Ian Kennedy, Chris Devenski earn save chances

April 7, 2021

Arizona Diamondbacks — Joakim Soria landed on the IL Tuesday thanks to his calf injury, which paved the way for Chris Devenski’s second save opportunity of the season. Devenski was unable to deliver, as he allowed a two-out solo shot that tied the game. Despite allowing a solo homer in each of his two appearances, Devenski appears to be the favorite for saves right now. Earlier in the evening, Stefan Crichton came on to successfully erase a one-out jam in the seventh and Taylor Clarke was impressive in facing the heart of the Rockies’ order in the eighth. Torey Lovullo said that Kevin Ginkel was under the weather, which is why he wasn’t used in a 13-inning win. 

Updated hierarchy: *Devenski | Crichton | Ginkel.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals – With closer Brad Hand not be on the opening day roster due to the COVID outbreak on the Nationals, the team will likely turn to a committee, with Daniel Hudson and Tanner Rainey being the two most likely to get save chances while Hand is out. Hudson did indeed pitch the ninth inning of a tie game that the Nationals won in the bottom half of the frame.

Updated hierarchy: *Hudson | Rainey | Suero.
* = closer-by-committee

Texas Rangers – Ian Kennedy needed just eight pitches to complete a 1-2-3 ninth inning and close out a Rangers win. Matt Bush faced the top of the order in the eighth and allowed a home run. We’ll slide Kennedy to the top of the hierarchy based on Tuesday’s clean save and see who gets the next chance.

Updated hierarchy: *Kennedy | Bush | Sborz 
* = closer-by-committee

Tampa Bay Rays — Chaz Roe is on the 60-day IL with a right shoulder strain. Lefty Cody Reed made his 2021 debut on Tuesday and earned a seventh-inning hold. Kevin Cash said before the game that Reed will “play a big role,” which is good enough to get a spot in this hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: *Castillo | Fairbanks | Reed.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today

1. Adam Ottavino – Matt Barnes threw 23 pitches over two innings last night.
2. Buck Farmer – Gregory Soto has thrown 50 pitches over the last two days, including 26 in a two-inning effort yesterday. Bryan Garcia has appeared in two straight and three of four, so Farmer may get the call today as he was off yesterday.

Tomorrow
1. Mike Mayers/Steve Cishek – If Raisel Iglesias pitches today, that will be two straight and three of four. Mayers has pitched two straight, so if he goes today then Cishek may get a look.
2. Giovanny Gallegos/Jordan Hicks – Both Alex Reyes and Gallegos have pitched two straight, so today’s usage between them will dictate Thursday’s availability.