September 7, 2019
Atlanta Braves — A day after Mark Melancon gave up two runs on 28 pitches, he got the night off. Shane Greene came in to close out a one-run game, and impressed with a perfect inning and two strikeouts. This is Greene’s first save with the Braves, but he showed why he was such a valuable trade target. When Melancon needs rest, Greene is a solid backup for the contending Braves.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Greene | Jackson.
New York Mets — With a two-run lead, the Mets went to Edwin Diaz to try to close out the Phillies. Diaz gave up the tying home run, but vultured a win when Pete Alonso drew a walk-off walk. Despite resting on Thursday, Seth Lugo needed another day. Mickey Callaway’s announcement that Diaz would continue to be Lugo’s backup was not welcome news to Mets fans.
Hierarchy remains: *Lugo | Diaz | Wilson.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies — Jairo Diaz earned his first save since taking over as head of the Rockies’ closer committee, and is the guy to own for the rest of the season in Colorado.
Hierarchy remains: *Diaz | Estevez | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers — Jose Cisnero has three holds in the last week and pitched a scoreless ninth in a tie game last night.
Updated hierarchy: Jimenez | Farmer | Cisnero.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Yoan Lopez — Both Archie Bradley and Kevin Ginkel had long outings yesterday, and for Bradley it was his third out of four.
2. Gregory Soto — The Detroit bullpen has been very active; Soto is well-rested and has a five-game scoreless streak and a pair of recent holds.
3. Tim Hill — Today would be two straight and four of five for both Ian Kennedy and Scott Barlow.
4. Ryan Buchter — Liam Hendricks and Joakim Soria have pitched in three of four. Yusmeiro Petit is out of the country after his father’s death.
5. Jose Alvarez — Both Hector Neris and Mike Morin have pitched back-to-back and three of four. Alvarez got Friday off.
6. Tony Watson — Will Smith has thrown 50 pitches in the last three days.
7. Nick Anderson — Emilio Pagan has pitched in four of the last five.
8. Shawn Kelley — Jose Leclerc has appeared in three of four.
Sunday:
1. Carlos Estevez — Today would be back-to-back and three of four for Jairo Diaz, who earned his first career save last night.
2. Michael Lorenzen — An appearance Saturday would be three of four for Raisel Iglesias.
3. Will Harris — Roberto Osuna has pitched in back-to-back games, although he’s kept his pitch count low.
