May 31, 2019

Kansas City Royals — The Royals have just 19 wins in 56 games, so save chances are few and far between. Yesterday, Ian Kennedy recorded the team’s first save since May 1! He got the last one too, and now has three, but he’s been sketchy in May (0-2, 8.10 ERA) after a strong start. With Wily Peralta (one save this year) in and out of the closer role, Kennedy seems like the man to own. Peralta pitched a scoreless seventh on Thursday. We’ll keep this in committee mode, but with Kennedy at the top. 

Updated hierarchy: *Kennedy | Peralta | Diekman.
* = closer-by-committee

Seattle Mariners — Hunter Strickland will throw off a mound on Sunday for the first time in a while, a big step as he aims for a return in mid- to late June. He’ll be in the mix for saves when he gets back.

Hierarchy remains: *Elias | Brennan | Sadzeck.
* = closer-by-committee

New York Yankees — Dellin Betances has thrown two recent bullpen sessions and may face live hitters as soon as next week. The Yankees’ bullpen is loaded, so they’ll take it slow with Betances, but a return to the late innings for the big righty this summer is likely.

Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Carlos Estevez — Scott Oberg and Bryan Shaw have each pitched in four of five. 
2. Brandon Brennan/Connor Sadzeck/Cory Gearrin — Roenis Elias has pitched in two straight and three of five, allowing four runs (two earned) on 67 pitches. And Seattle’s bullpen is a mess.

Saturday:
1. Nick Wittgren — An appearance Friday would be three of four for Brad Hand. 
2. Kelvin Herrera — Same for Alex Colome.
3. Joe Jimenez — Ditto Shane Greene.
4. Diego Castillo/Emilio Pagan — None of the Rays’ top options pitched Thursday, but a Friday outing would be four of six for Jose Alvarado, while an appearance for Castillo would be three of four.