September 17, 2021
Chicago Cubs – Manager David Ross said Rowan Wick and Codi Heuer are Chicago’s best closer options. “I’m comfortable with either one of those guys in the ninth,” Ross said. We’ll leave Wick atop the hierarchy and slide Heuer up accordingly. We also reserve the right to add an asterisk if Wick starts splitting more save opportunities.
Updated hierarchy: Wick | Heuer | Morgan.
Atlanta Braves — Chris Martin was activated from the injured list at the speed of sound on Thursday, returning from a brief stay on the shelf after just one rehab appearance. Meanwhile, Luke Jackson was placed on the paternity list. Jackson should be back in a few days, so we’ll leave him here in the hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Rodriguez | Jackson.
New York Yankees — Joanthan Loaisiga will begin a throwing program Friday as he hopes to return to the Yankees bullpen before the season ends.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Peralta.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Daniel Hudson (SD) – Mark Melancon has gone in three in a row while Emilio Pagan has pitched in two straight.
2. Michael Lorenzen/Amir Garrett/Luis Cessa (CIN) – The entire Reds hierarchy has gone in two straight, but Lorenzen has thrown fewer pitches (24) than Mychal Givens (33) or Lucas Sims (29) over that span. If all need a break on Friday, perhaps Garrett or Cessa give it a go.
3. Chad Green (NYY) – Even though he was off on Thursday, Aroldis Chapman has still pitched in four of six.
4. Sergio Romo (OAK) – Andrew Chafin has pitched in two straight.
Saturday:
1. Michael Lorenzen/Lucas Sims (CIN) – The relief pitcher who doesn’t appear Friday will presumably be available Saturday.
2. Chad Green (NYY) – If he goes on Friday, that would be five of seven for Aroldis Chapman.
3. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) – If Carlos Estevez pitches Friday, that would be four of six for him.
4. Chasen Shreve (PIT) – An outing Friday would be three of four for Chris Stratton.
