Lots of Vulture Saves on a Saturday in September


September 8, 2019

Tampa Bay Rays — Oliver Drake struck out the side for his second save of the season yesterday.  Emilio Pagan got the day off after pitching in two straight and four of the previous five games.  Nick Anderson ended up with the win after pitching the eighth inning of a tie game and that left Drake for the save after the Rays took the lead in the bottom of the eighth.

Updated hierarchy: Pagan | Anderson | Drake.

Houston Astros — The Astros gave closer Roberto Osuna the day off after pitching on Thursday and Friday.  Will Harris pitched a scoreless 9th for his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Harris | Rondon.

Kansas City Royals – The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted that Ian Kennedy and Scott Barlow would get yesterday off and Tim Hill would get the save chance.  It wasn’t your normal save chance as Hill came on in the 8th with two runners on and a 4 run lead, but a save is a save and anybody fortunate enough to have Hill in their lineup yesterday will certainly take it.

Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Barlow | Hill.

San Francisco Giants — Closer Will Smith was unavailable yesterday after his back tightened up and set-up man Tony Watson is day-to-day with a wrist injury.  Even without their two best relievers, the Giants bullpen combined for 4 scoreless innings to close out a 1-0 shutout win.  Jandel Gustave got the ninth inning and now has two holds and a save in his last three appearances.  Gustave didn’t have very good numbers in the minors and doesn’t strike out many batters, but he got the job done yesterday and could get more chances if Smith and Watson miss time.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Gustave.

Arizona Diamondbacks — With Archie Bradley and Kevin Ginkel getting the night off, Arizona played matchups in the ninth inning.  Lefty Andrew Chafin started the inning and then gave way to Jimmie Sherfy.  Sherfy struck out both batters that he faced for his first save of the season.  Sherfy got called back up in September after being up for a couple of weeks in May, and we will see if the Diamondbacks turn to him more in the later innings down the stretch.  

Hierarchy remains: Bradley | Ginkel | Lopez.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Luke Jackson – Mark Melancon has pitched in two of three, while Shane Greene has gone in three straight.
2. Ty Buttrey – Hansel Robles has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing a total of 38 pitches.

Monday
1. Junior Guerra – Josh Hader pitched two innings on Saturday so if he pitches again on Sunday, he will likely get Monday off.