New York Yankees Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart
| Closer | 1st in line | 2nd in line | 2025 Closer | Updated | |
| NYY | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle | Clay Holmes | TBD | 9/29/24 |
| IL | Lou Trivino | Nick Burdi | Jake Cousins |
*= closer-by-committee
Previous updates:
New York Yankees – Playoff games may determine how the team handles the closer position in 2025, but Clay Holmes will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Luke Weaver has emerged as the preferred save option with an adapted arsenal. He’s one of five relievers with at least 100 strikeouts this season. He’s also converted all four save chances with six wins and 22 holds through 61 appearances. Barring a free agent splurge, he lines up as the Opening Day closer.
September 29, 2024
New York Yankees – Find someone to love you like Aaron Boone supports Clay Holmes. He was called upon with a two-run lead at the top of the ninth against his former team, Pittsburgh. He retired the side and recorded a strikeout facing the 2-3-4 lineup pocket on 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with one whiff for his 30th save. He finished the regular season on a modest five-game scoreless streak.
- Luke Weaver collected his seventh win, tossing a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit, and striking out two. Over his last seven appearances, he’s recorded three wins and converted four saves with 24 strikeouts against three walks across 11 innings.
- Tim Mayza retired the side and struck out one in the seventh.
- Ian Hamilton tossed a scoreless sixth, striking out one.
Projected 2025 Hierarchy: Luke Weaver | Ian Hamilton | Jake Cousins
September 22, 2024
New York Yankees – Forced into action at the top of the eighth with two runners on base and one out, Luke Weaver retired all five batters faced, two via strikeout, while securing his fourth save. He threw 18 pitches (14 strikes – 77.8 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). Since September 6, through seven appearances, he’s given up one unearned run while converting all four save chances with 22 strikeouts versus three walks across ten innings.
- Clay Holmes gets credit for his second hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth.
- Tim Hill retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the seventh, securing his fourth hold.
- Ian Hamilton let both inherited runners score, giving up Ryan Noda’s double and recording two outs in the sixth for his 11th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle | Ian Hamilton
September 20, 2024
New York Yankees – Despite letting the “place” runner score on JJ Bleday’s lead-off single at the bottom of the tenth, Luke Weaver recorded his third save, striking out the next three batters and preserving a two-run win over Oakland. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (43.8 SwStr%). He’s only given up this unearned run over his last six appearances, earning two wins and converting all three save chances with 19 strikeouts versus three walks across 8.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains: Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle | Ian Hamilton
September 18, 2024
New York Yankees – Aided by a baserunning snafu, Ian Hamilton navigated around Cal Raleigh’s lead-off single at the bottom of the tenth when Julio Rodrìguez was picked off third after Randy Arozarena’s strikeout when a thrown bat moved him out of the baseline, resulting in a double play. Hamilton notched his first save on a game-ending Justin Turner strikeout, clinching his team’s postseason spot. He threw ten pitches (80 Strike%) and produced three whiffs.
- Luke Weaver collected his sixth win, logging 1.2 scoreless frames and issuing a walk while striking out four on 29 pitches (18 strikes – 62.1 Strike%) with seven whiffs (24.1 SwStr%).
- Clay Holmes suffered his 13th blown save despite stranding a runner in the seventh on an inning-ending flyout. During the top of the eighth, he allowed a game-tying solo home run by Turner.
- Tommy Kahnle walked one and struck out one over two-thirds scoreless in the seventh for his 16th hold.
Updated Hierarchy: Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle | Ian Hamilton
September 17, 2024
New York Yankees – Closing a lopsided nine-run win, Marcus Stroman recorded his first save and first since 2014, tossing the last three innings in Seattle. He allowed an earned run on Luke Raley’s solo home run while scattering five hits and recording three strikeouts in his outing. He threw 64 pitches (42 strikes – 65.6 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.
- Tim Mayza tossed a scoreless sixth, walking and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 15, 2024
New York Yankees – Summoned with two runners on and one out, Tommy Kahnle induced a game-ending ground ball double play, securing his first save. He only needed four pitches against Jarren Duran. Kahnle’s been scoreless in his last three appearances.
- Jake Cousins was awarded his eighth hold despite hitting Trevor Story with a pitch and issuing a one-out walk before his removal.
- Tim HIll logged 1.1 scoreless frames for his third hold.
- Ian Hamilton notched his tenth hold, stranding a runner in the sixth, and recorded two strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 13, 2024
New York Yankees – Slamming the door on his second save, Luke Weaver capped a comeback rally with two scoreless frames while recording five strikeouts. He threw 35 pitches (24 strikes – 68.6 Strike%) and generated nine whiffs (25.7 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last four outings, collecting a win and two saves with 12 strikeouts against two walks across 5.2 innings.
- Mark Leiter Jr. was awarded his fourth win despite giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out two during his 1.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 12, 2024
New York Yankees – Called upon with a runner on and one out at the top of the tenth, Clay Holmes retired both batters. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
- Tommy Kahnle worked 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one.
- Tim Hill tossed 1.1 clean innings, recording one strikeout.
- Ian Hamilton retired all five hitters, three via strikeouts, on 21 pitches (16 strikes – 76.2 Strike%) while generating eight whiffs (38.1 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 11, 2024
New York Yankees – Pressed into action with a runner on first and one out at the top of the tenth, Luke Weaver retired both batters, one via strikeout. He returned for a clean top of the 11th, recording two more strikeouts. He collected his fifth win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He threw 25 pitches (68 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (25 SwStr%) while recording three strikeouts. Jake Cousins logged 1.1 innings, letting the “place” runner score in the tenth on a wild pitch. Tommy Kahnle tossed a clean eighth and struck out one. Clay Holmes suffered his 12th blown save, giving up two hits and an earned run on a game-tying sacrifice fly while striking out one in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 9, 2024
New York Yankees – In ascending order of appearances, Jake Cousins took over in the seventh and tossed a scoreless inning, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts. He collected his second win courtesy of a four-run rally at the bottom of the frame.
- Luke Weaver notched his 22nd hold with a scoreless eighth. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two on 23 pitches (12 strikes – 52.2 Strike%) with three whiffs.
- However, Tommy Kahnle was warming up for the ninth if there was a save chance.
- Ian Hamilton closed out the six-run win with a clean top of the ninth and struck out one in his first appearance since June 16.
Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 6, 2024
New York Yankees – Completing a combined shutout and securing his first save, Luke Weaver worked around a two-out walk with a game-ending groundout against the Cubs. He threw 25 pitches (64 Strike%) and included three whiffs (12 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. He’s been scoreless in nine of ten appearances since August 16 with 11 strikeouts against five walks through 9.2 innings.
- Tommy Kahnle notched his 15th hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the eighth.
- Jake Cousins allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh for his seventh hold.
- Ian Hamilton will be activated on Saturday, providing a boost for this leverage ladder as well.
- After the game, Aaron Boone said Weaver could receive more save chances going forward, in this tweet by Bryan Hoch.
Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | *Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 4, 2024
New York Yankees – In a move which felt inevitable after last night’s walk-off grand slam, Aaron Boone announced the team will get “creative” during save situations. This hints at a match-up based-approach in the late innings. Clay Holmes has appeared on consecutive days, so that he would be off in tonight’s game regardless, and his manager did not close the door on a return into save situations. The problem is that no one has distinguished themselves as a clear choice for save chances. Also, this tweet by Jack Curry suggests Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt could enter the bullpen once the rotation takes shape. Gil was already entering unchartered territory at 124.2 innings this season, which may make him a logical choice for working in high leverage with his three-pitch mix translating well into shorter bursts, especially if his fastball velocity rebounds as a reliever. This projects as a committee so tread lightly if rushing to the waiver wire.
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | *Jake Cousins
*= closer-by-committee
September 3, 2024
New York Yankees – With a one-run lead, Clay Holmes suffered his MLB-leading 11th blown save on Wyatt Langford’s walk-off grand slam. He allowed a Carson Kelly single, a stolen base by pinch-runner Leody Taveras, followed by consecutive walks ahead of the home run, resulting in his fifth loss. Holmes threw 25 pitches (48 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
- Tim Hill let one of three inherited runners score, retiring two and striking out one for his second hold.
- Jake Cousins gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth, getting credit for his sixth hold.
- Tommy Kahnle allowed a hit and an unearned run while striking out in the seventh, securing his 14th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
August 30, 2024
New York Yankees – Locking down his 29th save, Clay Holmes retired the side against the Cardinals’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket. He threw eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last four appearances and converted seven of nine save chances in August.
- Tommy Kahnle notched his 13th hold, inducing an inning-ending groundout by Brendan Donovan, his only batter faced in the eighth.
- Jake Cousins was awarded his fifth hold but allowed Nolan Arenado’s solo home run in two-thirds of the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
August 26, 2024
New York Yankees – Shutting the door in his 28th save, Clay Holmes set a new career high while retiring the side during a three-run win in Washington. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last three and converted six of eight save chances in August.
