April 30, 2021
Seattle Mariners — The Mariners rode the “Gravy Train” again Thursday night, using Kendall Graveman to secure the final three outs for his third save. The Vulture Save Watch did predict this outcome, but it’s looking like Graveman might be here to stick. He has not been charged with an earned run yet this season and has 12 strikeouts in 10.2 IP. Let’s make him the committee head over Rafael Montero, who had looked good lately until he struggled in an appearance Wednesday. Graveman might shake the committee label soon if he keeps pitching like this.
Updated hierarchy: *Graveman | Montero | Middleton.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs designated Brandon Workman for assignment. Filling his void in the depth chart is Rex Brothers, for now. Brothers has looked good (15 Ks in 9.1 IP with three holds), but keep an eye on Dillon Maples, who typically pitches in Cubs defeats but has looked strong himself (1.93 ERA, 16 Ks in 9.1 IP).
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Chafin | Brothers.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Chris Devenski is back with the Diamondbacks following a stint on the restricted list. He pitched a perfect fifth inning on Thursday, retiring the 2-3-4 hitters in a 3-3 game. We’ll keep an eye on how quickly Devenski returns to high-leverage work.
Hierarchy remains: *Crichton | Ginkel | Clarke.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Hector Neris has pitched in three of four.
2. Jeffrey Springs (TB) — Diego Castillo has pitched three straight days.
3. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Alex Reyes threw 25 pitches over two innings on Thursday and has pitched in three of five.
Saturday:
1. Rafael Montero (SEA) — If he goes Friday, that would be three appearances in four days for Kendall Graveman.
2. Devin Williams (MIL) — Same as above for Josh Hader.
3. Ryne Stanek (HOU) — If Ryan Pressly goes Friday, that would be four of six for him.
