September 9, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays – Rafael Dolis notched his second straight save on Tuesday, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning. Dolis hasn’t allowed an earned run since Aug. 12. Meanwhile, Anthony Bass struggled a little on Monday protecting a six-run lead, which was some odd usage for someone who had been pitching a lot. Bass entered Tuesday’s game having gone in three of four and four of six. We’ll keep Bass at the top of the hierarchy for now, but Dolis may not be too far away from taking over that spot.
Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Cole.
Kansas City Royals — Three different Royals have recorded the team’s three saves since trading Trevor Rosenthal, with Scott Barlow doing the honors last night after Greg Holland tossed two perfect innings in the seventh and eighth. Barlow, Holland and Jesse Hahn have notched those three aforementioned saves, so we’ll put all three of them in our hierarchy and see how the next save chance plays out. One other name to keep an eye on is Kyle Zimmer, who struck out three in 1.2 IP on Tuesday to lower his ERA to 1.53.
Updated hierarchy: *Holland | Barlow | Hahn.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — After Matt Barnes blew a save in game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader in Philadelphia, Austin Brice looked like he was on his way to doing the same for the Sox in game two. Just three of Brice’s 14 pitches were strikes, as he walked two straight hitters after somehow managing to record an out. Marcus Walden replaced Brice and retired both batters he faced to earn the save.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Brasier | Brice.
Chicago Cubs – Jeremy Jeffress has collected the Cubs’ last four saves, including the final three outs of Tuesday’s win. David Ross said that while nobody has the label of closer, Jeffress is “probably the guy that’s going to be on the back end for a little bit.” The manger may not want to officially name a closer, but we’re kicking the asterisk until further notice.
Hierarchy remains: Jeffress | Wick | Kimbrel.
San Francisco Giants – Tony Watson earned the save last night, with Tyler Rogers picking up the win in the seventh inning after facing the 2-3-4 hitters. Jarlin Garcia got the eighth and maintained his 0.00 ERA with a 1-2-3 frame.
Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Junior Guerra – Both Kevin Ginkel (31 pitches) and Stefan Crichton (28 pitches) had lengthy outings on Tuesday.
2. Blake Treinen – Kenley Jansen needed 31 pitches to get through Tuesday’s ninth inning.
Tomorrow
1. Stefan Crichton/Junior Guerra – As noted above, both Crichton and Kevin Ginkel threw a lot of pitches on Tuesday so today’s usage will dictate how Arizona’s committee will be deployed on Thursday.
2. James Karinchak – If Brad Hand pitches today, that will be his fourth outing in five days.
3. Brad Boxberger – Same goes for Brandon Kintzler.
4. Buck Farmer – If both Gregory Soto and Jose Cisnero have long outings today, Farmer may get a save chance on Thursday.
