September 2, 2018
New York Mets — After the Mets took the lead in the top of the 11th, Robert Gsellman came on for an uneventful 1-2-3 bottom of the inning to pick up his 9th save of the season. While there is still a chance for rogue saves out of the Mets bullpen like the one Paul Sewald got on August 23rd, this does not appear to be a true committee and Gsellman should continue to see the majority of save chances to close out the season.
Hiearchy remains: Gsellman | Lugo | Blevins.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen had his second straight scoreless outing en route to his 34th save of the season. Dodgers fans and fantasy owners might be able to rest a little easier now and Jansen insists he will be available on Sunday as well.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.
Seattle Mariners – The Mariners went to closer Edwin Diaz with the bases loaded and two outs in the 8th to protect a four run lead. Diaz immediately gave up a bases-clearing double to make it a one-run game but was able to get out of the inning and pitch a scoreless ninth for his 51st save of the season. Apparently, manager Scott Servais now has to wear a beanie propeller and chaps as a result of Diaz getting to 51 saves. Pictures to come?
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Colome | Vincent.
Tampa Bay Rays — Jose Alvarado, Chaz Roe, and Adam Kolarek combined to get the last seven outs of the Rays’ win, with the lefty Kolarek retiring the final batter to record the save. Notably absent was Sergio Romo, who last pitched a week ago. There has been no word of an injury to Romo so the Rays might just be trying to give him additional rest after a very busy August which saw Romo pitch in three straight games on three separate occasions. Unless something comes out otherwise, Romo should still be the best source of saves out the Rays’ bullpen in September, but it looks like they are content to mix and match as well.
Hierarchy remains: *Romo | Alvardo | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Dellin Betances got the call to close out a one-run game in the ninth yesterday and he responded with a scoreless inning for his second save of the season. Betances also struck out his 100th batter of the season, making him the first reliever in history with five straight seasons of at least 100 strikeouts. David Robertson had pitched in two straight prior to yesterday and the Yankees will likely continue to use both Robertson and Betances in save chances while Aroldis Chapman is out. Speaking of Chapman, the Yankees said that they can’t guarantee he will return this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Betances | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – Justin Miller worked around a leadoff home run in the ninth inning yesterday to lock down his second save. Meanwhile, Sean Doolittle was encouraged with his simulated game on Friday and is scheduled to throw another one today.
Hierarchy remains: *Miller | Holland | Glover.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Craig Stammen – Kirby Yates is on the bereavement list.
2. Kenda Maeda – Kenley Jansen says he is available today, but the Dodgers might not want to push things after he recorded saves in the last two games.
Monday
1. Seth Lugo/Jerry Blevins – If Robert Gsellman pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row. Lugo and Blevins each threw over 20 pitches on Saturday so whoever sees less work on Sunday could get any save chance on Monday.
2. Alex Colome – Edwin Diaz threw 31 pitches on Saturday so if he pitches again on Sunday, he could get Monday off.
