April 8, 2021
Oakland A’s — Trevor Rosenthal, Oakland’s record-breaking closer signing, is now considering thoracic outlet surgery that would have him out for at least 12 weeks. Rosenthal missed the 2018 season after Tommy John surgery and had a very disappointing 2019, but his strong 2020 had the A’s hoping he was back to his old self. Here’s hoping that happens soon.
Hierarchy remains: Diekman | Romo | Petit.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Things are somehow getting worse in the snakebitten Diamondbacks bullpen, with Chris Devenski heading to the restricted list for “personal reasons.” Stefan Crichton and the ailing Kevin Ginkel should lead the pack now, with Taylor Clarke joining them in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Crichton | Ginkel | Clarke.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Ian Kennedy is pulling away from the pack in the Rangers bullpen, earning his second consecutive save with three strikeouts in a one-run game. If Kennedy gets the next save for the Rangers, we think he’ll have done enough to kick the asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: *Kennedy | Bush | Sborz.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers needed Josh Hader to pitch the ninth in a tie game; they used Devin Williams in the eighth; and Brent Suter pitched three innings on Tuesday. So after they took a three-run lead in the top of the tenth, they called on J.P. Feyereisen to nail things down. He loaded the bases with two outs, though, so when Brad Boxberger induced a flyout, he earned his first save since March 28, 2019 — shortly before he was replaced as the Royals closer by Ian Kennedy.
Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Suter.
Cleveland Indians – James Karinchak relieved Shane Bieber in a high-leverage jam in the seventh, allowing Emmanuel Clase to grab the win in the eighth before Nick Wittgren picked up the save in the ninth.
Hierarchy remains: *Karinchak | Clase | Wittgren.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — Will Smith earned a save in game one of a doubleheader, and Sean Newcomb struck out the side to do the honors in the nightcap. Meanwhile, there’s still no official word on Chris Martin’s condition.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Martin | Minter.
Baltimore Orioles — Extra-inning saves tend to go to whatever reliever is still around when the visitors take the lead, and for Baltimore on Wednesday night, that was Paul Fry.
Hierarchy remains: *Scott | Valdez | Armstrong.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants — The Giants gave their extra-inning save opportunity to Wandy Peralta, and he wound up with the first save of his career.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Rogers | Moronta.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Taylor Rogers — Alex Colome threw 32 pitches for the Twins in a two-inning save on Wednesday.
2. Tanner Scott — Cesar Valdez got seven outs for Baltimore last night.
Friday:
1. Joe Smith — Ryan Pressly threw two innings for Houston on Tuesday; an appearance today probably shuts him down for Friday.
2. Mike Mayers/Steve Cishek — If Raisel Iglesias pitches today for the Angels, it’ll be three games in five days with a high pitch count.
