September 29, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants went with Tony Watson in the seventh and Tyler Rogers in the eighth, leaving the ninth for Camilo Doval, who combined ridiculous heat with a nasty slider to lock down his first MLB save. We’ll move Doval into the hierarchy and see if Gabe Kapler continues to use him as a closer as his team fights for a division title.
Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Leone | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – Ryan Pressly was unavailable on Tuesday because of some knee trouble, but he should be fine for Wednesday. We’ll keep an eye out to see if Pressly actually is fine. Be prepared for the Astros’ closer to be used sparingly, though, as Houston’s magic number to clinch the division is one. Kendall Graveman, placed on the paternity list Tuesday, or Ryne Stanek could vulture a chance this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Graveman | Stanek.
Pittsburgh Pirates – In his second appearance since returning from the IL, David Bednar struck out two and walked two in a scoreless eighth inning to set up a Chris Stratton save. Stratton appears to be in the lead for saves, but as we wrote yesterday, don’t be surprised to see Bednar earn a chance this week. In fact, Bednar has allowed just two runs (both earned) since July 2.
Hierarchy remains: *Stratton | Bednar | Shreve.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen was available on Tuesday night, but Dave Roberts decided to go to a better-rested Blake Treinen for the ninth inning. Treinen converted his seventh save of the season, allowing Roberts to keep his closer “frisky and fresh.”
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.
Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays activated Andrew Kittredge from the IL. While we’re happy that Kittredge is no longer injured, we’re hoping someone new gets a crack at any save chances this week. The Rays were punished for sending out Josh Fleming (one save in 2021) for the ninth inning instead of JT Chargois (zero saves in 2021) on Tuesday with a 3-2 lead, as the Astros came back to win the game as Chargois couldn’t clean up Fleming’s mess.
Updated hierarchy: *Kittredge | McHugh | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles – Cole Sulser rewarded us for putting him at the top of the Baltimore committee with a save on Tuesday night. The Orioles play the Red Sox two more times, so Sulser should see at least one more save chance this week.
Hierarchy remains: *Sulser | Tate | Abad
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — Joanthan Loaisiga is expected to be activated from the IL today. He should immediately see high-leverage chances as the Yankees look to clinch home field advantage for the AL Wild Card game.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Peralta.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Richard Rodriguez (ATL) – Will Smith has gone in four of five.
2. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) – Carlos Estevez has thrown 30 pitches over the last two days.
3. Ryne Stanek (HOU) – If Ryan Pressly’s knee still bothers him, Stanek is the next man up with Kendall Graveman on paternity leave.
Tomorrow
1. Anthony Bender (MIA) – If Dylan Floro goes today that will be two straight and three of four.
2. Genesis Cabrera (STL) – Same goes for Giovanny Gallegos.
3. Spencer Patton (TEX) – And Joe Barlow.
4. Tyler Duffey (MIN) – An appearance today would be two straight for Alex Colome, who threw 26 pitches on Tuesday.
