Yoshihisa Hirano impresses en route to his first MLB save

September 12, 2018

Arizona Diamondbacks — Heading into Tuesday’s game, we liked Jake Diekman to see the first post-Boxberger save chance, and sure enough Diekman was first out of the ‘pen for the final inning. However, he allowed a double and a bunt single to the only two batters (both lefties) he faced before Yoshihisa Hirano replaced him. Hirano recorded two straight strikeouts and induced a fly out to pick up his first MLB save. After the game, Torey Lovullo said that he told his bullpen to be prepared for some different roles ahead of last night’s contest, and this is still very much a committee. However, Hirano looked mighty impressive last night and Lovullo may opt to play the hot hand with his team fighting for a playoff spot, though he also indicated that Diekman will continue to get high-leverage opportunities. We’ll see what Wednesday brings for Arizona’s committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Hirano | Diekman | Ziegler.
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels — After Blake Parker blew a combined no-hitter in the eighth inning, Ty Buttrey came on to record the final four outs of Tuesday’s 1-0 victory and lower his ERA to 0.77 in the process. Buttrey has allowed just one earned run over 11.2 IP this season and now has two of the Angels’ last three saves. Mike Scioscia, who used eight different pitchers last night, has not yet anointed Buttrey as his new closer, but at the very least Buttrey is firmly in the mix for save chances. We’ll keep Parker at the top of a committee at the moment, but Buttrey is worth a stash on your postseason roster if he is available.

Hierarchy remains: *Parker | Buttrey | Anderson.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals — Sean Doolittle picked up his first save since returning from the DL in the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader in Philadelphia. Greg Holland, who pitched the eighth inning ahead of Doolittle in game one, tossed a scoreless 10th inning in the nightcap to earn his third save of the year. Doolittle may get some extra rest here and there depending on how cautious the Nats want to be, but he should be their first option in the ninth inning the rest of the year. Holland, meanwhile, has allowed only one earned run in 18 appearances with Washington.

Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Holland | Miller.

Oakland A’s — We predicted in Sunday’s Vulture Save Watch that Blake Treinen may get two straight days off following three consecutive outings, and our prediction came true when Jeurys Familia closed out Tuesday’s 3-2 win at Baltimore. After the game, Bob Melvin confirmed that he indeed wanted to give Treinen an extra day of rest.

Hierarchy remains: Treinen | Familia | Rodney.

Cleveland Indians – With two lefties due up and Cleveland clinging to a 2-0 lead in the seventh inning, Brad Hand overcame a walk to force a bases-loaded pop-up and keep the Rays scoreless. Hand stayed on for the eighth before Cody Allen closed out the victory. Allen has put together a stretch of eight straight scoreless appearances to put himself back in the mix for save chances. His resurgence will allow Terry Francona the flexibility to deploy Hand in more high-leverage situations like we saw on Tuesday.

Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Allen | Miller.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox – Nate Jones was activated from the 60-day DL on Tuesday and pitched in an eventual 6-3 loss that night, allowing one hit and striking out one. Rick Renteria said that the team will monitor Jones’ usage throughout the rest of the year and make sure he is healthy entering the offseason. Don’t bank on Jones making too many ninth-inning appearances in September, but he could certainly vulture a save in this bullpen over the final three weeks of the season.

Updated hierarchy: *Fry | Gomez | Jones.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs — Carl Edwards Jr has walked at least one batter in each of his last four appearances, which he equates to a form of writer’s block. Whatever the reason for his recent struggles, Joe Maddon likely won’t hesitate to pitch him in a high-leverage spot in a bid to get him right for October.

Hierarchy remains: Strop | Edwards | Cishek.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jared Hughes – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in three straight.
2. Kevin McCarthy – Wily Peralta has gone in two straight and four of five.
3. Hector Rondon – Same goes for Roberto Osuna.
4. Adam Conley/Kyle Barraclough – Drew Steckenrider threw 28 pitches on Tuesday and the Marlins play a doubleheader today.

Tomorrow
1. Adam Conley/Kyle Barraclough – Thursday’s late innings may be dictated by how Wednesday’s doubleheader goes.