August 18, 2019
Washington Nationals — Sean Doolittle blew a threw run lead giving up three home runs and four runs in just 13 pitches. Doolittle’s velocity was down and manager Davey Martinez said he may need to reconsider Doolittle’s workload. If Doolittle receives more rest, that could open up more save chances for Daniel Hudson, Hunter Strickland and maybe even our old friend, Fernando Rodney.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Hudson | Strickland.
New York Mets — Seth Lugo bounced back from his disastrous outing on Wednesday to throw a perfect ninth inning for his third save of the season. The Mets will likely continue to use both Lugo and Diaz to close out games.
Hierarchy remains: *Diaz | Lugo | Wilson.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — The relievers that the Braves acquired at the deadline did what they were supposed to do on Saturday and it was a welcome sign for the team. Shane Greene struck out the side in a perfect eighth inning and Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth for his third save. We will slide Greene back to first in line and if Melancon can convert a couple more saves he will likely shed the committee asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: *Melancon | Greene | Jackson.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – Matt Magill struck out the side to record his first career save. Magill has put together five straight scoreless outings, picking up a win, hold, and save during that time. Anthony Bass picked up the win yesterday. The Mariners’ bullpen likely won’t yield many saves for the rest of the season but Bass and Magill look to be the most likely candidates at this point.
Updated hierarchy: *Bass | Magill| Tuivailala.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Rowan Wick closed out a 2-0 Cubs win to get his first career save. The Cubs are expected to activate Craig Kimbrel from the IL today.
Updated hierarchy: *Strop | Kintzler | Wick.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks — Yoshihisa Hirano has been placed on the IL with right elbow inflamation. Andrew Chafin should take over Hirano’s role in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: *Bradley | Lopez | Chafin.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Although it did not result in a save, it would be hard for a website dedicated to bullpens to not acknowledge what the Rays did on Saturday. 5 relievers combined for 6.2 perfect innings of relief, striking out 14 batters. The Rays overall set a major league record, striking out 24 batters without any walks. Speaking of strikeouts, Nick Anderson has struck out the side in three straight scoreless appearances. Since joining the Rays, Anderson has seven scoreless appearances with 17 ks in 7 innings. That’s pretty good.
Updated hierarchy: *Pagan | Alvarado | Anderson.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Adam Ottavino – Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton have pitched in two straight and the Yankees are the only team in the majors to not use a reliever on three straight days.
2. Daniel Hudson/Fernando Rodney – Sean Doolittle will almost certainly get Sunday off. Daniel Hudson only threw 7 pitches yesterday but both he and Hunter Strickland have pitched in two straight so that could leave Fernando Rodney.
Monday
1. Ty Buttrey – If Hansel Robles pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and four of five.
