Edwin Diaz continues to falter; Braves turn back to Luke Jackson

August 12, 2019

Atlanta Braves – After a string of failures led by all the relievers they acquired at the deadline, the Braves went back to Ya Boy for the 9th inning on Sunday. It wasn’t pretty, as Jackson allowed three singles and didn’t strike anyone out, but despite spilling water all over himself before the outing, he got the job done, stranding the bases loaded and preserving the 1-run victory. We’ll move him back on to the hierarchy, with designs on putting him back on top if he gets and converts the next opportunity.

Updated hierarchy: *Melancon | Jackson | Greene.
* = closer-by-committee


Chicago Cubs – With pretty much every other high-profile reliever on the Cubs on the IL, Joe Maddon went to Pedro Strop for the 9th inning yesterday. Strop converted for his 10th save of the year; David Phelps and Rowan Wick were used to bridge the gap to him. We’ll adjust the hierarchy accordingly.

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


New York Mets – Sunday provided another disappointing outing from Edwin Diaz, who allowed two runs in a non-save situation. Though Diaz will continue to get high-leverage innings, we have a feeling that Seth Lugo gets the next save chance here. Lugo will probably never be a full time closer, since the Mets tend to avoid using him on back to back nights, but he should be good for some saves down the stretch.

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


St. Louis Cardinals – As mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch, Carlos Martinez had gone in back to back and three of four going into Sunday, so he was given the night off and Andrew Miller got the save.

Hierarchy remains: Martinez | Miller | Gant.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today

1. Zack Britton/Shawn Armstrong – The Orioles and Yankees play a doubleheader today, which can mean unorthodox bullpen usage.

Tomorrow
1. Ty Buttrey – If Hansel Robles goes tonight, it’ll be three straight.
2. Nick Wittgren – Brad Hand labored through 25 pitches yesterday; another extended outing and he’ll have Tuesday off.
3. Ryan Pressly – If Roberto Osuna goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
4. Fernando Rodney – Same for Sean Doolittle.