September 23, 2020
Chicago White Sox — Alex Colome needed just six pitches to get through a tied ninth inning, but he was unable to return for the 10th inning to protect a 3-1 lead after experiencing back spasms in the dugout. Manager Rick Renteria didn’t seem overly concerned after the game, but we’ll likely know more today. Even though the White Sox are in a tight battle for the AL Central crown, they have a postseason spot locked up and can afford to be careful with Colome prior to the playoffs. Codi Heuer, Jimmy Cordero and Garrett Crochet could all have a chance to record a save over the final five games.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Heuer | Cordero.
San Francisco Giants – Sam Coonrod collected his third save of the season on Tuesday night, facing the Rockies’ 8-9-1 hitters in the ninth. Tony Watson pitched the eighth inning, which lefty cleanup hitter Charlie Blackmon led off. The Giants are battling for one of the last playoff spots in the National League, so their top arms should see plenty of work this week, though their order of appearance will remain a mystery. Best of luck to anyone turning to a Gabe Kapler bullpen with a fantasy title on the line.
Updated hierarchy: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals — Giovanny Gallegos struggled in his first game back from the IL on Monday, but with the Cardinals still in a committee and playing five games in six days as they fight for a playoff spot, Gallegos has a good chance to notch at least one more save this season.
Updated hierarchy: *Miller | Reyes | Gallegos.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – The Reds designated Nate Jones for assignment. Amir Garrett should factor in the late innings as the Reds contend for a playoff spot.
Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Bradley | Garrett.
Los Angeles Angels – Mike Mayers secured his second save in as many days on Tuesday thanks to 1.2 scoreless innings. He’s looking like the Angels’ best ninth-inning option for the remainder of the year.
Hierarchy remains: *Mayers | Buttrey | Pena.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jimmy Cordero/Garrett Crochet – Alex Colome’s status for tonight is up in the air. Codi Heuer threw 35 pitches last night.
2. Ty Buttrey – Mike Mayers has appeared in three of the last four games, including back-to-back 20-pitch outings. Felix Pena threw 25 pitches last night.
3. Justin Wilson – Edwin Diaz has pitched in two straight games.
4. Will Harris – Same goes for Daniel Hudson.
5. David Phelps – Hector Neris (26 pitches) and Tommy Hunter (35 pitches) both went two innings yesterday. Brandon Workman had a chance to work himself back into this conversation, but he blew a 10th-inning save yesterday.
6. Nik Turley – Richard Rodriguez has pitched in three of four.
Tomorrow
1. James Karinchak – If Brad Hand pitches today that will be three of four.
2. Scott Barlow – Same goes for Greg Holland.
3. Justin Wilson – If Edwin Diaz goes today, that will be his third straight contest.
4. Will Harris – Same goes for Daniel Hudson.
