Steve Cishek records save and Sergio Romo returns

September 16, 2018

Chicago Cubs — After Justin Wilson pitched a scoreless 8th inning, the Cubs mixed and matched through the 9th.  Righty Jesse Chavez started the inning and recorded the first out, lefty Randy Rosario got the second out, and righty Steve Cishek came on for the final out to record his fourth save of the season.  The Cubs have a lot of quality bullpen arms and Joe Madden likes to play matchups so it’s going to be hard to predict who will get the final out each night.

Updated hierarchy: *Cishek | Wilson | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee

Tampa Bay Rays – After being absent for most of the beginning of September, Sergio Romo has now pitched the 9th inning in two straight games, including recording his 20th save last night.  We will move Romo to 1st in line and he could turn this back into a committee with Jose Alvarado if he continues to be available down the stretch.

Updated hierarchy: Alvarado | Romo | Roe.

Chicago White Sox – Juan Minaya got the last four outs of the White Sox 2-0 victory to pick up his first save of the season.  Minaya has not allowed a run in September and could be an option for saves behind Jace Fry and Nates Jones for the rest of the year.

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

Boston Red Sox — With the Red Sox protecting a two-run lead, they sent Steven Wright out for the 7th, Ryan Brasier for the 8th, and Craig Kimbrel for the 9th.  All three responded with scoreless innings with Kimbrel recording his 41st save of the season.  Joe Kelly has given up at least one run in half of his September appearances, while Ryan Brasier has a win and two holds in his past three outings.  The Red Sox would like to get Kelly pitching well going into the playoffs but for now, they might continue to turn to Brasier ahead of Kimbrel.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Brasier | Wright.

Philadelphia Phillies — Pat Neshek pitched a perfect 9th inning yesterday for the save, although Tommy Hunter had arguably the tougher task as he faced the 3-4-5 hitters for the Marlins in the 8th inning.  Neshek and Hunter should both continue to see save chances down the stretch for the Phillies.

Hierarchy remains: *Hunter | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Kenta Maeda – Kenley Jansen got yesterday off but the Dodgers might want to give him another day off after pitching in three in a row prior.

Monday
1. Chris Martin – Jose Leclerc has pitched in two in a row.
2. Paul Fry – If Mychal Givens pitches on Sunday, it will be two in a row and three of four.