September 21, 2018
Chicago Cubs — Now that Brandon Morrow is out for the season and Pedro Strop is uncertain to return, the Cubs will be hunting for a possible October closer over the final two weeks. One writer theorizes that Justin Wilson will emerge from a crowd that includes Steve Cishek, Jesse Chavez, CJ Edwards and Jorge de la Rosa, among others. Joe Maddon seemed to agree, calling Wilson a possible “linchpin.” Wilson doesn’t have a save this season, but that may change over the final 10 games.
Hierarchy remains: *Cishek | Wilson | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays went into the bottom of the ninth up six runs on Toronto, but after Jamie Schultz gave four of them back, they brought in closer Sergio Romo to nail things down. But after a strikeout and a bloop single to center, Romo yielded back-to-back home runs for his eighth blown save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Romo | Alvarado | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman made his return to game action Thursday and was given a chance in a pretty tight spot against the Red Sox, down 8-6 in the eighth inning. He appeared rusty, allowing a single, a walk, and a three-run shot to Mookie Betts before being pulled. He will continue to get eased in, so the Yankees’ relievers aren’t likely to help you a ton during the fantasy playoffs.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
New York Mets — Extra innings and a win for the away team are a perfect recipe for a vulture save, and Paul Sewald (5.93 ERA) did the honors on Thursday. It was his second save this month, but don’t fret, all regular hierarchy members pitched earlier in the game.
Hierarchy remains: Gsellman | Lugo | Swarzak.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Cody Allen — Allen has gotten five straight days off and Brad Hand has pitched in the last two.
2. Jose Alvarado — Sergio Romo could use a night off maybe.
3. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias threw 28 pitches Thursday and has gone in three of five.
4. Zach Britton/Dellin Betances — If Aroldis Chapman isn’t going in two straight, Britton is the best-rested Yankee.
5. Kyle Crick — As we told you yesterday, Felipe Vazquez has pitched on four of the last six days.
Saturday:
1. Justin Miller — Entering Friday, Sean Doolittle and Greg Holland have each pitched in three of five.
