April 19, 2019
Seattle Mariners — Staked with a one-run lead in the eighth inning and the 9-1-2 hitters (including Mike Trout) due up, committee leader Anthony Swarzak got the call, but he promptly allowed a game-tying blast to 9-hole man David Fletcher. Of course, the Mariners took the lead again the top half of the ninth, giving Roenis Elias a chance to earn his third save, which he did. The M’s hit a bit of a skid recently but they are never truly out of a game given how well their bats have hit, so save chances will be plentiful for this bunch. Connor Sadzeck may get another opportunity soon (see below), but keep an eye on Brandon Brennan, who has been dubbed the “secret weapon” thanks to a filthy changeup.
Hierarchy remains: *Swarzak | Elias | Sadzeck.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — Chad Sobotka has allowed runs in three straight appearances, including two more earned runs Thursday to inflate his ERA to 12.38. He’s probably not in line for save chances these days. Luke Jackson, who recorded a hold earlier this month, has good swing-and-miss stuff (13.5 K/9) and could be used in higher-leverage spots. Keep an eye, too, on Dan Winkler, who was called up from Triple-A earlier this week and tossed a scoreless sixth inning Thursday. Both pitchers should be ahead of Sobotka at this point.
Updated hierarchy: Minter | Biddle | Jackson.
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera was activated from the injured list Thursday and was immediately thrust into game action, throwing a scoreless sixth inning on just nine pitches. Tepera will probably factor into the team’s late-inning plans right away, but he might still be behind Tim Mayza, who pitched the seventh, and Joe Biagini, who pitched the eighth ahead of closer Ken Giles.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Biagini | Mayza.
Arizona Diamondbacks – As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Yoshihisa Hirano was called upon in the ninth inning Thursday and nailed down his first save of the season. Greg Holland, who had pitched in three of four, and Archie Bradley (36 pitches Wednesday) each got a day of rest.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Bradley | Hirano.
Kansas City Royals — In yesterday’s update, we moved Wily Peralta a tick ahead of Ian Kennedy in the team’s hierarchy, as Kennedy appears to be the team’s fireman based on recent usage. Peralta has one save under his belt this season and could be in line for another chance today after Kennedy pitched part of the eighth and closed out the ninth Thursday with a five-run lead, giving him 57 overall pitches thrown over two straight outings.
Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Kennedy | Diekman.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles – Mychal Givens had a chance to finally pick up his first save on Thursday, but he blew it by allowing a game-tying homer. The Orioles still won the game, but Givens will have to give it a go another time. Chances will be few and far between for the O’s this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Givens | Fry | Yacabonis.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias looked more comfortable on the rubber Thursday, striking out the side for his third save. His numbers are still ugly (5.87 ERA, 1.70 WHIP), but this latest outing is encouraging.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Hughes | Garrett.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Joe Kelly — Kenley Jansen has pitched in three of four.
2. Joe Jimenez — Shane Greene has gone in three straight.
Saturday:
1. Kyle Barraclough — Friday would be a third straight appearance for Sean Doolittle. The same is true for Barraclough, though he only threw two pitches Thursday.
2. Joe Biagini — An appearance Friday would be three of four for Ken Giles. Biagini has already pitched in three of four, so a night off Friday would be an indicator that he’d be called upon Saturday, if needed.
3. Diego Castillo/Chaz Roe — Entering Friday, Jose Alvarado and Diego Castillo have each pitched in two of three.
4. Connor Sadzeck — Entering Friday, Anthony Swarzak has gone in two straight and Roenis Elias has already pitched in three of four.