- Jake Cousins allowed a walk and recorded two outs in the eighth for his fourth hold.
- Mark Leiter Jr. gave up Jacob Young’s solo home run during two-thirds innings, getting credit for his 15th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
August 23, 2024
New York Yankees – Securing his 27th save, Clay Holmes completed the combined shutout while working around a hit and striking out one in the top of the ninth against Colorado. He threw 19 pitches (10 strikes – 52.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted five of seven save chances in August with 15 strikeouts against three walks and a 0.96 WHIP across 7.1 innings.
- Jake Cousins notched his second hold with a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts.
- Luke Weaver recorded his 21st hold with a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
August 20, 2024
New York Yankees – Things fell apart in the top of the 12th for the bullpen. Tim Mayza suffered his second loss, giving up two hits and three runs (two earned) while recording one out. Michael Tonkin replaced him, letting both inherited runners score on three hits while getting charged with three earned runs and two walks while striking out one in two-thirds of the inning.
- Jake Cousins logged two scoreless frames, stranding both “place” runners despite giving up a hit and two walks with two strikeouts.
- Clay Holmes worked a scoreless ninth, keeping the game tied. He allowed a walk and recorded three strikeouts. Tommy Kahnle issued a walk in a scoreless eighth.
- Luke Weaver gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
August 18, 2024
New York Yankees – With a one-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Mark Leiter Jr. could not secure victory. He allowed Zach McKinstry’s lead-off RBI single, scoring the “place” runner, a stolen base, and a walk-off Parker Meadows single, resulting in Leiter Jr.’s fifth loss and a third blown save.
- Clay Holmes suffered his MLB-leading tenth blown save in the ninth. He gave up Cole Keith’s one-out double and Jace Jung’s game-tying RBI single. Holmes recorded all three outs via strikeout on 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (22.7 SwStr%). He’s allowed a run in two of his last three.
- Tommy Kahnle notched his 11th hold with a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout.
- Luke Weaver tossed a clean seventh and struck out one for his 20th hold.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
August 16, 2024
New York Yankees – Completing a combined shutout and his 26th save, Clay Holmes retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in Detroit. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s converted three straight save chances and five of his last six.
- Tommy Kahnle fired a clean eighth, securing his tenth hold.
- Luke Weaver allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless seventh, notching his 19th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins
August 14, 2024
New York Yankees – Providing his teammates with rest, Michael Tonkin recorded a three-inning save, closing out an eight-run win over the White Sox. He allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts over three scoreless innings, throwing 44 pitches (31 strikes – 70.5 Strike%) with eight whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). This marked his second save of the season.
- Tim Hill collected his fourth win. He retired the side in the sixth and benefited from his team’s three-run rally in the top of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins
August 13, 2024
New York Yankees – Inheriting runners on second and third with no outs, Jake Cousins navigated around a one-out walk with a shallow flyout and a game-ending strikeout for his first career major league save. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and five whiffs (29.4 SwStr%).
- Tommy Kahnle gets credit for his ninth hold. He stranded two runners in the eighth but issued a walk and gave up a double in the ninth, prompting his removal.
- Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks over two-thirds of the seventh.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins
August 11, 2024
New York Yankees – An eventful 25th save for Clay Holmes. He took over in the eighth with a runner on and induced an inning-ending groundout by Corey Seager. In the ninth, he recorded two quick outs via strikeout, then his struggles ensued. After issuing consecutive two-out walks, Holmes allowed Adolis García’s RBI single. With runners on second and third, Leody Tavares grounded out. Holmes threw a season-high 45 pitches (24 strikes – 53.3 Strike%) and induced five whiffs (11.1 SwStr%). This marked his most pitches since August 20, 2019 (64 pitches over 3.2 innings). Since July 5, he’s converted six of 11 save chances.
- Mark Leiter Jr. gave up three hits, including two home runs, three earned runs, and a walk, while striking out two in two-thirds of the eighth.
- Tommy Kahnle allowed two hits and an unearned run in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Mark Leiter Jr.
August 7, 2024
New York Yankees – Locking down his 24th save, Clay Holmes fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts during a three-run win over the Angels in Game 1. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last four appearances and converted three of four save chances.
- Luke Weaver notched his 18th hold with a clean eighth, striking out two.
- Jake Cousins gave up two hits, including Zach Neto’s solo home run in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Mark Leiter Jr.
August 4, 2024
New York Yankees – After an extended rain delay, Mark Leiter Jr. stranded a runner in the ninth and retired four of five batters, three via strikeout against Toronto. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth. He threw 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (27.3 SwStr%).
- Enyel De Los Santos gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout over two-thirds of the ninth.
- Clay Holmes gets tagged with his ninth blown save. He inherited a bases-loaded situation with one out in the eighth, allowing an Alejandro Kirk sacrifice fly, and recorded an inning-ending strikeout.
- Tommy Kahnle was credited with his eighth hold, giving up an unearned run and two walks over one-third of the eighth.
- Luke Weaver logged 1.1 scoreless frames and walked one in his outing.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Mark Leiter Jr.
August 3, 2024
New York Yankees – Summoned with the bases-loaded and two outs, Clay Holmes recorded a game-ending strikeout by George Springer for his 23rd save, throwing four pitches (75 Strike%) with three whiffs.
- Mark Leiter Jr. allowed three hits during two-thirds of the ninth before being removed.
- Tommy Kahnle tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one.
- Luke Weaver notched his 17th hold with a scoreless seventh. He issued a walk and struck out two.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Mark Leiter Jr.
July 31, 2024
New York Yankees – Working around a lead-off Kyle Schwarber single, Clay Holmes retired Austin Hays on a flyout and induced a game-ending double play groundout by Bryce Harper for his 22nd save, preserving a one-run win and a sweep. He threw seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) with one whiff. He converted three of seven save opportunities in July and allowed at least a run in four outings.
- Mark Leiter Jr. gave up three hits and an earned run while striking out two in the eighth, getting credit for his 16th hold.
- Tommy Kahnle notched his seventh hold, stranding a runner and issuing a walk with a strikeout in two-thirds of the seventh.
- Luke Weaver recorded his 16th hold, allowing two hits and an earned run during his combined inning.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Mark Leiter Jr.
July 30, 2024
New York Yankees – Working two innings in the 11th and 12th, Michael Tonkin collected his fourth win and second blown save, allowing a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out three.
- Mark Leiter Jr. navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless tenth, stranding the “place” runner in his team debut.
- Clay Holmes suffered his MLB-leading eighth blown save. He gave up three hits, an earned run on a wild pitch, and a walk (intentional – Kyle Schwarber) in the bottom of the ninth. He’s only converted two of his last six save chances and given up at least a run in four of his previous eight.
- Luke Weaver notched his 15th hold, retiring the side in the eighth.
- Tommy Kahnle fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his sixth hold.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Mark Leiter Jr.
New York Yankees – Making the first move in the reliever market on the last day of the trade deadline, the Yankee acquired Mark Leiter Jr. from the Cubs and he immediately slots into our hierarchy. Through seven outings in July, he’s been scoreless, and hitless, with 14 strikeouts against zero walks while recording three holds.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Mark Leiter Jr. | Tommy Kahnle
July 27, 2024
New York Yankees – With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Clay Holmes retired the side and returned for the tenth with a three-run lead. He navigated around a two-out walk with a game-ending Masataka Yoshida groundout, collecting his second win. He threw 26 pitches (19 strikes – 73.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.
- Tommy Kahnle stranded the bases loaded in the seventh and retired all four batters in his outing, two via strikeout.
- Michael Tonkin gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the eighth.
- Tim Hill worked a scoreless combined inning, walking and striking out one.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
July 26, 2024
New York Yankees – With a one-run lead in the eighth inning and two runners on, Clay Holmes suffered his seventh blown save. He gave up a game-tying RBI double by Wilyer Abreu, followed by a go-ahead Masataka Yoshida two-RBI single. He finished with two hits and an earned run while striking out one during his two-thirds inning.
- Luke Weaver was tagged with his second loss and received credit for his 14th hold, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out three in his 1.1-inning outing.
- Tim Hill allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk during one-third combined innings.
- Tommy Kahnle tossed a scoreless combined inning, issuing a walk and striking out three.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins
July 17, 2024
New York Yankees – This bullpen’s deficiencies are not its closer’s fault, but there is a chance Clay Holmes should be the primary set-up reliever, not the closer. Much of this will depend on how the Yankees handle the trade deadline. New York should be adding one, if not two relievers for the stretch run, but will it shop at the top of the closer food chain? Time will tell.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins
July 14, 2024
New York Yankees – Deserving better, Clay Holmes suffered his fourth loss and sixth blown save during a walk-off loss in Baltimore. He should not issue two walks, but with two outs and the bases loaded, Anthony Volpe committed an error, letting a run score without recording an out. Then, Cedric Mullins hit an opposite-field fly ball, which Alex Verdugo misjudged, slipped and fell, letting the game-winning runs score. All three runs were unearned for Holmes, but his two hits and two walks will not help fantasy managers from a WHIP perspective. He enters the All-Star break, allowing at least a run in six of his last 10 appearances and multiple runs in five.
