September 23, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers said yesterday that Craig Kimbrel would be used in a variety of roles and that the Dodgers will be switching to a closer by committee, presumably for the rest of the season. Kimbrel did pitch a clean inning last night, but it was with the Dodgers down by 8 in the 6th inning. We think Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia are the best bet to get saves. The Dodgers have other options as well, as Chris Martin recently vultured a save, and Brusdar Graterol has electric stuff. We will see how the Dodgers deploy their arms moving forward, but it is a good time to speculate with the season drawing to a close.
Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Martin
Chicago Cubs — With a 1 run lead going into the 9th the Cubs turned to rookie Erich Uelmen for the save opportunity. He made it interesting, loading the bases before getting a strikeout to end the game for his first career save. Uelmen has had a rocky season, but is riding a modest 4 game scoreless streak, and with the Cubs already eliminated, they may be showcasing some of their younger players in the last few weeks. It also doesn’t help that Brandon Hughes took an awkward step a few days ago, although he stayed in the game. We will keep an eye on this situation as the season winds down, but its perhaps best left alone.
Hierarchy remains: *Hughes | Wick | Leiter Jr..
* = closer-by-committee
September 24, 2022
Los Angeles Angels – With the 3-4-5 hitters coming up in the 8th inning, the Angels gave the ball to Jimmy Herget. He got through the inning and this left the save to Ryan Tepera. Tepera gave up a hit, but secured his 4th save on the year. The Angels don’t have much to play for, but Herget and Tepera have both pitched quite well down the stretch. They should continue to split save chances for the next couple weeks.
Hierarchy remains: *Herget | Tepera | Quijada.
* = closer-by-committee
Kings of Crash – Albert Pujols hit his 699th and 700th home run last night. Phil Bickford was the reliever who helped make history, the 455th pitcher to surrender a home run to Albert Pujols. With those bombs, Pujols joins the most exclusive club in baseball: relief Pitchers who have hit at least 700 home runs. On May 15 of this year, in his only career relief appearance, he gave up 2 home runs, (to Joey Bart and Luis Gonzalez). He joins founding member Babe Ruth (who only gave up 1 home run as a reliever), and it may be a long time before we see anything like this. The next closest player to this list is Gary Gaetti, with 360 career homers and 1 given up as a reliever.
Updated Hierarchy: Ruth | Pujols | Gaetti
Vulture Save Watch:
- Rowan Wick (CHC) — Brandon Hughes is day to day with an ankle injury.
- Trevor Stephan (CLE) — Emmanuel Clase has pitched in back to back and 3 of 4, while James Karinchak has also gone in 3 of 4.
- Tanner Scott (MIA) — Dylan Floro got the save last night but has gone in 3 of 4 while Scott is well rested.
- Amir Garrett (KC) — Both Scott Barlow and Dylan Coleman have pitched in 3 of 4.
- Scott Alexander (SF) — Camilo Doval has pitched in back to back games.
For Sunday:
- Nick Martinez (SD) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Josh Hader.
- Jonathan Hernandez (TEX) — Today would be 3 of 4 for Josh Leclerc.
- Carlos Estevez/Alex Colome (COL) — Daniel Bard threw 26 pitches last night, so another outing would earn him a day off.
