September 19, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis was pulled from Friday night’s game after stepping awkwardly on first base and injuring his knee. Whether or not Dolis misses an extended amount of time — which wasn’t yet clear postgame — this likely gives Anthony Bass the inside track at saves for now. This Sportsnet article takes a deep dive into Toronto’s other late-innings options, including Ryan Borucki.
Updated hierarchy: Bass | Cole | Borucki.
Philadelphia Phillies — As we expected, Hector Neris got the save chance on Friday after a brutal performance from Brandon Workman the night before. Neris walked two, but got the job done. At this point, we think Neris has the best chance at a save even when everyone’s rested.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Workman | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets — Trade deadline acquisition and World Series-winning reliever Todd Frazier came through, again, with a spotless ninth inning for the Mets Friday night, including this filthy strikeout of Adam Duvall.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Wilson | Familia.
Colorado Rockies — With four runs allowed in two-thirds of an inning on Friday, Wade Davis saw his ERA balloon to 20.77. At this rate, we can’t see Davis getting a save chance anytime soon.
Updated hierarchy: Bard | Givens | Almonte.
Houston Astros — Brad Peacock didn’t last long in Houston this season, returning to the IL after only two weeks and three appearances. With Chris Devenski similarly sidelined, we welcome Josh James to the hierarchy for the first time.
Updated hierarchy: Pressly | Scrubb | James.
Chicago White Sox — Evan Marshall has been placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. Although GM Rick Hahn expects him back after only the minimum 10-day stay, for the meantime, Codi Heuer and Jimmy Cordero will hold down the middle innings. Also keep an eye on 2020 first-round draft pick Garrett Crochet, a future starter who’ll pitch out of the bullpen this season — and hit 101 MPH in his debut Friday night.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Heuer | Cordero.
St. Louis Cardinals — With John Gant continuing to battle a groin injury, it was Alex Reyes and Ryan Helsley called on to finish game one of Friday’s doubleheader. Helsley loaded the bases on two walks and an error, but managed to escape with his first career save.
Updated hierarchy: *Miller | Reyes | Helsley.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — If you somehow started Ryan Sherriff on your fantasy team yesterday — perhaps because your league makes you start four lefty relievers and also counts pitcher strikeouts against you — you’re a winner in Rays Save Roulette! The lefty Sherriff had the platoon advantage over two hitters, both of whom were pinch-hit for.
Hierarchy remains: *Anderson | Castillo | Drake.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Rowan Wick/Craig Kimbrel — Jeremy Jeffress has pitched in three out of four (64 total pitches).
2. Phillips Valdez — Ryan Brasier and Matt Barnes have each gone in four of six.
3. Hector Rondon/Travis Bergen — Stefan Crichton and Junior Guerra haven’t thrown a lot of pitches, but they’ve each appeared in three of four. The choice between Rondon and Bergen will likely hinge on whether righties or lefties are due up.
4, Zack Britton — Aroldis Chapman won’t pitch in three straight.
5. Brandon Workman — Hector Neris has appeared in four of five games.
6. Diego Castillo — Nick Anderson has pitched in three of four.
Sunday:
1. Alex Reyes/Ryan Helsley — Andrew Miller has pitched in two straight (30 total pitches) and Reyes threw 39 on Friday and might get some extra rest.
2. Justin Wilson/Jeurys Familia — An appearance for Edwin Diaz will make four out of five.