- Jake Cousins stranded a runner and retired both batters, one via strikeout in the eighth. He’s been scoreless in his last four games, recording nine strikeouts during 4.2 innings.
- Luke Weaver allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless combined inning.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins
July 12, 2024
New York Yankees – Nailing down his 21st save, Clay Holmes worked a scoreless ninth and recorded a strikeout. He hit Heston Kjerstad in the helmet with a pitch, precipitating a benches-clearing shoving match. Holmes threw 20 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s converted consecutive saves with a clean appearance in each.
- Luke Weaver secured his 13th hold with a clean eighth.
- Tommy Kahnle notched his fifth hold, giving up a hit during a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
July 10, 2024
New York Yankees – Recording his 20th save, first since June 9, Clay Holmes retired all four batters and stranded two in the eighth. He preserved a one-run win while striking out two. He threw 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He had allowed at least a run in five of his previous seven appearances, so fantasy managers hope he’s turning a corner.
- Tommy Kahnle was credited with his fourth hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth.
- Luke Weaver tossed 1.2 scoreless, issuing two walks and striking out one.
- Tim Hill collected his third win, stranding three runners in the fifth and working a scoreless combined innings. He gave up two hits and recorded two strikeouts.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
July 6, 2024
New York Yankees – Taking over in the top of the fifth with one out, Tim Hill logged 2.2 clean frames and recorded a strikeout while collecting his second win. He threw 32 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
- Josh Maciejewski finished the lopsided 10-run victory with two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out four.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Michael Tonkin
July 5, 2024
New York Yankees – One strike away from preserving a win, Clay Holmes allowed a Dom Smith single and a game-tying, two-run home run by Masataka Yoshida, resulting in his fifth blown save. He threw 30 pitches (60 Strike%) and did not induce a whiff against the Red Sox. He last recorded a save on June 9 and has allowed at least a run in five of his last seven games and multiple runs in four. With pressure mounting in the Bronx, he would be placed on the hot seat but there’s no clear alternative to replace him unless the team stops using Weaver in multiple-inning outings.
- Tommy Kahnle suffered his first loss, giving up a two-run home run by Ceddanne Rafaela in the top of the tenth. He finished with two hits against, two runs (one earned), and a walk while striking out one.
- Luke Weaver tossed two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three for his 11th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Michael Tonkin
June 28, 2024
New York Yankees – Inheriting three runners in the bottom of the fifth, Michael Tonkin stranded two. He let one score on an RBI hit-by-pitch (George Springer), retired a batter at home on a wild pitch, and induced an inning-ending strikeout. He collected his first win when his teammates scored six in the top of the sixth. Tonkin finished 1.2 innings, allowing a hit, an earned run, and striking out one.
- Luke Weaver notched his tenth hold despite giving up two hits, including a solo home run (Vlad Guerrero Jr.) and recorded two strikeouts.
- Tommy Kahnle worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
- Tim Hill finished the lopsided 11-run win with a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Michael Tonkin
June 23, 2024
(RP | NYY): Appearing during a loss, Clay Holmes fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts against Atlanta’s 5-6-7 lineup pocket. He threw 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.7 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (26.3 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Michael Tonkin
June 19, 2024
(RP | NYY): After his team rallied in the ninth, Clay Holmes took over in the tenth. However, he suffered his third loss, giving up two hits and two runs (one earned).
Analysis
New York Yankees – Entering in the top of the tenth, Clay Holmes induced a pop-out and gave up an RBI single by Cedric Mullins, who advanced to second on the throw home. Mullins stole third in the next at-bat and scored on a throwing error. Holmes allowed a double before retiring the next two batters on groundouts. He suffered his third loss. Anthony Misiewicz escaped the ninth with a scoreless outing even though he allowed two hits and a walk. Caleb Ferguson retired the side in the eighth. Tommy Kahnle let his only inherited runner score during one-third of the seventh on a double by Ryan Mountcastle.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Michael Tonkin
June 13, 2024
(RP | NYY): Taking over with a one-run lead, Clay Holmes allowed a one-out single sandwiched between two outs. Things took a turn with runners on the corners when Maikel Garcia hit a walk-off, two-RBI double. This handed Holmes his second loss and fourth blown save, snapping his four-game scoreless streak.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Entering with a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Clay Holmes suffered his second loss and fourth blown save. His outing began with a flyout, a single, and a fielder’s choice groundout. With runners on the corners and two outs, Maikel Garcia produced a two-RBI double, scoring the winning runs. Holmes finished with three hits against and two earned runs over two-thirds of the ninth. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak. Luke Weaver tossed a scoreless ninth, navigating around two walks and striking out one for his ninth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Ian Hamilton
June 10, 2024
(RP | NYY): Taking over in the ninth, Michael Tonkin recorded his first save and the second of his career. He preserved a two-run win over the Royals with a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and striking out two.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Facing the 4-5-6 lineup pocket, Michael Tonkin recorded his first save and second of his career, working a scoreless bottom of the ninth in Kansas City. He issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts, including a game-ending one against MJ Melendez. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. He owns a modest seven-game scoreless streak with 10 strikeouts against two walks through 10 innings. Ian Hamilton operated as the HLR, facing Bobby Witt Jr.’s lineup pocket, though he allowed an RBI double by him. Hamilton finished his ninth hold, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out three on 20 pitches (55 Strike%) with five whiffs (25 SwStr%).
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Ian Hamilton
June 9, 2024
(RP | NYY): Provided a two-run lead in the top of the ninth, Clay Holmes navigated around consecutive two-out singles with a game-ending strikeout for his 19th save.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Securing his 19th save, Clay Holmes faced the Dodgers’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket and worked around consecutive two-out singles with a game-ending strikeout of Mookie Betts. He threw 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s riding a nine-game scoreless streak with six strikeouts against two walks while converting six of seven save chances over 8.2 innings. Luke Weaver logged two innings, allowing a hit and an earned run with one strikeout for his eighth hold. Caleb Ferguson collected his first win, recording one out during the sixth, then giving up a hit and a walk before being removed in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
June 7, 2024
(RP | NYY): In the top of the 11th, Ian Hamilton suffered his first loss. He issued a lead-off walk and allowed a one-out, two RBI double. Hamilton finished with a hit against, two runs (one earned), and two walks while striking out one over 1.1 innings.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Blinking first during a scoreless tie, Ian Hamilton suffered his first loss. In the 11th, he issued Freddie Freeman a lead-off walk, retired Will Smith on a lineout, and then gave up a two-RBI double by Teoscar Hernández. Hamilton logged 1.1 innings, giving up a hit, two runs (one earned), and two walks while striking out one. Clay Holmes retired the side in the ninth on 10 pitches (80 Strike%) without a whiff, inducing three groundouts. Caleb Ferguson tossed a clean eighth, striking out one. Michael Tonkin worked 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
June 6, 2024
(RP | NYY): Finishing a sweep of the Twins, Clay Holmes allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless ninth, securing his 18th save.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Preserving a sweep of the Twins, Clay Holmes locked down his 18th save, navigating around a one-out single by Willi Castro for a scoreless ninth. He threw 22 pitches (16 strikes – 72.7 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (22.7 SwStr%) while striking out one in his outing. Over his last seven appearances, he’s converted five of six save opportunities through 6.2 scoreless frames. Tommy Kahnle secured his third hold, working around a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth. Luke Weaver stranded a runner in the sixth and logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one. He was awarded his fourth win as a result. Victor González gets credit for his third hold. He issued a walk during two-thirds scoreless in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
June 2, 2024
(RP | NYY): Handed a two-run lead after a furious four-run rally in the top of the ninth, Clay Holmes locked down his 17th save with a clean appearance.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Closing out his team’s ninth-inning rally, Clay Holmes retired the side in San Francisco, preserving the two-run win and recording his 17th save. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He owns a modest six-game scoreless streak and has converted four of five save chances with a 1.40 WHIP over 5.2 innings. Michael Tonkin collected his second win, logging two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two. Victor González stranded two runners while retiring his only batter faced via strikeout.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
June 1, 2024
(RP | NYY): Closing a four-run win in San Francisco, Clay Holmes worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, navigating around a lead-off walk (Matt Chapman) and a two-out double (Jorge Soler). He threw 20 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s on a six-game scoreless streak but owns a 1.70 WHIP (six hits and two walks) over these 4.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
May 29, 2024
(RP | NYY): Despite dealing with traffic, Clay Holmes secured his 16th save, navigating around a hit and a walk for a scoreless ninth against the Angels.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Save number 16 for Clay Holmes, though he navigated around a lead-off single, then a wild pitch placing Luis Rengifo on second base during a walk to Taylor Ward with a double play groundout and an inning-ending grounder by Logan O’Hoppe, preserving a one-run win over the Angels. He threw 14 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Over his last five outings, he’s suffered a loss while converting three of five save opportunities, allowing nine hits, four earned runs, and three walks while striking out three through 4.1 innings (2.79 WHIP).
