September 16, 2020

Philadelphia Phillies – With Brandon Workman seemingly available, the Phillies turned to Hector Neris to close out Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Mets. Manager Joe Girardi said that he might switch things up in the late innings, and it looks like he’s staying true to his word. We’ll slap a committee tag on this bullpen for now, but don’t be surprised if Neris wins his job back with another strong outing.

Hierarchy remains: *Workman | Neris | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals – Tanner Rainey landed on the 10-day IL with a right flexor strain, and it’s hard to imagine the Nationals will let him pitch again this season.

Updated hierarchy: Hudson | Harris | Suero.

Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays activated Oliver Drake from the IL on Tuesday. Drake will be eased back into action and probably won’t pitch on back-to-back days right away, but we’re sliding him back into this committee as someone who may eventually see a save chance. 

Updated hierarchy: *Anderson | Castillo | Drake.
* = closer-by-committee

Arizona Diamondbacks — Stefan Crichton collected his second save of the season on Tuesday with a perfect ninth inning. He looks like the best option for saves in Arizona for the next two weeks. Junior Guerra deserves some credit as well for his effort last night, as he entered the sixth inning with one out and the go-ahead run on third before promptly striking out Mike Trout and inducing a flyout from Anthony Rendon.

Hierarchy remains: *Crichton | Bergen | Guerra.
* = closer-by-committee

Cincinnati Reds – Amir Garrett picked up the save for a tired Reds bullpen on Tuesday, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to you, noted reader of the Vulture Save Watch.

Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Bradley | Jones.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Pirates GM Ben Cherington had some bad news for anyone holding out hope that Keone Kela will return this season, as he said that the calendar is starting to work against them. 

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Turley | Stratton.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Blake Treinen/Pedro Baez – Kenley Jansen needed 28 pitches last night and has gone in three of four. Blake Treinen has also pitched in three of four but has thrown far fewer pitches, including just four last night.

Tomorrow
1. Ryan Brasier/Phillips Valdez – If Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier pitch today it will be two straight and three of four.
2. Evan Marshall – An Alex Colome outing today would be three of four.
3. Yohan Ramirez – If Yoshihisa Hirano pitches today that will be four of five.