June 13, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Interim closer Joe Biagini didn’t cover himself in glory in his first appearance in the role. Summoned with two men on and a six-run lead in the eighth, Biagini walked two and gave up a double. By the time Daniel Hudson shut the door, the lead had shrunk to two — and Hudson put the first two guys on in the ninth before escaping with the save. The best news for the Jays is that if Ken Giles is indeed out for only the minimum 10 days, he could return as early as Sunday.
Updated hierarchy: Biagini | Hudson | Gaviglio.
Seattle Mariners — Anthony Bass escaped Cory Gearrin’s mess in the eighth and got the chance to earn the save, but a single and a homer to start off the ninth put an end to that. After Seattle scored three in the top of the tenth, Roenis Elias made short work of the Twins. Meanwhile, Hunter Strickland had some soreness during his weekend rehab and won’t be back as early as expected.
Hierarchy remains: *Elias | Bass | Brennan.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates – The Pirates turned to Felipe Vazquez to face the top of the Braves’ order in a tied eighth inning, leaving the save opportunity for Kyle Crick once Pittsburgh scored in the top of the ninth. The first batter Crick faced tied the score with a home run, and the Pirates ultimately lost in the eleventh.
Hierarchy remains: Vazquez | Crick | Liriano.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Ty Buttrey/Justin Anderson/Cam Bedrosian – Like we said on Wednesday, the Angels’ bullpen is pretty beat up, and the big horses might get held out a second day.
2. Blake Parker — Taylor Rogers is dealing with back issues.
Friday:
1. Brandon Workman/Heath Hembree — Matt Barnes has gone in two of three at this point (as has Workman).
2. Archie Bradley — Same is true of Greg Holland.