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
May 28, 2024
(RP | NYY): Clay Holmes could not stem the tide in the bottom of the eighth. He took over with two runners and two outs, giving up a go-ahead, two-RBI double resulting in his third blown save in an eventual one-run loss against the Angels.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Forced into action at the bottom of the eighth, Clay Holmes entered with runners on first and second, with two outs leading by one. He suffered his third blown save, allowing a go-ahead, two-RBI double by Taylor Ward, tossed a wild pitch, gave up a single by Kevin Pillar, and induced an inning-ending groundout by Logan O’Hoppe. He’s allowed multiple hits in three of his last four outings. Luke Weaver was tagged with his first loss and credited with his seventh hold, giving up two hits and two earned runs and striking out three over 1.2 innings. Tommy Kahnle notched his first hold, stranding a runner and retiring both batters in the bottom of the sixth.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
May 25, 2024
(RP | NYY): Wrapping up a three-run win in San Diego, Clay Holmes retired the side in the bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout for his 15th save.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Save number 15 for Clay Holmes, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one, preserving a win over the Padres. He threw seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 21 out of his 23 outings this season while posting 26 strikeouts against six walks over 23 innings. Luke Weaver allowed a solo home run (Fernando Tatis Jr.) and issued two walks while striking out one over his two innings.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
May 23, 2024
(RP | NYY): Taking over in the eighth, Clay Holmes stranded both inherited runners and earned his 14th save. He tossed 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing two hits and striking out two.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Summoned in the eighth with two runners on and two outs, Clay Holmes stranded both runners by inducing an inning-ending groundout. This proved important from a fantasy point of view as he was awarded his 14th save, preserving a combined 5-0 win over Seattle. He finished with 1.1 scoreless frames, navigating around two hits in the ninth while striking out two. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (15 SwStr%). Nick Burdi issued two walks and recorded a strikeout during his one-third of the eighth. Victor González secured his second hold, retiring all three batters faced, one via strikeout.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
May 20, 2024
(RP | NYY): Suffering his first loss, and second blown save, Clay Holmes allowed four hits, four earned runs, and two walks over two-thirds of the ninth, ceding the three-run lead.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Representing the last reliever giving up an earned run, regression came calling for Clay Holmes on Monday night in the Bronx. He entered the ninth with a one-run lead before things unraveled. He suffered his first loss and second blown save, allowing four hits, four earned runs, and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. It began with a one-out single by Julio Rodríguez, followed by a walk, consecutive RBI singles, a walk, a sacrifice fly, and a go-ahead RBI hit by Ty France, prompting his removal. Caleb Ferguson stranded two runners while retiring his only batter in the ninth. Luke Weaver secured his sixth hold, retiring both batters in the eighth, one via strikeout. He owns an 11-game scoreless streak with 24 strikeouts versus two walks over his last 18 innings.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Caleb Ferguson
May 19, 2024
(RP | NYY): Forced into action during a non-save appearance, Clay Holmes stranded two inherited runners and retired both batters in the top of the ninth, preserving a five-run win over the White Sox. He threw four pitches (75 Strike%) and induced a lineout, followed by a game-ending fielder’s choice groundout.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Victor González
May 17, 2024
(RP | NYY): Closing out his 13th save, Clay Holmes issued a walk and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless ninth against the White Sox.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Securing his 13th save, Clay Holmes tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, walking one and striking out one against the White Sox. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%). He remains the only qualified reliever without an earned run allowed this season and has converted He’s recorded multiple strikeouts in seven of nine outings with a 17:2 K:BB over 9.1 innings. Caleb Ferguson stranded two runners and recorded two outs in the eighth, striking out one for his seventh hold. Ian Hamilton gave up three hits and an earned run while striking out one over one-third of the eighth, receiving credit for his sixth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Victor González
May 14, 2024
(RP | NYY): Closing out a 5-1 win, Clay Holmes retired the side in the ninth, facing the Twins’ 5-6-7 batters. He threw six pitches (83.3 Strike%) without a whiff. He remains the only qualified reliever without an earned run allowed this season.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Victor González
May 12, 2024
(RP | NYY): Emerging as a high-leverage impact reliever, Luke Weaver let one of three inherited runners score on a hit-by-pitch, but recorded 1.2 scoreless frames, keeping his team ahead and securing his fight hold. He’s amid a nine-game scoreless streak with 20 strikeouts versus one walk over 15.1 innings and a 0.26 WHIP.
Adjusted Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Victor González
May 10, 2024
(RP | NYY): Navigating around traffic, Clay Holmes finished a combined shutout, and held on for his 12th save, working around a hit and two walks while striking out three in Tampa Bay.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Despite loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth, Clay Holmes held on for his 12th save, preserving a combined shutout. His outing began with a lead-off walk, a strikeout, another walk, another strikeout, a single, and a game-ending strikeout. He threw 34 pitches (18 strikes – 52.9 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). However, he may need Saturday off because of the elevated pitch count. Luke Weaver recorded his fourth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out two on 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He owns an eight-game scoreless streak with 18 strikeouts versus one walk over 13.2 innings. Nick Burdi stranded a runner and retired his only batter-faced for his third hold.
Holmes has been rock solid, but the leverage ladder may be in flux, so the hierarchy may be adjusted this weekend. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
May 9, 2024
(RP | NYY): Appearing during a loss, Luke Weaver stranded a runner while tossing 1.1 clean frames, striking out two. He owns a seven-game scoreless streak with 16 strikeouts against one walk through 12.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
May 5, 2024
(RP | NYY): Courtesy of the weather, Dennis Santana was awarded his second save after tossing a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Benefiting from the weather, Dennis Santana recorded his second save, tossing a scoreless top of the eighth, allowing a one-out single by Matt Vierling and recording two strikeouts. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). Victor González garnered his second win, retiring his only batter in the seventh, stranding two runners. Ian Hamilton issued a walk and gave up a hit over one-third of the seventh, he also suffered his first blown save letting both inherited runners score.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
May 4, 2024
(RP | NYY): Nailing down his 11th save, Clay Holmes tossed 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out two, preserving a two-run win over the Tigers.
Analysis
New York Yankees – For a second straight appearance, and the third time this year, Clay Holmes logged a multiple-inning outing, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out two for his 11th save. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He also extended his scoreless streak to 12 games during which he’s converted eight saves while posting 17 strikeouts against one walk over 12 innings. Luke Weaver tossed 2.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out four for his third hold. He’s recorded multiple strikeouts in his last four games, recording 10 versus one walk through nine scoreless innings. Caleb Ferguson notched his sixth hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the sixth.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
May 3, 2024
(RP | NYY): Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Dennis Santana collected his second win after tossing a scoreless top of the ninth while walking one.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
May 1, 2024
(RP | NYY): Locking down his 10th save, Clay Holmes turned in 1.2 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out three, preserving a combined shutout in Baltimore.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Forced into an extended outing, Clay Holmes responded, recording his first five-out save of the season, and third of his career, closing out a combined shutout in Baltimore. He allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts, throwing 23 pitches (20 strikes – 87 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%) while securing his 10th save. He also owns an 11-game scoreless streak with 15 strikeouts versus one walk over his last 10.2 innings. Ian Hamilton gets credit for his fifth hold, issuing a walk and hitting a batter over one-third of the eighth before his removal. Caleb Ferguson stranded a runner in the seventh, striking out both batters faced for his fifth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 29, 2024
(RP | NYY): Pressed into action with inherited runners on the corners and two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Clay Holmes induced a grounder, but an error by Anthony Volpe let a runner score before an inning-ending strikeout during an eventual loss.
