May 12, 2021
Oakland A’s — With the Athletics clinging to a one-run lead in the ninth, they turned to Jake Diekman to get the final three outs. Diekman issued two walks, but even with Lou Trivino warming in the ‘pen, the lefty hung on to pick up his fourth save of the season. Tuesday’s performance isn’t inspiring us to move Diekman to the top of the hierarchy, but we will add the asterisk back on there for the time being.
Updated hierarchy: *Trivino | Diekman | Petit.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — The Yankees had a bit of a scare during the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game when the trainer came out to check on Aroldis Chapman, who was only hitting 96 with his “fastball.” Chapman finished the game and earned the save, and afterwards Aaron Boone confirmed that Chapman had an issue with his fingernail and that he’s fine.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
San Francisco Giants — Since Gabe Kapler announced that Tyler Rogers might be in the mix more for the ninth inning on May 5, Jake McGee has converted all three of the Giants’ saves, including his 10th of the year yesterday. After seeing how we mushed Diego Castillo once we removed the Rays’ asterisk, we’ll do our readers (and McGee himself) a service by keeping the committee tag on the Giants for now.
Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates – Kyle Crick landed on the IL, retroactive to May 10, 2021, with a right triceps strain. David Bednar should see additional high-leverage opportunities in Crick’s absence.
Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Stratton | Bednar.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Paul Fry (BAL) – Cesar Valdez has pitched two straight days, including a 23-pitch blown save on Tuesday.
2. Chad Green (NYY) – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in three of four.
3. Ryan Helsley (STL) – Alex Reyes (28 pitches) and Giovanny Gallegos (27 pitches) each threw two innings last night.
4. Jose Alvarado/Sam Coonrod (PHI) – Hector Neris threw 30 pitches last night, while both Alvarado (22 pitches) and Coonrod (20 pitches) had lengthy appearances last night as well.
5. Tyler Chatwood (TOR) – Jordan Romano recorded a 29-pitch save last night.
Tomorrow
1. Ryne Stanek (HOU) – If Ryan Pressly pitches tonight it will be two straight and three of four.
2. Chris Stratton (PIT) – Same goes for Richard Rodriguez.
3. Brad Boxberger (MIL) – All three of the Brewers’ hierarchy members enter Wednesday having gone in three of four. If all three pitch again tonight, Boxberger could steal a save chance on Thursday.
