August 17, 2018
Washington Nationals — In a bullpen wracked by injuries, Koda Glover stepped up to earn his first save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning. Glover should remain first choice for saves with Sean Doolittle, Kelvin Herrera, and Ryan Madson all on the disabled list.
Hierarchy remains: Glover | Miller | Holland.
Philadelphia Phillies — It’s not often we discuss the bullpen of a team who lost by 20 runs, but old friend Hector Neris made his return in as low-leverage a situation you can get in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Thursday, with the Phillies down 15-4 in the sixth inning, right before the position players took the hill. Neris mowed down a Mets offense — one that was clearly on fire — striking out the side in order. He may break into the hierarchy before long, but let’s see some high-leverage looks first. In the nightcap, Seranthony Dominguez nailed down the save.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — With the Yankees threatening with two outs in the eighth inning on Thursday, Sergio Romo was called in. He induced a grounder to end that inning, but ran into trouble in the ninth, allowing two hits and a walk before being pulled for lefty sidearmer Adam Kolarek, of all people. Kolarek got Greg Bird to foul out, then struck out the next two batters to nail down his first career save, vulture-style. And for Romo owners in holds leagues, consider his Thursday hold a bonus!
Hierarchy remains: Romo | Alvarado | Roe.
Atlanta Braves — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Brad Brach was called on to close things out for the Braves on Thursday. But the VSW cannot predict whether the vulture candidate actually converts the save; that’s on the pitcher. Brach allowed two hits, a walk, and three unearned runs to blow it, taking his first loss with Atlanta.
Hierarchy remains: Minter | Brach | Winkler.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Brandon Kintzler/CJ Edwards — Pedro Strop has gone in two straight, including an intense, high-leverage save yesterday that involved a staredown from his own first baseman.
Saturday:
1. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias has pitched in two of three.
2. Adam Ottavino — Same for Wade Davis.
3. Ryan Tepera — Same for Ken Giles.
4. Brad Brach — Same for AJ Minter (and three of five).
5. Victor Arano/Pat Neshek — Seranthony Dominguez has gone in two straight.
