September 18, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies – Brandon Workman had a disastrous outing for the Phillies on Thursday, coming on in a 6-6 game in the ninth before giving up three runs, two of which came on a solo HR and an RBI triple before he was yanked. He was charged with the loss and has now allowed nine earned runs in 11 2/3 innings with the Phillies. He allowed just nine earned runs all last season! At this point, you have to wonder how long he’ll be used in high-leverage situations moving forward. Hector Neris, who didn’t pitch Thursday, is a logical bet for a save chance over the next few days.
Hierarchy remains: *Workman | Neris | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – Sam Selman earned his first career save Thursday, securing a 6-4 win for the Giants, who find themselves in a playoff race. Tony Watson pitched the seventh inning with the 8-9-1 hitters (two righties) due up. This is Gabe Kapler, so the manager’s unorthodox use of late-inning arms shouldn’t be all that surprising. Selman has actually pitched pretty well this season (20 Ks in 16.2 IP with a 2.70 ERA), and in some high-leverage spots, so perhaps he’s starting to earn Kapler’s trust.
Updated hierarchy: *Watson | Rogers | Selman.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – As predicted, Ryan Pressly got the night off Thursday, but so did Andre Scrubb, as lefty Brooks Raley instead was called upon to secure his first major league save. With two lefties due up in the ninth, Dusty Baker turned to Raley, who has been very effective against lefties this season (.148 BAA, .466 OPS against).
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Scrubb | Peacock.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jeurys Familia – Edwin Diaz and Justin Wilson have both gone in three straight.
2. Hector Neris – Brandon Workman had another disastrous outing Thursday and might not be thrown out there again today.
Saturday
1. Ryan Brasier – If Matt Barnes goes Friday, that will be four games in six days for the Sox closer.
2. Felix Pena – A Friday outing would be three of four for Ty Buttrey.
3. Travis Bergen – Same as above for Stefan Crichton and Junior Guerra.
4. Andre Scrubb – Ditto for Ryan Pressly.
5. Zack Britton – A Friday outing would be two straight for Aroldis Chapman. He likely won’t be allowed to go three in a row.
