October 2, 2021
Boston Red Sox — The Red Sox used Adam Ottavino to protect a 3 run lead in the 8th inning of a must win game, leaving the 9th for Hansel Robles. Ottavino gave up a solo homer, while Robles worked around a couple walks to close the game out. The Red Sox are in a battle for their playoff lives, and going into the last two games the bullpen has been stretched pretty thin, with Ottavino pitching back to back, Robles in 3 of 4 and Barnes 3 straight. Keep an eye on the vulture save watch to see who has the best chance to close over the next couple days.
Hierarchy Remains: *Ottavino | Robles | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — After the Houston Astros scored 4 runs in the 8th inning, Lou Trivino came in to stop the bleeding with 2 outs, he got out of the jam and stuck around for the 9th inning. Although he let the tying run get to second base, he didn’t allow any runs to earn his 22nd save of the year. Trivino had been spectacular early in the season, only to have a brutal 2 week stretch that saw him removed form the closers role in early September, so it is good to see him get back on track. Andrew Chafin and Sergio Romo were both rested yesterday, so they will likely get any other save chances this weekend, but Trivino’s performance yesterday gets him back on the hierarchy to end the year.
Updated Hierarchy: *Chafin | Romo | Trivino.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — After over a month with the Columbus Clippers, the Indians recalled James Karinchak yesterday and he immediately pitched a scoreless 7th inning. Karinchak will look to build some momentum going into next season, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Indians give him another look in the final two games, although it isn’t likely going to be in a save situation with Clase well rested.
Updated Hierarchy: Clase | Shaw | Karinchak.
Vulture Save Watch:
Today:
- Adam Cimber/Tim Mayza (TOR) – Jordan Romano threw 32 pitches last night, and will likely need a day of rest even with Toronto competing for the playoffs.
- Jose Alvarez/Tyler Rogers (SF) – Camilo Doval has pitched in 3 of the last 4, and the entire San Francisco Hierarchy could use a rest. Jose Alvarez is the best rested reliever they have going into today.
- Blake Treinen (LAD) – Kenley Jansen threw 21 pitches last night, and with the Dodgers playing after the Giants today, they may already know if they still have a chance to tie for the division lead. Treinen is comparatively well rested, and could see a save chance this weekend.
For Sunday:
- Hansel Robles/Matt Barnes (BOS) – Today would be 3 in a row for Adam Ottavino, while Hansel Robles threw 22 pitches last night. With Boston fighting for a playoff spot, expect them to push their entire hierarchy.
- Craig Kimbrel (CHW) – Today would be back to back for Liam Hendriks, and with the White Sox already locked into their playoff spot, they are unlikely to use him again.
- Steve Cishek/Mike Mayers (LAA) – Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Raisel Iglesies and Steve Cishek, so if either pitch today, they would likely be unavailable Sunday.
