April 29, 2021
Seattle Mariners — Rafael Montero entered the game with a two-run lead in the seventh and stayed on for the eighth, where he really struggled, putting four runners on base and seeing a fifth reach on an error. You could do worse than speculating on the dominant Kendall Graveman getting the next save opportunity and running with it.
Hierarchy remains: *Montero | Graveman | Middleton.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — Although Richard Bleier was mentioned a few weeks ago as a possible save option based on matchups, Yimi Garcia has locked down the ninth, with Dylan Floro and Anthony Bass holding down the seventh and eighth. We’ll adjust accordingly.
Updated hierarchy: Garcia | Floro | Bass.
Los Angeles Angels — Tony Watson got five outs in the sixth and seventh to protect a one-run lead for the Angels, and has taken over the second-in-line position from Steve Cishek, whose last two outings came in the fourth.
Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Mayer | Watson.
Houston Astros — As we predicted, Ryan Pressly was given the night off on Thursday, and Ryne Stanek grabbed his second career save. VUL — TURE — SAVE — WATCH!! *Clap clap clapclapclap*
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Stanek | Smith.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Adam Ottavino (BOS) — Matt Barnes has been lights-out lately, but he’s gone in three of four (and five of seven).
2. Ryan Thompson/Andrew Kittredge (TB) — Or anyone else in a Rays uniform, basically. Diego Castillo and Jeffrey Springs have pitched in two straight.
3. Bryan Garcia (DET) — The Tigers have a doubleheader Thursday and both Gregory Soto and Jose Cisnero have pitched two days out of three.
4. Kendall Graveman (SEA) — Montero threw 34 pitches Wednesday night.
Friday:
1. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Hector Neris has pitched in two of three (and four of six), but we suspect he’ll be available Thursday. If so, he’ll be sure to get Friday off.
2. Ryne Stanek (HOU) — If Pressly pitches Thursday, he’ll be at three of four (and five of eight).
