Obviously another Rays’ reliever records a save

September 20, 2020

Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays have already clinched a playoff spot so maybe now they are trying to see if they can get each one of their relievers a save?  It was Ryan Thompson’s turn on Saturday as he got the last two outs for the save.  Thompson became the 12th Rays’ reliever to pick up a save this season.  Aaron Loup and Sean Gilmartin are the only active relievers who haven’t recorded a save yet this season, but there is a week left to change that.

Hierarchy remains: *Anderson | Castillo | Drake.
* = closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies — Tommy Hunter picked up his first save of the season by striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.  The Phillies bullpen had a great day yesterday as Blake Parker and David Phelps combined with Hunter to throw three hitless innings.  Neris had the day off due to rest, but it’s notable that Brandon Workman was nowhere to be found.  Given Workman’s struggles since joining the Phillies, we think that will likely continue.

Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Hunter | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee

Detroit Tigers – After the Tigers rallied for four runs in the bottom of the 8th, Bryan Garcia came out for the 9th and converted his third save of the season.  Garcia has now made eleven straight scoreless appearances.  This does not appear to be a committee anymore as Garcia has solidified himself as the primary closer.

Hierarchy remains: Garcia | Soto | Cisnero.

St. Louis Cardinals — With Andrew Miller getting the day off after appearing in two straight, fellow lefty Genesis Cabrera did his best Miller impression by recording the final five outs (including three by strikeout) for his first save.  Ryan Helsley recorded four outs ahead of Cabrera.  The Cardinals will likely continue to mix and match in the late innings.

Hierarchy remains: *Miller | Reyes | Helsley.
* = closer-by-committee


Houston Astros — Brooks Raley, who has been great since being traded to the Astros, struck out a pair in an 8th inning hold ahead of a Ryan Pressly save yesterday. Raley has now picked up two holds and a save in his last three appearances and should continue to be used in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: Pressly | Scrubb | Raley.

Chicago Cubs – The Cubs bullpen suffered a big blow as Rowan Wick has been placed on the IL.  Wick has been the most versatile member of the Cubs’ bullpen this season.  Jason Adam, who hasn’t allowed an earned run yet in September, should see more time at the back-end of the Cubs’ bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Jeffress | Kimbrel | Adam.

Toronto Blue Jays —  Rafael Dolis avoided a major injury and could be available out of the Blue Jays bullpen soon.

Updated hierarchy: Bass | Dolis | Cole.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Gregory Soto – Bryan Garcia has pitched in two straight
2. Nick Vincent – Marlins have a doubleheader today and Kintzler and Boxberger both pitched yesterday.
3. Will Harris – The Nationals have a doubleheader today
4. Sean Gilmartin – Aaron Loup has appeared in two straight so in the Rays’ quest to get every reliever a save, Gilmartin could be the next man up.

Monday
1. Brad Boxberger – If Brandon Kintzler appears in either game of the doubleheader today he will likely get Monday off.