Analysis
New York Yankees – Taking over with two runners on and two outs, Clay Holmes induced a grounder, but an error by Anthony Volpe scored a runner before an inning-ending strikeout. He threw eight pitches (75 Strike%) and produced one whiff in this outing. He owns a 0.98 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against one walk over 13.1 innings. Caleb Ferguson hit a batter and allowed a hit, resulting in an unearned run over his two-thirds of the eighth. Dennis Santana logged 1.1 clean frames and stranded a runner in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 28, 2024
New York Yankees – Entering in the bottom of the fifth, Ron Marinaccio collected his first win of the season, logging 1.1 innings, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one. Ian Hamilton let his only inherited runner score, allowing a hit and a walk over two-thirds of the sixth. Michael Tonkin worked 1.1 innings, yielding two hits and striking out one. Caleb Ferguson retired both batters faced via strikeout while stranding two runners in the eighth. Victor González tossed a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two, closing out a 10-run win over the Brewers.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 26, 2024
New York Yankees – Making his team debut in the tenth inning, Michael Tonkin allowed an RBI single, scoring the “place runner”, suffering his first blown save. During the 11th, he was tagged with his third loss, first with New York, on a walk-off RBI single by Joey Ortiz. Clay Holmes fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out two on 10 pitches (80 Strike%) with two whiffs (20 SwStr%), keeping the game tied, and extending his scoreless streak to nine games. Caleb Ferguson tossed a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. Dennis Santana gave up a hit and struck out one over two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. Ron Marinaccio was credited with his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score on a sacrifice fly, but retired all four batters faced, one via strikeout.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 23, 2024
New York Yankees – An MLB-leading ninth save for Clay Holmes, preserving a one-run win with a clean ninth while striking out two. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s recorded a save in 15 of his last 19 appearances since September 12, 2023. This year, he owns a 1.08 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus one walk over 12 innings. Dennis Santana notched his first hold, retiring both batters faced in the eighth. Caleb Ferguson fired a clean, combined inning, striking out one for his fourth hold. Ron Marinaccio stranded a runner and tossed a scoreless combined inning, walking one and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 22, 2024
New York Yankees – Suffering his first loss, Victor González allowed two hits, including a go-ahead two-run home run by Zach Gelof, and walked one without recording an out during the top of the ninth. Ron Marinaccio took over with a runner on, stranding him and retiring all three batters he faced, striking out one. Ian Hamilton navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth, keeping the game tied at zero.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 21, 2024
New York Yankees – Capping a one-run win, Victor González worked a scoreless ninth, walking one, and striking out one, with this web gem ending the contest for his second save. He threw 23 pitches (17 strikes – 73.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (13 SwStr%). Dennis Santana created the save chance, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the eighth. Luke Weaver logged 1.1 clean frames, striking out one for his first hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 20, 2024
New York Yankees – Suffering his third loss, Caleb Ferguson gave up two hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out two in the top of the tenth against the Rays. Clay Holmes worked a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two. He threw 21 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (19 SwStr%). He’s not allowed an earned run through 11 innings this season while recording eight strikeouts versus one walk. Luke Weaver tossed a clean eighth, striking out one on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%).
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 19, 2024
New York Yankees – Navigating around consecutive singles during the top of the ninth, Clay Holmes induced a fly-out by Randy Arozarena, followed by a game-ending double play lineout by Richie Palacios, securing his MLB-leading eighth save. He threw 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted eight of nine save chances while posting a 1.20 WHIP with six strikeouts versus one walk through 10 innings. Ian Hamilton gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk in the eighth, creating the save opportunity. Dennis Santana collected his first win, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 17, 2024
New York Yankees – Handed a two-run lead after a four-run rally in the top of the ninth, Clay Holmes worked around a hit for a scoreless outing, recording his seventh save. He owns a 1.11 WHIP with six strikeouts against one walk over nine innings this season. Victor González garnered his first win, retiring his only batter in the eighth. Ian Hamilton logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out two. He did let his only inherited runner score in the seventh. Caleb Ferguson gave up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one over a combined inning of relief.
Updated hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
April 14, 2024
New York Yankees – Handed a two-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Caleb Ferguson suffered his second loss and first blown save, allowing two hits and three runs (two earned), including a walk-off sacrifice fly by Andrés Giménez. Clay Holmes tossed a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out one. He threw 20 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Luke Weaver logged 1.2 innings, giving up a solo home run and striking out three. Victor González worked 1.1 clean frames, striking out one. Nick Burdi turned in a scoreless fifth, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Caleb Ferguson
April 13, 2024
New York Yankees – (Game 1): Securing his MLB-leading sixth save, Clay Holmes worked around a lead-off double with consecutive strikeouts and a game-ending ground-out, closing out a one-run win in Cleveland. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) and inducing two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.14 WHIP with five strikeouts versus zero walks through seven innings. Ian Hamilton notched his fourth hold, logging two scoreless frames and giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one. Caleb Ferguson took over in the sixth, letting both inherited runners score while walking one and striking out one during his outing. (Game 2): Taking over in the seventh, Dennis Santana worked two scoreless innings, walking one and striking out one. Ron Marinaccio gave up a solo home run (Josh Naylor) and recorded a strikeout in the ninth, wrapping up a sweep.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Caleb Ferguson
April 9, 2024
New York Yankees – Locking down his major league-leading fifth save, Clay Holmes fired a clean ninth, striking out one on an efficient seven pitches (71.4 Strike%) while producing two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). This outing lowered his WHIP to 1.17, and he’s recorded three strikeouts versus zero walks through his first six innings. Ian Hamilton logged two scoreless frames, issuing a walk. He let two of three inherited runners score in the seventh but prevented further damage while securing his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Caleb Ferguson
April 7, 2024
New York Yankees – Entering with one out in the eighth, Dennis Santana recorded 1.2 clean frames and his first save. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Caleb Ferguson
April 6, 2024
New York Yankees – Forced into action in the ninth, Clay Holmes let both inherited runners score on a ground-out and an RBI single by Cavan Biggio before a game-ending strikeout of George Springer for his fourth save. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He owns a 1.40 WHIP with two strikeouts over five innings. Ian Hamilton struggled, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds combined innings. Victor González tossed 1.1 scoreless, walking one and stranding a runner. Luke Weaver collected his third win, allowing three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during his two innings of relief.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Caleb Ferguson
April 5, 2024
New York Yankees – Before today’s contest, the team placed Jonathan Loáisiga on the 60-day injured list with a right flexor strain per the team’s account on “X”.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Caleb Ferguson
April 3, 2024
New York Yankees – A wild finale in the desert ended in a save for Caleb Ferguson, striking out pitcher Scott McGough with the bases loaded. Ferguson let one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit, and a walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning. Clay Holmes collected his first win, along with suffering his first blown save, allowing a hit, three unearned runs, and striking out one over 1.1 innings. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs during his outing. He also hit a batter and uncorked a wild pitch. He owns a 1.38 WHIP with one strikeout over 4.1 innings. Jonathan Loáisiga fired a clean ninth, striking out one. Ian Hamilton retired all seven batters he faced, recording four strikeouts on 27 pitches (19 strikes – 70.4 Strike%) while generating six whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s posted a robust seven strikeouts against zero walks with a minuscule 0.18 WHIP over 5.2 innings this season.
April 1, 2024
New York Yankees – Providing the high-leverage relievers rest, manager Aaron Boone called upon Victor González for the save in the bottom of the ninth, and he responded with a scoreless inning, yielding a one-out double, but retired the next two batters. Nick Burdi secured his first hold, firing a clean eighth while striking out one. Luke Weaver collected his second win, logging 2.1 innings, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk.
March 31, 2024
New York Yankees – Hanging on for his third save, Clay Holmes navigated around two hits with a ground out and two flyouts for a scoreless ninth, preserving a one-run win. He threw 17 pitches (58.8 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 1.67 WHIP through his first three innings. Nick Burdi collected his first win, retiring both batters faced in the eighth, recording one strikeout. Caleb Ferguson tossed a scoreless combined inning, walking one and striking out one. Jonathan Loáisiga suffered his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score while conceding three hits and a walk while striking out one in his combined inning.
March 30, 2024
New York Yankees – Capping a third straight comeback win in Houston, Clay Holmes secured his second save working a scoreless ninth, working around a hit batter (Jeremy Peña) with three ground outs. He threw 11 pitches (6 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) with one whiff. Ian Hamilton racked up his second hold, firing two clean frames and striking out two on 20 pitches (80 Strike%) while producing six whiffs (30 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.33 WHIP with three strikeouts through three scoreless innings.
March 28, 2024
New York Yankees – Capping a comeback victory, Clay Holmes navigated around three hits for a scoreless ninth. He threw eight pitches (5 strikes – 62.5 Strike%) and benefited from a runner being thrown out at home on a single by Kyle Tucker by Juan Soto. Ian Hamilton recorded his first hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Jonathan Loáisiga collected his first win, logging two scoreless frames while scattering four hits and striking out one.
March 25, 2025
New York Yankees – Entering in the sixth inning on Monday, Clay Holmes secured his fourth hold with a scoreless outing, giving up a hit and striking out one. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). Through seven outings, he’s posted a 1.41 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk.
March 20, 2024
New York Yankees – During a combined shutout, the bullpen performed well against the Pirates. Victor González tossed a scoreless inning, yielding a hit and striking out one. Clay Holmes retired both batters faced, recording one strikeout. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) with no whiffs. He’s posted a 1.50 WHIP with six strikeouts over 4.2 innings. Ian Hamilton worked a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one. Caleb Ferguson fired a clean seventh, striking out two. Nick Burdi issued a walk and recorded all three outs via strikeout in a scoreless eighth.
