September 22, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies bullpen fell apart last night, with Pat Neshek giving up four runs and taking the loss. Seranthony Dominguez pitched a scoreless 6th inning, and his use in the late innings has not been consistent. The guy to watch here is Hector Neris, who pitched the 9th inning last night and has only allowed four earned runs in the last 15 innings, including a scoreless August. His overall numbers are not great, but if you are chasing saves in the playoffs, Neris may sneak one or two for you. He got the last save opportunity, and in this wide open committee, that’s as good a sign as any.
Updated hierarchy: *Hunter | Neshek | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was given the night off after returning from the DL on Thursday. This left the save chance to Dellin Betances, who converted. With the Yankees almost locked into the Wild Card game, they will be careful with Chpaman and may rest other pieces of their bullpen in the final week. Aaron Boone said that he hopes that Chapman will be closing out games by the playoffs, but that he will be seeing some lower-leverage work to ease him back. We think that the Yankees will try to get him to the 9th inning sooner rather than later, but ultimately they will be careful with their All-Star.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
Tampa Bay Rays — Austin Pruitt pitched the final three innings of an 11-3 win to pick up his third save of the season. He’s combined for 10 IP in those three saves, including a 5.2 IP save back in May.
Hierarchy remains: *Romo | Alvarado | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jonny Venters/Dan Winkler — AJ Minter has pitched two of the last three, throwing 26 pitches last night and 22 on Wednesday. Johnny Venters has pitched in three of four, but has thrown only 18 pitches in those three games.
2. Steven Wright — Craig Kimbrel has gone in two straight and the Sox have already clinched the division.
3. Dellin Betances/Zach Britton — Aroldis Chapman may not see a save chance just yet, and Britton is more well-rested than Betances.
4. Craig Stammen/Matt Strahm — Kirby Yates threw 30 pitches last night while Craig Stammen has pitched three of the last four.
Sunday:
1. Kevin McCarthy — Today would be three in a row for Wily Peralta.
2. Seth Lugo/Anthony Swarzak – Both Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo have pitched in back-to-back games. If either makes an appearance today they should be unavailable Sunday.
