September 11, 2019
New York Mets – Justin Wilson got a four-out save for the Mets, taking over for Brad Brach in the 8th and staying on through a tumultuous 9th for his second save of the year. Notably absent was Edwin Diaz, though Mickey Callaway said postgame that Diaz would still get his chances. Wilson seems like the handcuff for now, though.
Updated hierarchy: Lugo | Wilson | Diaz.
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader got a second day off after pitching twice over the weekend, so it was Drew Pomeranz who got the 9th inning on Tuesday. He converted for his first save. Junior Guerra and Matt Albers appeared earlier in the game.
Hierarchy remains: Hader | Guerra | Albers.
Tampa Bay Rays – Peter Fairbanks got his first save of the season, closing out an 11th inning victory. Even in the unpredictable Rays bullpen, Fairbanks is unlikely to get many chances to close out games.
Hierarchy remains: Pagan | Anderson | Drake.
Oakland A’s – Daniel Mengden pitched the final three innings of a 21-7 blowout on Tuesday. He does not factor in to the A’s usual late game plans.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Soria | Petit.
Colorado Rockies – Jairo Diaz picked up a 2-inning save on Tuesday and clearly Bud Black’s go-to guy in Colorado. We’ll kick away his asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Estevez | Shaw.
San Francisco Giants – Will Smith’s lingering back issues and the recent news that Tony Watson will miss the rest of the year led to a save chance for Shaun Anderson last night. Anderson converted, which is all he needed to do to jump up to handcuff status on this hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Anderson | Gustave.
Seattle Mariners – Anthony Bass picked up his third save of the season on Tuesday; he’ll continue to be an option alongside Matt Magill.
Hierarchy remains: *Magill | Bass | Tuivailala.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates – Kyle Crick will miss the rest of the season with a hand injury after getting into a fight with Felipe Vazquez in the clubhouse. Your 2019 Pirates, everyone.
Updated hierarchy: Vazquez | Rodriguez | Liriano.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Carlos Estevez – Jairo Diaz went two innings yesterday.
Tomorrow
1. Derek Law – If Ken Giles goes tonight, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Andres Munoz – If Kirby Yates goes tonight, it’s back to back and four of five.
3. Mike Morin – Same for Hector Neris.