March 14, 2024
New York Yankees – Not only did Jonathan Loáisiga log 1.2 innings during his outing on Thursday, Bryan Hoch reported this will be his role for the upcoming season. In this configuration, he will receive two days of rest between outings, which limits his upside in leagues with holds, but increases his appeal in deeper leagues if he records vulture wins.
March 5, 2024
New York Yankees – Making his spring debut, Clay Holmes fired a clean fourth, striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (8 strikes – 72.7 Strike percentage) with no whiffs.
March 4, 2024
New York Yankees – It appears Tommy Kahnle is “behind on his buildup” for the regular season per Max Goodman on “X”. He has been throwing bullpens but will not appear in spring games until near the end of March.
February 29, 2024
New York Yankees – In Bryan Hoch’s 2024 roster projection for New York, he feels Tommy Kahnle and Jonathan Loáisiga will fill the primary set-up roles for “closer” Clay Holmes. But note the lack of depth in this leverage ladder when viewing the link.
September 26, 2023
New York Yankees – Tommy Kahnle was placed on the IL with right shoulder inflammation, effectively ending his season. Look for Ian Hamilton to get any opportunities that don’t go to Clay Holmes in the final week.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Hamilton | Weissert.
September 23, 2023
New York Yankees — Jhony Brito pitched the final 3.2 innings of a Yankees 7-1 win to pick up his first save. In other Yankees’ bullpen news, Wandy Peralta was placed on the IL with a triceps injury. Ian Hamilton will take his place on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Kahnle | Hamilton.
September 15, 2023
New York Yankees — As foretold by the Vulture Save Watch, Tommy Kahnle was used in a closing role during Thursday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox. He tossed the final two innings to earn the save in the nightcap.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Kahnle | Peralta.
September 13, 2023
New York Yankees — After all three members of the Yankees’ hierarchy pitched in game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep of the Red Sox, Nick Ramirez finished off the nightcap with a perfect ninth inning for his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Kahnle | Peralta.
August 31, 2023
New York Yankees — Don’t look now, but the Yankees have reeled off three wins in a row and could be making an improbable push for the — just kidding, they’re still totally cooked. But Ian Hamilton did pick up a nice three-inning save for them last night.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Kahnle | Peralta.
August 14, 2023
New York Yankees – Clay Holmes has been great lately, but yesterday was bad, as he coughed up a 4-run lead and then took the loss after Tommy Kahnle was unable to stem the damage. Holmes was in and out of a committee earlier this season, and we’ll see if this outing changes the way the Yankees approach the 9th inning. Our guess is it won’t… yet. In other news, Michael King is being stretched out to potentially start games, so we’ll swap Wandy Peralta into the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Kahnle | Peralta.
July 23, 2023
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes struck out two in a scoreless inning to pick up his 13th save of the season. Holmes also picked up the save on Friday night and has now recorded the last three saves for the Yankees and four of the last five. That is enough to kick the committee tag for now even if there will likely still be nights that the Yankees use another member of their deep bullpen to close out a game.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Kahnle | King.
July 16, 2023
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes closed out a 6-3 Yankees’ victory and earned his 11th save of the season. Holmes is the best bet for a save on any given night but that’s not enough to kick the committee tag yet. We will monitor if that changes and Holmes can settle in the role as the primary closer.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Kahnle | King.
* = closer-by-committee
July 9, 2023
New York Yankees — Michael King relieved starter Gerrit Cole and recorded the last five outs of the game to pick up his 6th save of the season. The Yankees are still in committee mode and this save moves King back onto the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | Kahnle | King.
* = closer-by-committee
June 26, 2023
New York Yankees — Michael King may have been off the hierarchy, but the Vulture Save Watch picked him as the best chance to pull a save last night. He got the ball with a 2 run lead, and worked a scoreless inning for his 5th save on the year. King needed a good outing badly, having given up runs in 5 of his last 6 appearances before last night. Maybe this is the start of him righting the ship, but given how heavily worked the Yankees bullpen had been, we will leave the hierarchy in place.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Kahnle | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 25, 2023
New York Yankees — The Yankees were lining up to use Tommy Kahnle in the 7th, Wandy Peralta in the 8th, and Clay Holmes in the 9th but after Peralta ran into some trouble, Holmes was needed to finish out the 8th. That left Ron Marinaccio for the 9th and he pitched a scoreless inning for his second save of the season. The Yankees bullpen have a lot of solid options at the back-end of their bullpen but there are two guys heading in opposite directions right now and we will swap them on the hiearchy. Tommy Kahnle has 10 straight scoreless appearances since returning from the IL and has only allowed three hits. Meanwhile, Michael King has given up runs in five of his last six appearances.
Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | Kahnle | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 22, 2023
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes did in fact get Wednesday off after a five-out save on Tuesday, but Michael King wasn’t able to finish things off. With a three-run lead and runners on the corners, Aaron Boone turned to Tommy Kahnle, who surrendered a sac fly before shutting the door with a strikeout. Kahnle has been unhittable since his return from injury, striking out nine in eight appearances and allowing only a hit batsman over the last six. Kahnle is pushing Wandy Peralta hard for a spot in this closer committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | King | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 14, 2023
New York Yankees – After Wandy Peralta ran into trouble in the eighth inning, Clay Holmes came on to strike out both batters he faced, stranding runners on second and third and preserving the Yankees’ one-run lead. That set the stage for Michael King to earn his first save since May 15 with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Despite King’s first save in a month, Holmes remains at the top of this committee; he would have most certainly gotten the save chance if he didn’t have to bail out Peralta in the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | King | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 11, 2023
New York Yankees – Clay Holmes pitched a scoreless 9th inning with a pair of strikeouts yesterday to pick up his 8th save of the season. Tommy Kahnle recorded the 8th inning hold ahead of Holmes and he has four scoreless appearances since his debut at the beginning of June. Holmes has recorded the last two saves for the Yankees and four of the last five. Meanwhile, Michael King has not recorded a save since May 15th. We will move Clay Holmes to the head of this committee and see how the Yankees continue to manage the back-end of their bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | King | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 9, 2023
New York Yankees – Michael King allowed two runs across two innings in Game 1 of a doubleheader Thursday to take the blown save and loss. In Game 2, Clay Holmes tossed a scoreless ninth inning for his seventh save, as projected by the Vulture Save Watch. Holmes has three of New York’s past four saves as this bullpen situation continues to be murky.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Holmes | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 5, 2023
New York Yankees – With Michael King having thrown 33 pitches on Saturday, the Yankees leaned on Clay Holmes, who finished the 7th inning and got the first two outs of the 8th, followed by Wandy Peralta, who notched the final four outs for his 4th save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Holmes | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 4, 2023
New York Yankees – After Wandy Peralta gave up a single, triple, and walk without recording any outs to start the 7th inning, the Yankees brought on Michael King. King gave up a single to the first batter he faced but then recorded three straight outs against the Dodgers’ very dangerous top of the lineup. King stuck around and pitched a scoreless 8th inning with a pair of strikeouts and that left Clay Holmes for the 9th. Holmes responded with a scoreless 9th inning to pick up his 6th save of the season. Holmes has started to settle in, as he has only allowed one earned run in his last 14 appearances, and we will see if he can work his way back to the top of this committee.
Updated hierarchy: *King | Holmes | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
June 2, 2023
New York Yankees – Tommy Kahnle has been activated off the 60-day IL and could be in line for late-innings work for the Yankees. We’ll see how he’s deployed.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
May 22, 2023
New York Yankees – Michael King got the day off after throwing 33 pitches on Saturday, and a solid 8th from Wandy Peralta was followed by a deeply shaky 9th by Clay Holmes (24 pitches, 3 baserunners), but Holmes got the job done to earn his 5th save of the year. This remains a committee until further notice.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
May 21, 2023
New York Yankees – Ryan Weber picked up an extra-innings save yesterday as he pitched a scoreless 10th inning. Michael King and Clay Holmes pitched earlier in the game and Wandy Peralta got the day off after pitching in three of the past four games.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
May 19, 2023
New York Yankees – The Vulture Save Watch called an off-day Thursday for Michael King, but Wandy Peralta also got the night off after he worked in two straight, leaving Ron Marinaccio to close out the ninth on seven pitches for his first save. This is a pretty fluid situation that we’ll continue to monitor.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
May 17, 2023
New York Yankees – Michael King still isn’t pitching on consecutive days, which paved the way for Clay Holmes in the eighth and Wandy Peralta in the ninth to close out a Yankee win.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
May 16, 2023
New York Yankees – After Ian Hamilton got into a little trouble in the 8th, Michael King came on and recorded the last four outs of the game to earn his 3rd save. King maintains his spot atop this committee, though we’d still like to see if/when he can pitch back to back games before we consider making any changes here.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
May 14, 2023
New York Yankees — Wandy Peralta pitched a scoreless 9th inning to pick up his second straight save. The Yankees bullpen is wide open right now and two straight saves are enough to get Peralta back on the hierarchy. We will continue to monitor this situation to see if anybody can emerge as the primary closer moving forward.
