Clay Holmes to close for Yankees while Aroldis Chapman is on IL

May 25, 2022

New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was placed on the IL on Tuesday with an achilles injury. Clay Holmes should be the primary option to close while Chapman is out, but Michael King could also be in the mix.

Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Loaisiga.

Minnesota Twins – Emilio Pagan threw 28 pitches over two innings on Monday, so Jhoan Duran got the ninth inning on Tuesday and converted his second save over the last three days.  

Hierarchy remains: *Pagan | Duran | Duffey.
* = closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates — Heath Hembree is on the IL, which means we welcome Duane Underwood Jr. to the hierarchy. Underwood is someone who can throw multiple innings as a bridge to Chris Stratton and David Bednar.

Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Stratton | Underwood Jr.

Chicago Cubs — Robert Gsellman pitched the final three innings of an 11-4 win to earn his first gsave with the Cubs.

Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Wick | Givens.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today

1. Alex Colome (COL) – Daniel Bard threw 35 pitches last night.
2. Brad Boxberger (MIL) – Devin Williams has pitched in two straight.
3. Wil Crowe (PIT) – David Bednar has thrown two in a row while Chris Stratton and Duane Underwood Jr. both threw 26 pitches last night. Pittsburgh is off Thursday but still may choose to rest their top relievers on Wednesday.

Tomorrow
1. Ryan Tepera (LAA) – If Raisel Iglesias pitches today it’s two straight and four of five.
2. Domingo Acevedo/A.J. Puk (OAK) – If Dany Jimenez pitches it will be two in a row, while for Acevedo it will be three straight days of work.
3. Will Smith (ATL) – If any member of the Atlanta hierarchy pitches on Wednesday it will be two straight, but Smith should have today off after throwing 29 pitches on Tuesday.
4. Jose Alvarado (PHI) – Joe Girardi said last night he won’t use Corey Knebel (or any reliever) three straight days, but he also may not use Knebel in three of four depending on Wednesday’s usage.