April 5, 2021
Arizona Diamondbacks — Joakim Soria was called on in the eighth inning to pitch to the middle of the Padres’ lineup, but the 36-year-old left the game with an apparent calf injury suffered while covering first base. With Arizona off on Monday, Soria will head back to Phoenix for tests, and we’ll wait for confirmation before making a move. The best-case scenario for Soria is probably a few days of rest, but if he has a serious calf strain, expect an alert for a committee comprising Stefan Crichton, Kevin Ginkel, and Chris Devenski — the latter of which grabbed Sunday’s save.
Hierarchy remains: Soria | Crichton | Ginkel.
Toronto Blue Jays — Julian Merryweather dominated the Yankees, again, to earn his second save of the season on Sunday afternoon. Merryweather’s impressive outing came after Jordan Romano handled the top of the New York order in the eighth, suggesting that Romano might get the highest-leverage looks regardless of the inning. There are plenty of caveats — GM Ross Atkins spoke over the weekend of the team’s “open-minded approach” to closing games, and (due to injuries) Merryweather has thrown only 21 innings at all levels over the past four seasons. But as long as Merryweather is pitching like this, we think he has to be considered the favorite for saves.
Updated hierarchy: *Merryweather | Romano | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — Chris Martin left Sunday’s game with tingling in his fingers, and could wind up on the injured list. Tyler Matzek, who struck out the side on Sunday with high-90s heat, would likely move into the hierarchy if Martin has to miss any time.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Martin | Minter.
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Kenley Jansen unavailable after a five-out save on Saturday, it was Corey Knebel picking up a vulture save — his first save since the 2018 NLCS against the Dodgers.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.
Los Angeles Angels — Ty Buttrey has been a mainstay in the Angels’ hierarchy ever since his 2018 callup, and he deserves a sendoff worthy of his insightful retirement post. Much respect and all the best to Buttrey as he moves into a more rewarding chapter of his life. We’ll always have that melting butter entrance video to remember him by.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Mayers | Cishek.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Archie Bradley — Hector Neris has pitched in two straight and three of four for the Phillies.
2. Andrew Chafin/Brandon Workman — Craig Kimbrel has pitched back-to-back and Monday could help clarify who is first in line behind him for the Cubs.
3. Mike Mayers — Raisel Iglesias threw 30 pitches (and one terrible toss in the vicinity of third) in Sunday night’s game for the Angels.
Tuesday:
1. Stefan Crichton/Kevin Ginkel — Whatever the tests reveal, we don’t expect Joakim Soria to be available for the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.
2. Tanner Scott — If Cesar Valdez pitches Monday for the Orioles, it will be three games in four days.
