September 9, 2018
New York Yankees – The Yankees went with Zach Britton in the 7th, David Robertson in the 8th, and Dellin Betances in the 9th to close out a tight game yesterday. Britton and Robertson each threw perfect innings, with Robertson striking out the side. Betances also struck out the side but he made things a lot more interesting by loading the bases on a double, walk, and hit batter. Betances has now gotten both Yankees saves in September and we will move him back to the head of the committee.
Updated Hierarchy: *Betances | Robertson | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — The Indians called on Cody Allen to protect a one-run lead in the 9th inning and he responded with a scoreless inning for his 26th save of the season. Brad Hand pitched in three of the previous four games. Allen has now strung together six straight scoreless appearances and although Hand should see the majority of save chances down the stretch, the Indians also won’t be afraid to use Allen based on match-ups or rest.
Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Allen | Cimber.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Sean Doolittle saw his first action in over two months yesterday in game two of the Nationals’ doubleheader. He got the last two outs of the 8th inning, including one strikeout. After that inning, the game was delayed by rain and Doolittle would have gotten the save if the game did not resume. However, the rain stopped and Greg Holland came on to pitch a scoreless 9th inning and record his second save. It sounds like Doolittle was only used in the 8th because of the threat of rain and may have gotten the 9th in a normal game. We expect Doolittle to see the next save chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Doolittle | Miller | Holland.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals — Bud Norris returned to the mound after getting four days off, but unfortunately the rest did not appear to help. Norris got the bottom of the 9th in a tie game and walked a couple batters before ultimately allowing the game-winning run to score on a wild pitch.
Hierarchy remains: *Hicks | Martinez | Norris.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Kenta Maeda – Kenley Jansen is still unavailable as the Dodgers play in Colorado.
Monday
1. Joe Jimenez – Shane Greene has pitched in two straight…
2. Hector Rondon – …so has Roberto Osuna…
3. Kevin McCarthy – …and Wily Peralta.
