Ty Buttrey now atop Angels hierarchy; Keone Kela shut down

September 17, 2018

Baltimore Orioles – Paul Fry got the final five outs of Sunday’s game — four by strikeout — to pick up his first save of the year. He entered with the Orioles up by 3 in the 8th, then stayed on after their extended their lead. Mychal Givens continues to be the first option for saves down the stretch in Baltimore.

Hierarchy remains: Givens | Fry | Wright Jr.

Boston Red Sox – With Craig Kimbrel having pitched in three of the past four, the Red Sox gave Sunday’s save chance to Steven Wright. Earlier, Wright had narrowly avoided time travel after microwaving some instant coffee, but it didn’t seem to affect his performance, as he floated his way through a hitless inning for his first career save.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Wright | Brasier.

Tampa Bay Rays – After pitching just once in three weeks, Sergio Romo has now appeared in three straight games, notching his third consecutive save. The committee tag returns to Tampa, with Romo back on top. We honestly have no idea what was going on during his disappearance act in late August and September, and as far as we can tell, nobody in the Tampa media ever bothered to ask. Baffling.

Updated hierarchy: *Romo | Alvarado | Roe. 
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels – Ty Buttrey has gotten the last three Angels saves. Blake Parker has been totally fine lately, so chalk this one up to Scioscia being Scioscia, but Buttrey now sits atop this committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Buttrey | Parker | Anderson.
* = closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates – Over the weekend, the Pirates announced that Keone Kela will not pitch again this season, as they attempt to protect his arm from any additional workload. Kyle Crick and Richard Rodriguez will slide up — they got the 8th and 7th innings, respectively, in both of the last two games.

Updated hierarchy: Vazquez | Crick | Rodriguez. 

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Tyler Clippard/Ryan Tepera – Ken Giles has pitched 2.1 IP over the last two days.

Tomorrow
1. Kyle Crick/Richard Rodriguez/Edgar Santana – If Vazquez, Crick, or Rodriguez goes today, it’ll be three straight. Monitor usage to see who will be available tomorrow.
2. Taylor Rogers – If Trevor Hildenberger goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
3. Joe Jimenez – If Shane Greene goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.