Anthony Bass blows second save on controversial HBP

April 9, 2021

Miami Marlins – Anthony Bass blew his second save in as many tries on Thursday, coughing up a game-tying home run before “hitting” Michael Conforto with a pitch with the bases loaded to end it. Some — including the home plate umpire — think Conforto was struck because he hung over the plate, which if true would result in a strike and not a HBP. You be the judge. Either way, Bass has not been impressive to start things. Bass might have a little more rope for now, but keep an eye on Yimi Garcia. Perhaps he snags the next save chance?

Hierarchy remains: Bass | Garcia | Curtiss.

New York Mets – On the other side of the controversial call, Edwin Diaz pitched in his first game and secured the win. Setting up him were Trevor May and Miguel Castro. Dellin Betances, meanwhile, was placed on the IL with a shoulder impingement. He was terrific and reliable from 2014-2018, but injuries continue to plague this stage of his career.

Updated hierarchy: Diaz | May | Castro.

Oakland A’s — Trevor Rosenthal underwent thoracic outlet surgery and will be out for at least the next 12 weeks. He had a rib removed as part of the procedure and will visit with his doctor in eight weeks for a check-up. Meanwhile, a potential late-innings candidate, A.J. Puk, is now on the IL with a strained left biceps injury

Hierarchy remains: Diekman | Romo | Petit.

Toronto Blue Jays — It wasn’t a save situation, but Julian Merryweather was used in a traditional situation for a team’s closer on Thursday, pitching scoreless ninth and 10th innings in a tie game Toronto eventually lost. Jordan Romano, meanwhile, entered the seventh inning to get his team out of a jam. He was charged with a blown save after allowing an inherited runner to score. We’ll need a little more evidence that Merryweather’s the guy before removing the asterisk. 

Hierarchy remains: *Merryweather | Romano | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee

St. Louis Cardinals – Alex Reyes now has all three Cardinals saves this year after slamming the door shut Thursday. He hasn’t allowed a run yet this season and appears to firmly have a grasp on the job. Let’s kick that asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: Reyes | Gallegos | Hicks.

Chicago Cubs – Craig Kimbrel looked dominant Thursday, striking out three across 1.2 IP to pick up his second save and the 350th of his Hall of Fame career. Aside from any time he was injured — or those few months in 2019 he spent waiting for a free agent contract — Kimbrel has appeared on a hierarchy for the entirety of Closer Monkey’s existence. 

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Chafin | Workman.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Steve Cishek (LAA) — Raisel Iglesias has pitched in three of five and Mike Mayers has gone in three of four.
2. Jordan Romano (TOR) — Julian Merryweather threw 31 pitches across two innings Thursday and might get some rest Friday to keep him fresh.

Saturday
1. Mychal Givens (COL) — If Daniel Bard goes on Friday, that would be three of four for him.