Seth Lugo in the mix for saves while Ken Giles could go on the IL

August 11, 2019

New York Mets — Seth Lugo started the eighth inning of a tie game yesterday and retired the first two batters he faced to tie the franchise record of 26 consecutive batters retired.  Unfortunately, the next batter hit a go-ahead solo home run.  After the Mets took a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth and created what would have been a save chance for Edwin Diaz, Lugo still came back out for the ninth and finished off the Mets’ win.  Mickey Callaway mentioned that he would be flexible with the closer’s role.  This looks like a committee for now and if Diaz doesn’t start pitching better, Lugo could take the job.

*Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Lugo | Wilson.
* = closer-by-committee

Toronto Blue Jays – With Ken Giles unavailable yesterday, Derek Law got the last four outs for his third save of the season.  Law has been great recently, as he has not allowed a run in his last eleven appearances and he has picked up three saves during that time.  Giles may need to go on the IL if his arm doesn’t start responding and it looks like Law would make a good speculative add at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Law | Shafer.

Atlanta Braves – One day after being declared closer, Mark Melancon got the chance to close out a four run game.  It didn’t quite go as planned.  Melancon struck out the first batter he faced, but then allowed four straight singles.  With the bases loaded and one out, Melancon got yanked and on came the Braves’ previous closer, Shane Greene.  Greene proceeded to give up a single and a double that tied the game (and would have given the Marlins the lead except the Braves threw out the go-ahead run at home plate).  The Braves ended up losing in extras and their bullpen is a mess right now.  They have a lot of options for closing games and this could become a fluid situation where the hot hand gets the call.  We will throw this into a committee for now while things get sorted out.

Hiearchy remains: *Melancon | Greene | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers — After throwing 44 pitches on Friday, his most since 2017, Josh Hader got a much deserved day off on Saturday.  That left Matt Albers to pick up his second save in the past week and third of the season.  Albers has only allowed one run in his last twelve appearances and manager Craig Counsel praised Albers after the game.  We will slide him up to first in line.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Albers | Peralta.

Cincinnati Reds – Sal Romano has made two appearances in the big leagues this year and of course, he has two saves.  Romano pitched the last three innings of a Reds’ blowout victory and if you think you can predict the next Reds’ blowout victory, go ahead and pick up Romano right before that game. 

Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Garrett.

Chicago Cubs – Steve Cishek is the latest Cubs’ bullpen member to go on the IL.  Rowan Wick should see more time in the later innings while Cishek is out. 

Updated hierarchy: *Phelps | Strop| Wick.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Martin – Mark Melancon has pitched in two straight and three of four, while Shane Greene has pitched in two straight.
2. Pedro Baez – Kenley Jansen has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing 37 pitches, while Joe Kelly has pitched in two straight and three of four.
3. Freddy Peralta – Josh Hader may get a second day off after throwing 44 pitches on Friday.
4. Andrew Miller – Carlos Martinez has pitched in two straight and three of four.
5. Justin Shafer – Derek Law has pitched in two straight and Giles may still be unavailable.  

Monday
1. Diego Castillo – If Emilio Pagan pitches on Sunday, it will be three straight.