September 11, 2020
St. Louis Cardinals – Giovanny Gallegos did not record an out before leaving Thursday’s game with a groin injury and will undergo some imaging to determine the extent of the injury. He was charged with three runs on two hits and a walk and was hit with the loss. This warrants monitoring. Andrew Miller, John Gant and/or the recently returning Ryan Helsley could factor into the saves mix if Gallegos is sidelined.
Hierarchy remains: *Gallegos | Miller | Gant.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers – It appears there’s a new saves option in Detroit. Bryan Garcia earned his second save Thursday, just days after closing out Sunday’s win. In between, Garcia got the final out Tuesday in an 8-3 victory after coming into the game with two men on and two outs. Asked about Garcia after the game, manager Ron Gardenhire said, “We think he’s got the moxie to be able to do it.” We’ll slide Garcia to the top of this committee, and it looks like he might shake the asterisk by early next week if he keeps pitching well.
Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Soto | Cisnero.
* = closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – Emilio Pagan is back from the injured list and should be in the mix in the late innings behind Trevor Rosenthal. Taylor Williams, who was acquired from the Mariners before the deadline, was sent down to the team’s alternate training site in a corresponding move.
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Pomeranz | Pagan.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Travis Bergen picked up his first career save by getting the final two outs Thursday in a 5-2 win. Anytime someone earns a save for Arizona it’s noteworthy, as this bullpen situation has been pretty muddy since the departure of Archie Bradley. We’ll add him to the hierarchy as we continue to track this situation. It’s worth noting that Kevin Ginkel and Stefan Crichton had pitched in back-to-back days, so they might have needed rest.
Updated hierarchy: *Ginkel | Crichton | Bergen.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Austin Brice was placed on the 10-day IL Thursday. Expect Phillips Valdez to be among the options to slot in behind Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes as the Red Sox play out the string.
Updated hierarchy: Barnes | Brasier | Valdez.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was activated from the injured list on Thursday, but must now begin serving his five-game suspension.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Joakim Soria – Liam Hendriks has pitched in three straight.
Tomorrow
1. Ryan Brasier – A Friday appearance would be three of four for Matt Barnes.
2. Rowan Wick – Same as above for Jeremy Jeffress.
3. Andre Scrubb – Ditto for Ryan Pressly.
4. Scott Barlow – And also for Greg Holland!
5. Stefan Crichton/Travis Bergen – You get the idea! (re: Kevin Ginkel)
