September 23, 2018
Atlanta Braves – Arodys Vizcaino earned his first save since June 17 when he closed out an NL East title for the Braves on Saturday. Vizcaino still needs to work towards back-to-back appearances, which should start this week. As the Braves prepare for the postseason, it would make sense for them to give Vizcaino another save chance or two to see if he’s capable of once again being a closer, even if it’s a shared role with AJ Minter.
Updated hierarchy: Minter | Vizcaino | Venters.
Oakland A’s — Jeurys Familia pitched Saturday and allowed an earned run for the third time in four appearances. Meanwhile, Fernando Rodney has overcome a rough stretch of his own to string together four straight scoreless outings. We’ll keep an eye on where both of these former closers are trending in case Blake Treinen needs a night off prior to the postseason.
Hierarchy remains: Treinen | Familia | Rodney.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jordan Hicks — Carlos Martinez threw 38 pitches last night in his second straight day of work.
2. Mike Wright Jr. — Mychal Givens threw 24 pitches over two innings on Saturday and Paul Fry has thrown 31 pitches over the last two days.
3. Adam Ottavino/Seung Hwan Oh — Both Wade Davis (28 pitches) and Ottavino (22 pitches) have gone on back-to-back days, but Ottavino only threw five pitches last night.
4. David Robertson — Aroldis Chapman may not see a save chance just yet, and both Zach Britton and Dellin Betances have seen heavy usage over the past three days.
Monday:
1. Steven Wright — If Craig Kimbrel goes today that will be three of four.
2. Adam Ottavino/Seung Hwan Oh — If either Davis or Ottavino goes today, it will be three straight for them.
3. Adam Conley/Kyle Barraclough — Same goes for Drew Steckenrider and Adam Conley.
4. Jeurys Familia/Fernando Rodney — And for Blake Treinen and Jeurys Familia.
5. Kyle Crick — Felipe Vazquez threw 23 pitches last night and another lengthy outing could mean an off day Monday.
