September 6, 2019
Chicago Cubs — There was no save chance Thursday for the Cubs, but if there had been, Craig Kimbrel would not have been available after his second trip to the IL this season. Kimbrel has elbow inflammation, so expect Rowan Wick, Brandon Kintzler and Steve Cishek to compete for saves while he heals.
Updated hierarchy: Wick | Kintzler | Cishek.
Tampa Bay Rays — Emilio Pagan pitched a scoreless ninth Thursday for his 18th save. He’s had every Rays save since the beginning of August — except a three-inning vulture effort from Aaron Slegers. In other words, this is Pagan’s job with no asterisk needed. With that said, he’s been busy lately, so keep an eye on the Vulture Save Watch below.
Updated hierarchy: Pagan | Anderson | Poche.
Houston Astros — Ryan Pressly will throw off a mound on Friday as he continues to work his way back after knee surgery. He could get some late-inning work before the end of the regular season as a tuneup for October.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Harris | Rondon.
St. Louis Cardinals — In his first major league outing since June, Genesis Cabrera pitched the final three frames of a 10-0 drubbing of the Giants to earn his first career save. The 22-year-old has flashed some promise, but you won’t see him in the hierarchy anytime soon.
Hierarchy remains: Martinez | Miller | Gallegos.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Reliever Brian Moran picked up a win in his first career game, pitching a scoreless fourth inning against his brother Colin’s Pirates. He actually faced Colin, striking him out (much to the excitement of their parents). This marked the first time in baseball history that a pitcher making his major league debut faced his brother during that appearance. Baseball is pretty cool.
Hierarchy remains: Vazquez | Kela | Crick.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Sergio Romo — Taylor Rogers has pitched in three of four.
2. Nick Anderson — Emilio Pagan has pitched in three of four and four of six.
3. Scott Barlow — Even with a day off Thursday, Ian Kennedy has still thrown in four of six.
4. Edwin Diaz/Justin Wilson — Seth Lugo pitched two innings on Wednesday and might get two days off after back-to-back appearances.
Saturday:
1. Shawn Kelley — A Friday appearance would be three of four for Jose Leclerc.
2. Mike Morin — A Friday outing would be three of four (and four of six) for Hector Neris. Morin has had a similar workload, with more pitches thrown, but he could go if he rests Friday.
3. Shane Greene — Mark Melancon allowed two runs in a 28-pitch outing Thursday. A taxing appearance Friday would earn him Saturday off.
4. Matt Barnes — Entering Friday, Brandon Workman has gone in three of five.
5. Ryne Stanek — Same for Jose Urena.
