May 14, 2021
Detroit Tigers — Gregory Soto was given his customary save chance Thursday, but when he ran into trouble (just one out and 2 ER), Michael Fulmer came on to get the final two outs on five pitches to earn his second save. It’s the second time this month Fulmer has come into the game to rescue Soto, who allowed a couple of runs in the 10th inning of a win against Boston last week. Fulmer (3.71 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) has done it all for the Tigers this season, starting four games and saving two, but it appears his most recent work might be something he continues to do more often.
Updated hierarchy: *Soto | Cisnero | Fulmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — Emannuel Clase ran into trouble in the ninth inning Thursday, yielding three walks before Bryan Shaw came on to get the final out for his first save. Clase is still the man at this point, but he has allowed at least two baserunners in his last five appearances, totaling 12 baserunners over 3.2 innings. Meanwhile, James Karinchak has
only allowed 8 baserunners all season, over a total of 17.1 innings. Clase has mostly been getting the job done, but it’s tough to keep closing out games with so much traffic on the bases so it will be something to keep an eye on.
Hierarchy remains: Clase | Karinchak | Shaw.
Chicago White Sox – 2020 first-rounder Garret Crochet continues to pitch well in a relief role, collecting his fourth hold on Thursday with a scoreless seventh inning. Crochet projects as a starter long term, and has a higher WHIP than you’d think (1.50 WHIP), but he is more likely to get future late-inning looks than Evan Marshall, who has allowed six earned runs in his last five appearances.
Updated hierarchy: Hendriks | Bummer | Crochet.
San Francisco Giants — Manager Gabe Kapler wanted to give Jake McGee a consecutive day off after he pitched Monday and Tuesday, so that led to Tyler Rogers getting his third save Thursday. McGee is still the clear leader for saves, but this is Kapler we’re talking about, and this is most certainly a committee.
Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Garret Whitlock pitched the last three innings of an 8-1 win to earn his first save. Whitlock (1.77 ERA) has been quite the find for the Red Sox and is someone to target in deep leagues or dynasty leagues, though his long-term appeal is likely as a starting pitcher.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Ottavino | Andriese.
San Diego Padres – Drew Pomeranz (lat tightness) was placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday. Tim Hill could factor into the late-innings mix more often now.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Hill.
Tampa Bay Rays – Could the Rays be veering away from a committee again? Well, we won’t go that far yet, but saves-leader Diego Castillo is set to be activated when he’s first eligible on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: *Springs | Thompson | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jose Cisnero (DET) – Gregory Soto has gone in three straight. Michael Fulmer only threw five pitches Thursday but he has gone in two straight. Cisnero has the most rest of the bunch.
2. James Karinchak (CLE) – Emmanuel Clase has pitched in three straight.
3. Chad Green (NYY) – Aroldis Chapman was off Thursday, but even so, he has gone in four of six and might need an extra day of rest.
4. Devin Williams (MIL) – Josh Hader didn’t pitch Thursday and still has gone in four of six. Williams has had the same workload, but he only three two pitches Wednesday so he could conceivably be available.
5. Greg Holland (KC) – The Royals play a doubleheader Friday…
6. Aaron Bummer (CHW) – …and so do the White Sox.
Saturday:
1. Tyler Chatwood (TOR) – A Friday outing would be three of four for Jordan Romano.
2. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) – Same as above for Alex Reyes.
3. Ryne Stanek (HOU) – Ditto for Ryan Pressly.
4. Jose Alvarado (PHI) – Yup, same for Hector Neris.
5. Lou Trivino (OAK) – Sensing a pattern? Same as the previous four for Jake Diekman.
6. Chris Stratton (PIT) – A Friday appearance would be four of six for Richard Rodriguez.
