September 17, 2020
Arizona Diamondbacks –Stefan Crichton converted another save last night and is clearly the top option for saves in Arizona down the stretch. Junior Guerra on short rest was used in the 8th inning, so we are sliding him into the setup spot and he could certainly step in if Crichton has a setback, but this doesn’t look like a committee anymore
Updated hierarchy: Crichton | Guerra | Bergen.
Washington Nationals – After Daniel Hudson couldn’t hold a 1 run lead in the 9th, the save chance in extra innings fell to Kyle McGowin. McGowin converted the save in style, striking out the side on 17 pitches. McGowin has yet to give up a run over 5 appearances this year, but Washington had already used their whole hierarchy by the time McGowin got into the game, so we will keep things as they are for now.
Hierarchy remains: Hudson | Harris | Suero.
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen got the night off which meant Pedro Baez got the last two outs of a 2 run game to pick up his second save of the year. This win clinched a playoff berth for the Dodgers, so they may start giving their top arms a bit more rest, which will be easier with Joe Kelly just being activated from the IL. We will wait to see how Kelly is used, but he could see some high leverage innings down the stretch.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles is almost certainly done for the year as Toronto placed him back on the IL with a flexor strain. Giles has had a forgettable season marred by injuries and will likely be focusing on 2021. We will slot A.J. Cole into his spot on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Dolis | Bass | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Travis Bergen – Both Stefan Chrichton and Junior Guerra have pitched back to back days.
2. Andre Scrubb – Ryan Pressly has pitched back to back, including 22 pitches last night.
3. Jeurys Familia / Justin Wilson – both Edwin Diaz and Justin Wilson have pitched back to back.
4. Brad Boxberger – with a doubleheader today, Boxberger could find a save chance if Brandon Kintzler pitches in the first game, as it would be back to back for him.
Friday
1. Scott Barlow/Jesse Hahn – Greg Holland threw 19 pitches yesterday, so if he gets in today expect a day off Friday.
