May 16, 2019
Minnesota Twins — After Blake Parker was used to get the last out of the eighth, Trevor Hildenberger almost gave up a four-run lead in a nonsave situation. Mike Morin came in and made things worse — loading the bases and hitting Mike Trout — before escaping with an ugly save. After the game, Hildenberger was sent to Rochester, leaving Trevor May as the likeliest seventh-inning man for the Twins.
Updated hierarchy: *Parker | Rogers | May.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants — We’ve been crediting Bruce Bochy’s claims that Mark Melancon will close again, but bullpen usage patterns reveal a clear preference for Tony Watson when things get tight.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Moronta | Watson.
Philadelphia Phillies — Stand down, everybody, we found Hector Neris, pitching the ninth in a three-run loss, nailing the walk-balk-hit batsman trifecta. Expect him to keep getting save chances with David Robertson out at least another month.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — Jose Alvarado and Emilio Pagan were used in tight spots in the middle innings, leaving Diego Castillo to pick up his team-leading fifth save.
Hierarchy remains: *Alvarado | Castillo | Pagan.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Michael Lorenzen — Raisel Iglesias threw 23 pitches but got five outs on Wednesday. Jared Hughes threw 30 on Tuesday, but still pitched last night; we think both of those guys get today off.
2. Sean Newcomb — Luke Jackson earned a two-inning save on Wednesday after Dan Winkler walked two guys on four pitches each. This might be a good chance to see if Brian Snitker was serious about using Sean Newcomb in save situations.
3. Taylor Rogers — Blake Parker has pitched in three of four.
Friday:
1. Ryan Brasier — Matt Barnes could get a second straight day off after throwing 42 pitches over two days.
