July 6, 2019
New York Mets — Edwin Diaz’s frustrating season continued last night as he entered a tied game in the ninth and got tagged for four runs. After the game, Mickey Callaway said he’d consider a switch at closer if somebody else could do a better job. At this point, that list includes Bobby Bonilla, Tim Tebow, and (especially) Jerry Seinfeld, but the most likely beneficiary of a Diaz demotion is Seth Lugo (3.43 ERA, 11.6 K/9). Jeurys Familia may be only a couple years (and five points on his ERA) removed from saving 51 games, but if he gets the job, we’ll eat our Knicks hat.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Lugo | Familia.
Arizona Diamondbacks — There are three Ls in Lovullo already, but Torey is never satisfied. Always pushing the envelope, the D-Backs manager announced before Friday’s game that he’s sticking with Greg Holland as closer. You shouldn’t.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Hirano | Lopez.
Baltimore Orioles — Mychal Givens was unavailable last night with soreness from a diving tag on Wednesday, so the Orioles turned to Paul Fry to close out a three-run game. Givens should be back this weekend, but Baltimore continues to be in all-out committee mode. If you’re desperate enough to roster an Oriole reliever, Fry is an option, although Givens remains the best bet for saves when healthy.
Updated hierarchy: *Givens | Armstrong | Fry.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — When Blake Treinen hit the IL, Oakland turned the closer role over to Liam Hendricks. In Treinen’s absence, Hendriks extended his scoreless streak to 14 appearances, and his dominance will officially keep him in the ninth even after Treinen’s return.
Updated hierarchy: Hendriks | Treinen | Soria.
Detroit Tigers — Victor Alcantara is taking advantage of the All-Star break to have tooth surgery. He’ll go on the IL for a 10-day stint. Expect Joe Jimenez and Buck Farmer to get any save chances in his absence.
Updated hierarchy: Greene | Jimenez | Farmer.
Kansas City Royals — Ian Kennedy couldn’t protect a two-run lead against the Nationals last night; he may have been feeling the effects of a 21-pitch outing on Thursday. When the Royals took the lead in the 11th, it was Wily Peralta who slammed the door for his second save. Kennedy had converted nine straight saves, so he’s safe in his role.
Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Diekman | Peralta.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jake Diekman — Ian Kennedy has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing 49 pitches in that span.
2. Zack Britton — Aroldis Chapman has gone back to back and thrown 46 pitches.
3. Blake Treinen — Newly anointed closer Liam Hendriks has pitched in three of four.
4. Jose Alvarado — Emilio Pagan has gone back to back, including a two-inning outing last night.
Sunday:
1. AJ Minter/Jacob Webb — Both Jackson and Minter have gone in back-to-back games, so if either pitches today, they’ll be out for Sunday.
2. Brandon Workman — The same is true for Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier, while Workman was held out of last night’s game after throwing 38 pitches on Thursday.
3. Ty Buttrey/Cam Bedrosian — Today would be two straight and three of four for everyone in the Angels hierarchy, so whoever goes today will probably be unavailable on Sunday.
