April 16, 2021
Seattle Mariners – It sure looks like a committee is taking shape in Seattle. Kendall Graveman and Keynan Middleton each earned their second save of the year in both ends of a doubleheader on Thursday. Rafael Montero, who also has two saves this season, pitched the sixth inning to set up Graveman in game one. Manager Scott Servais said he used the pitchers in that order because of the pockets of hitters due up in each inning. Both pitchers did not pitch in the nightcap. So who is the closer? It’s complicated, but it seems Montero leads the group, for now.
Updated hierarchy: *Montero | Graveman | Middleton.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano has joined Julian Merryweather on the injured list. Look for Rafael Dolis to lead a beleaguered bullpen in the meantime.
Updated hierarchy: *Dolis | Mayza | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – Manager Terry Francona had a slim lead Thursday, so he turned to his three best late-inning arms to close things out. Nick Wittgren pitched a scoreless seventh inning, James Karinchak nailed down a scoreless eighth and Emannuel Clase tossed a scoreless ninth for his third save. Clase has looked terrific (0.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 7 Ks in 5.1 IP) and it appears he’s the guy, at least for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Clase | Karinchak | Wittgren.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — One of the cloudier bullpen situations in baseball got even murkier Thursday when Scott Barlow pitched the final two innings to earn his first save. He is now the fifth Royal to have a save over the first 11 games. There was little reporting after the game about the team’s closer situation, so a lot of uncertainty remains. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What else do we say?
Hierarchy remains: *Holland | Staumont | Zimmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — It was a special night in Los Angeles on Thursday as David Price pitched a clean ninth to earn his first save since the 2008 ALCS. Manager Dave Roberts said he told Price before the game he’d get the opportunity to close if the situation presented itself. When Price converted to close Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball, Roberts said, “I think (it) capped a really good night off.” Price could be looking at some high-leverage bullpen work moving forward, so we’ll track his upcoming usage.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.
San Diego Padres — Craig Stammen pitched the final three innings of the team’s 8-3 victory Thursday to earn his first save of the season in unconventional style. He shouldn’t factor into the team’s late-inning plans very often.
Hierarchy remains: *Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Kendall Graveman (SEA) — Rafael Montero has pitched in four of six.
2. Sean Newcomb (ATL) — Even with an off day Thursday, Will Smith has gone in four of six.
Saturday:
1. Trevor May (NYM) — If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Edwin Diaz.
2. Adam Ottavino (BOS) — Same as above for Matt Barnes.
3. Gregory Soto (DET) — Ditto for Bryan Garcia.
4. Sean Newcomb (ATL) — A Friday appearance would be five of seven for Will Smith.
5. Dylan Floro (MIA) — A Friday outing would be three of five for Yimi Garcia.
