May 12, 2022

San Francisco Giants — Jake McGee went on the injured list Wednesday with tightness in his lower back, which will give Camilo Doval the full-time closer job by default. John Brebbia and Tyler Rogers have been excellent this season and will see even more high-leverage work in McGee’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Rogers | Brebbia.

Tampa Bay Rays — Don’t look now, but Andrew Kittredge has two straight blown saves, the latest coming in the eighth last night. J.P. Feyereisen and Brooks Raley picked him up, though, with Raley picking up the save in the tenth — his third in the last week. It’s silly to project the Rays’ bullpen usage, but the trends show Raley waxing and Kittredge waning.

Updated hierarchy: *Raley | Kittredge | Feyereisen.
* = closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates — David Bednar earned a two-inning save, his fifth of the season, right after Chris Stratton blew the lead in the seventh inning. We think Bednar has clearly established himself as the top save option in the Pittsburgh bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Stratton | Hembree.

Arizona Diamondbacks — Entering a tied game in the ninth inning, Mark Melancon got two outs with one man on before yielding two singles and a home run. By the time the third out was recorded, Arizona trailed by eight. Arizona saw success from its fill-in closers during Melancon’s recent illness, and any more of these meltdowns might test Torey Lovullo’s patience with the veteran.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Kennedy | Mantiply.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Heath Hembree (PIT) — Both Bednar and Stratton were heavily used yesterday.
2. Jonathan Loaisiga/Chad Green (NYY) — The Yankees’ hierarchy is all somewhat tired, so they might go to one of last year’s stars.
3. Jhoan Duran (MIN) — The Twins finish a suspended game before playing another today.
4. Rafael Montero (HOU) — Same with Houston.

Friday:
1. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — If Corey Knebel pitches today, Friday would be a third straight game.
2. Michael Fulmer (DET) — Same with Gregory Soto.