July 4, 2022
Baltimore Orioles – Jorge Lopez and Felix Bautista both got Sunday off, allowing Dillon Tate to pick up his second save of the year. If only there was a bullpen-centric website that had some kind of WATCH that could predict when players like Tate could potentially VULTURE a SAVE like this. Ah, well. It’s a good idea, anyway.
Hierarchy remains: Lopez | Bautista | Tate.
Miami Marlins – Speaking of which, after the Marlins hitters rallied against Tanner Rainey in the top of the 9th, Tanner Scott was summoned for the third straight day to try and lock down the save. (Yes, we also just realized that 40% of the NL East’s closers are named “Tanner.” What a world.) Scott blew the save chance, but Dylan Floro, who was also listed in yesterday morning’s Vulture Save Watch, got the job done in the bottom of the 10th after the Marlins tacked on three additional runs. Wasn’t quite how we drew this one up, but VSW loyalists were still rewarded.
Hierarchy remains: Scott | Bass | Okert.
Tampa Bay Rays – After Shawn Armstrong got into some trouble in the 9th inning, Jason Adam nailed down the game’s final two outs for his third save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Poche | Adam | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Brusdar Graterol – Craig Kimbrel, who saw his ERA climb to 4.78 after blowing last night’s save, is day-to-day after being hit by a comebacker. (He’s not in danger of losing his job yet, per Dave Roberts.)
2. Dylan Floro – Tanner Scott, Anthony Bass, and Steven Okert have all gone three straight.
3. Devin Williams – Josh Hader threw 33 pitches yesterday.
4. Eli Morgan/Michael Fulmer – The Guardians and Tigers have a doubleheader.
Tomorrow
1. Drew Smith – If Edwin Diaz goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Dylan Coleman – Same for Scott Barlow.
3. Rafael Montero – If Ryan Pressly goes today, it’s back to back.
4. Kyle Finnegan – Same for Tanner Rainey.
5. Alex Colome – Same for Daniel Bard.
