Cleveland Indians – Brad Hand picked up his third save as an Indian on Sunday. Since his acquisition, he and Cody Allen have been sharing the late innings, but since Allen only has 1 save during that stretch, we’ll swap them in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Hand | Allen | Miller.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – Kelvin Herrera picked up his 17th save of the season on Sunday and has been the only pitcher to get opportunities in Sean Doolittle’s absence. We’re removing his asterisk — admittedly, something we probably could have done a while ago. (The Nats also came to terms with Greg Holland, but we really hope this doesn’t mean anything significant for you.)
Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Madson | Miller.
New York Mets – The Mets put Anthony Swarzak back on the DL yesterday afternoon, so his stretch at the top of this committee lasted all of a week. Look for Robert Gsellman to be the main beneficiary, with Seth Lugo spelling him from time to time. We’ll slot Bobby Wahl — acquired in the Jeurys Familia trade and recently called up to the bigs — in behind them.
Updated hierarchy: *Gsellman | Lugo | Wahl.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies used Seranthony Dominguez in the 7th inning yesterday against the heart of the order, which meant a save chance two innings later for Tommy Hunter, who converted.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – Wade Davis got a second day off after blowing consecutive games on Thursday and Friday, but Adam Ottavino couldn’t hold the 9th inning lead in his place. Instead, the Rockies needed an extra-inning rally, leaving the save chance to Seung-Hwan Oh, who converted.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Ottavino | Oh.
Los Angeles Dodgers – An early July trade that barely made headlines brought journeyman Dylan Floro back to the Dodgers, but the righty has impressed in his time in Los Angeles, having allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks in 12.1 innings of work. He picked up his fifth hold of the season yesterday, which is good enough to climb above John Axford — who got absolutely shelled on Saturday — in this hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Alexander | Floro.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Dellin Betances – After a 39-pitch meltdown last night, it seems likely that Aroldis Chapman gets tonight off.
Tomorrow
1. Jordan Hicks – If Bud Norris goes tonight, it’ll be three straight.
2. Trevor Hildenberger – If Fernando Rodney goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
