September 27, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — As the Vulture Save Watch warned, Kenley Jansen was due for some rest after going three of four and did not pitch Thursday in a 1-0 win. Pedro Baez did pitch, but not in the bottom of the ninth, instead tossing a scoreless eighth inning. Adam Kolarek got the ball to begin the ninth and allowed a hit before being lifted for Kenta Maeda, who slammed the door for his third save. The Dodgers have nothing to play for, but Jansen could be due for a tuneup this weekend to keep him fresh. Joe Kelly won’t likely pitch until Sunday, so keep Maeda in mind for any vulture save opportunities this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.
Washington Nationals – Score another one for the Vulture Save Watch. Daniel Hudson did the honors for the Nationals on Thursday as Sean Doolittle received a day off instead of going in three straight. Hudson converted his sixth save. We expect Doolittle to get any remaining opportunities this weekend, if he’s well-rested enough.
Hierarchy remains: *Doolittle | Hudson | Strickland.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Pitching for the first time this fantasy championship week, patient (and let’s face it – nervous) owners were rewarded when Jose Leclerc threw just five pitches to earn a one-out save. If he gets another one or two this weekend, they would come against the AL East champion Yankees, who have an outside shot at the league’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
Hierarchy remains: Leclerc | Montero | Clase.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
None.
Tomorrow:
1. Junior Guerra – A Friday outing would be four of six for Josh Hader. The Brewers are gunning for a division title, so they’ll likely push Hader if they have to. Don’t leave him out of your lineup in daily leagues.
2. Pedro Baez/Kenta Maeda – Same as above for Kenley Jansen, though the Dodgers have nothing further to play for this regular season.
3. Shaun Anderson – Ditto for Will Smith.
4. Ryne Stanek – A Friday appearance would be three of four for Jose Urena, who actually got a save last night.
5. Richard Rodriguez – Keone Kela has been busy, too. A Friday outing would be three of four for him.
6. Daniel Hudson – The Nationals probably won’t push Sean Doolittle too much. A Friday appearance would be three of four for the lefty.
7. Ty Buttrey – Same as Urena, Doolittle and Kela for Hansel Robles.
8. Joakim Soria – If he works Friday, that would be three straight for Liam Hendriks.