Updated hierarchy: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
May 13, 2023
New York Yankees — The Yankees were en route to a bullpen loss after Michael King gave up a go ahead homer in the top of the 8th. When the Yankees retook the lead in the bottom half, they turned to proven closer Wandy Peralta for the tough save chance. Peralta converted for his first save on the season, giving him 10 on his career. Peralta is riding an 8 game scoreless streak and has some solid numbers on the season, but the rest of the Yankees hierarchy had already pitched, so no shakeups just yet. We will see if Peralta can ride this save opportunity into a more consistent late inning role.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Holmes | Hamilton.
* = closer-by-committee
May 11, 2023
New York Yankees — The Yankees called up 23-year-old Deivi Garcia for Wednesday afternoon’s game; he made his first career relief appearance in a three-inning save (the only type you can earn in an A’s game) and was promptly sent back to Scranton with a pat on the back for a job well done.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Holmes | Hamilton.
* = closer-by-committee
May 8, 2023
New York Yankees – In a tie game against the Rays, the Yankees went with Clay Holmes in the 7th, Wandy Peralta in the 8th, and Michael King in the 9th. This situation is still very fluid, but it’s probably safe to say that on any given night, King has a better chance at a save than Holmes, even if it’s still questionable whether he can pitch on back to back nights with any consistency. We’ll swap them accordingly.
Updated hierarchy: *King | Holmes | Hamilton.
* = closer-by-committee
May 7, 2023
New York Yankees – Clay Holmes pitched a scoreless 8th inning with the Yankees down 2-0. After the Yankees rallied for three runs in the top of the 9th, Ian Hamilton pitched a scoreless bottom of the 9th to pick up his first career save. Hamilton and Michael King have both pitched much better than Clay Holmes this season, and with King working to be available more often moving forward, we think Holmes is losing his grip on the closer role. We will throw an asterisk on this for now and see if anybody can establish himself as the primary closer moving forward.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Hamilton.
*=closer-by-committee
May 3, 2023
New York Yankees – After Monday’s blown save, Clay Holmes received a vote of confidence from manager Aaron Boone prior to Tuesday’s game. However, last night’s save chance went to Michael King, who tossed a scoreless ninth inning to preserve a 4-2 win. Holmes may very well rebound from his struggles, but stashing King may be a prudent move if he’s still available.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Peralta.
May 2, 2023
New York Yankees – Clay Holmes was staked to a 2-0 lead, but allowed three runs in the top of the 9th and took the loss. He’s not necessarily on the hot seat yet — it was only his second blown save of the year and the runs were unearned due to a throwing error — but it’s worth noting that he has a 5.29 ERA across 34 innings since the All Star Break in 2022.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Peralta.
April 28, 2023
New York Yankees – Michael King made quick work of the Rangers on Thursday, recording the final seven outs on just 26 pitches to record his first save. King hadn’t pitched since Sunday so he was well-rested. The usage is also consistent with prior work as a high-leverage bulk reliever for the Yankees, so don’t be worried that he’s about to usurp Clay Holmes or something.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Peralta.
April 13, 2023
New York Yankees – The Yankees are turning to Michael King again in a setup role, along with Wandy Peralta, their only lefthanded reliever. We think King is probably most likely to grab any vulture saves (unless they’re matchup-based), with Ron Marinaccio moving a step behind Peralta.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Peralta.
April 9, 2023
New York Yankees – Clay Holmes picked up his second save of the season yesterday and has settled in after allowing two runs in his first outing of the season. Set-up man Jonathan Loaisiga was placed on the IL with elbow inflamation and will not throw for at least a couple weeks. Wandy Peralta pitched a scoreless 8th inning ahead of Clay Holmes last night and will join the hierarchy while Loaisiga is out.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Marinaccio | Peralta.
April 3, 2023
New York Yankees – Ron Marinaccio has started the season with 3.1 hitless innings, tallying 6 strikeouts in the process. He picked up his first hold of the season on Sunday, and given his usage thus far, he’s earned a spot on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Loaisiga | Marinaccio.
March 13, 2023
New York Yankees — Once an unquestioned strength for the Bronx Bombers, the bullpen situation is a little more murky to start in 2023. Aroldis Chapman is gone, leaving Clay Holmes as the likely candidate to man the ninth inning. He’ll be set up by holdovers Jonathan Loaisiga and Michael King to start off, while Lou Trivino and Tommy Kahnle nurse injuries to start the campaign.
Starting 2023 hierarchy: Holmes | Loaisiga | King.
Holds candidates: Loaisiga, King, Wandy Peralta, Ron Marinaccio, and (eventually) Trivino and Kahnle.
October 5, 2022
New York Yankees – Jonathan Loaisiga picked up his second save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning in game one of the Yankees’ doubleheader with the Rangers.
Hierarchy remains: *Effross | Loaisiga | Trivino.
* = closer-by-committee
October 4, 2022
New York Yankees – Committee leader Scott Effross picked up his fourth save of the season on Monday with a 1-2-3 inning. Miguel Castro got the 8th inning and might also be a late-inning option when matchups are right.
Hierarchy remains: *Effross | Loaisiga | Trivino.
* = closer-by-committee
October 1, 2022
New York Yankees — The Yankees got bullpen reinforcements last week, but that strength evaporated when Clay Holmes and Zach Britton were shut down for the remainder of the regular season. The Yankees have locked up the AL East and a bye, but cannot catch the Houston Astros for best record in the league, so they may choose to rest their highest leverage arms down the stretch (but not their bats, as Aaron Judge continues to chase history). Scott Effross is the most likely candidate to close any games for the next few days, while Lou Trivino joins the hierarchy to replace Holmes. The Yankees are also close to activating Wandy Peralta and he could vulture a save in the last week of the season if they are trying to get him in shape for the playoffs.
Updated hierarchy: *Effross | Loaisiga | Trivino.
* = closer-by-committee
September 29, 2022
New York Yankees — Zack Britton made his second appearance back from Tommy John surgery and again struggled with control. So far this season, Britton has faced eight batters and walked five of them. A brighter spot for the Yankees (aside from, you know, the 61 thing) was Aroldis Chapman hitting 101 and striking out two Blue Jays in a clean ninth. An effective Chapman in any bullpen role would be a huge bonus heading into the playoffs.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Effross | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
September 28, 2022
New York Yankees – The Yankees rested their entire hierarchy after they all pitched Monday, which meant Lou Trivino recorded the final four outs of Tuesday’s division-clinching win. It was Trivino’s first save with the Yankees, making him the 12th different Yankee to notch a save this season. That’s one shy of the Rays’ record of 13 relievers with a save, set just last year. With the division now clinched, hopefully Aaron Boone embraces the chaos and challenges for that record!
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Effross | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
September 26, 2022
New York Yankees – With rumors that the Yankees might be willing to DFA Aroldis Chapman, we figure they’re pretty unlikely to put him out there in a high-leverage spot if any other options are available. We’ll push Jonathan Loaisiga up into his place.
Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | Effross | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
September 25, 2022
New York Yankees — Scott Effross loaded the bases on a single, hit batter, and walk but was able to keep the Red Sox scoreless and earn his third save of the season. It was Effross’s first appearance since returning from a shoulder strain and he should continue to be in the mix for saves for the rest of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Effross | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
September 23, 2022
New York Yankees — The Yankees activated Scott Effross and Zack Britton on Thursday. A corresponding move led them to place Wandy Peralta on the IL. So what does the back end look like now? Well, manager Aaron Boone essentially said this week the Yankees will use a closer-by-committee approach, so we’ll keep the committee tag and insert Effross and Aroldis Chapman, who has been up and down of late. Other late-inning options include Jonathan Loaisiga, Lou Trivino and Britton. Holmes earned the extra-inning win Thursday, pitching the game’s final two innings, so he will continue to lead this ‘pen.
Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | Effross | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
September 17, 2022
New York Yankees — The Yankees fell to the Brewers last night when their bullpen couldn’t hold onto a 1 run lead. Jonathan Loaisiga gave up an unearned run in a tie game in the 8th, and although Josh Donaldson tied it with a solo shot in the 9th, Clay Holmes couldn’t protect the lead and took the loss. Into this mess comes Aroldis Chapman, activated after an IL stint due to a tattoo related infection. In addition to Chapman, the back end of the Yankees bullpen is about to get a few more options as Zack Britton is currently on a rehab assignment and trade deadline acquisition Scott Effross is also close to a return. Manager Aaron Boone said that Chapman’s role will be based on his performance, so we will wait to see how he is deployed before making a move, but the Yankees may be getting healthy at just the right time.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Peralta | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
September 14, 2022
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes pitched the ninth with the game tied and then stayed on for the 10th after the Yankees took a 7-4 lead. Holmes hit a better and recorded a strikeout before he was lifted for Wandy Peralta to create a lefty-lefty matchup. Peralta allowed two runs thanks to a single and a wild pitch, but he struck out Rafael Devers to complete his fourth save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Peralta | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
September 8, 2022
New York Yankees — Lucas Luetge picked up his second save of the season in the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader, coming in with a three-run lead in the seventh and finishing the game out after the lead stretched to six.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Peralta | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
August 30, 2022
New York Yankees – The Yankees brought Clay Holmes back from the IL yesterday, and the righty immediately got some action, pitching a scoreless 7th inning. As long as he doesn’t show any rust, we expect that he will be eased back into the closer role in the next week or two, so we’re slotting him in at the top with the understanding that he might have another tune-up outing before he’s back to the 9th.
Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | Peralta | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
August 28, 2022
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was placed on the IL with an infection from a recent leg tattoo. Replacing him on the hierarchy for now is Ron Marinaccio, who got the extra innings save chance yesterday but wasn’t able to convert after giving up a pinch hit homer to Stephen Vogt. Marinaccio was on a very nice run before last night having allowed only one earned run since May 22nd. Clay Holmes could return on Monday and will likely get the closer’s job back since nobody else was able to establish themselves while he was out.
Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Loaisiga | Marinaccio.
* = closer-by-committee
August 26, 2022
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes says he’s feeling good and expects to be activated from the injured list on Monday. He’ll probably step right back into the closer’s role.
Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Loaisiga | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
August 25, 2022
New York Yankees — Zack Britton made his first rehab appearance ahead of a planned mid-September return to the big leagues. Britton retired both hitters he faced.
Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Loaisiga | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
August 24, 2022
New York Yankees – The Yankees continued to do everything they can to avoid Aroldis Chapman pitching in a high-leverage spot, trying to get 3+ innings out of Clarke Schmidt to close out Tuesday’s tilt against the Mets. Schmidt ran into trouble in the ninth, however, which forced Aaron Boone to call upon Wandy Peralta for a bases-loaded, one-out save, which he converted. After the game, Boone confirmed he isn’t quite ready to use Chapman in high-leverage spots. Boone may have no choice based on the options he has available, but we’re sliding Chapman down a few spots in our hierarchy until the Yankees regain confidence in the lefty.
Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Loaisiga | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
August 23, 2022
New York Yankees – A Scott Effross IL stint, combined with the Yankees continued reluctance to give the full time job back to Aroldis Chapman, meant that Jonathan Loaisiga was asked to get the final four outs of Monday’s Subway Series opener. Loaisiga responded by retiring all four hitters he faced, becoming the 11th Yankee to record a save this season. Yankees gonna… Rays?
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Peralta | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
August 18, 2022
New York Yankees — A walk-off grand slam is a wonderful thing, but the Yankees needed it because of more control issues by Aroldis Chapman — two walks preceding a seeing-eye double. Chapman has the obvious pedigree to close, but Aaron Boone has shown once already this year that he’s not afraid to swap him out for an unheralded arm if necessary. Boone says he’ll play matchups, but Chapman is likely only one more wild outing away from another demotion.
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Effross | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
August 17, 2022
New York Yankees – As expected, Clay Holmes has been placed on the IL with a back strain. Aroldis Chapman will close in his place, and if he keeps up this current run of good form, may not give the job back.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Effross | Peralta.
August 17, 2022
New York Yankees – The Yankees lost last night, but the real news was that Clay Holmes is dealing with a back injury and may need an IL stint. While the move isn’t official yet, everyone from Aaron Boone to Clay Holmes himself seem to treat it as inevitable. We will alert if the Yankees make a move, but it may be time to grab Aroldis Chapman, who has continued to look like his old self in recent weeks.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Chapman | Effross.
* = closer-by-committee
August 14, 2022
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect 8th inning in a tie game last night and picked up the win after the Yankees took the lead in the top of the 9th. Scott Effross gave up a couple hits in the 9th but was able to hold the Red Sox scoreless for his first save as a Yankee. Clay Holmes got the day off and Aaron Boone said they will be working with him to get him right. Boone said that he still plans on using Holmes in the 9th inning on some nights, but that’s not the most glowing endorsement for a closer. We think this is a committee for now and Aroldis Chapman could take the job back if he continues his dominant stretch.
Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | Chapman | Effross.
* = closer-by-committee
August 13, 2022
New York Yankees – The entire Yankees team has struggled as of late, but maybe nobody more than Clay Holmes. Holmes was brought in to protect a 2 run lead in the 9th yesterday. He got 1 quick out before walking the next two batters and giving up the tying single before getting pulled for Wandy Peralta. The Yankees would go on to lose in extra innings. Holmes has now given up runs in 4 of his last 5 appearances, including 3 blown saves. Command seems to be the source of his trouble, as he has issued the same number of walks in his last 10 appearances as he has for the rest of the season (39 apps). Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman pitched a clean 8th ahead of Holmes, and now has 8 straight scoreless appearances. It’s a bit too early to make a change here, but Holmes is certainly on a hot seat now, and with Chapman and Peralta continuing to pitch well, Holmes may not have many chances left.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Peralta | Chapman.
August 7, 2022
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless 8th inning in a tight game with the Yankees down by one. Chapman now has five straight scoreless appearances and has only allowed one hit and one walk over those five innings. Chapman was also in line to get the save opportunity on Friday night and that’s enough to bring him back onto the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Peralta | Chapman.
August 6, 2022
New York Yankees – With 3-4-5 due up in the 8th inning, the Yankees went to Clay Holmes to protect a one-run lead against the Cardinals, but the righty gave up an infield hit and then a walk before Paul DeJong laced a 2-out, 2-run double which ultimately was the difference in the game. Holmes has been a revelation this season, but he’s now given up 9 ERs (as well as 8 BBs and 3 HBPs) in his past 7.1 innings. He was a little unlucky last night, but we’ll keep an eye on this to see if he’s able to shake this recent stretch of wildness.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Peralta | Effross.
August 3, 2022
New York Yankees – The Yankees acquired A’s closer Lou Trivino and Cubs’ setup man Scott Effross at the deadline. Both additions made their Yankee debuts on Tuesday; we’ll slot Effross into the hierarchy for now and see if he can continue his strong rookie campaign.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Peralta | Effross.
July 31, 2022
New York Yankees – For the second straight appearance, Clarke Schmidt threw the final three innings of a lopsided Yankee’s victory to earn the save. Schmidt is mostly a multi-inning reliever so we aren’t ready to move him to the hierarchy yet.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Peralta | Luetge.
July 25, 2022
New York Yankees – Clarke Schmidt threw the final three innings of a 6-0 Yankee victory on Sunday afternoon to earn his first career save. He’s having a fine year, but is almost always used across several innings, meaning he’s likely to be an inconsistent source of holds, even with the injury to Michael King.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Peralta | Luetge.
July 23, 2022
New York Yankees — The Yankees suffered a major blow when Michael King left last night’s game after throwing a pitch in the 8th inning. The early diagnosis is a fractured elbow which will end his season. King had been excellent, leading the team in holds and the Yankees will certainly be active at the trade deadline trying to find someone to replace those innings. The Yankees do have some hope that Zack Britton might be able to return from Tommy John surgery later this year, but until reinforcements arrive, expect Lucas Luetge to see an increased role. Luetge has been a true fireman this year, sometimes getting a single batter and sometimes working multiple innings (like last night), but he has been effective.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Peralta | Luetge.
July 17, 2022
New York Yankees — Ryan Weber, who might be the best golfer on the Yankees and was formerly the number three starter for the Red Sox in 2020, pitched three scoreless innings to finish off a Yankees’ 14-1 victory over the Red Sox and record his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Peralta.
July 15, 2022
New York Yankees — Jonathan Loaisiga returned to action Thursday after a long layoff and did not look sharp, allowing three runs on four hits in the eighth inning to balloon his ERA to 8.31. It does not appear he’s ready for primetime work yet and won’t crack this hierarchy for the time being.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Peralta.
July 13, 2022
New York Yankees — After a rare poor outing by Clay Holmes in last night’s ninth inning, the Yankees turned to Wandy Peralta to try and complete a Houdini and preserve a 3-2 win. Peralta came within a strike of doing so, but he gave up a two-run single that put the Reds ahead, 4-3. It is clear, however, that Peralta is ahead of Aroldis Chapman right now in this hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Peralta.
July 9, 2022
New York Yankees — In a game that got out of hand quickly, and featured Joey Gallo try for an inside the park home run (or 4 base error if you don’t believe losing a ball in the lights is a good excuse), the Yankees turned the last 3.1 innings over to Lucas Luetge. Luetge was masterful, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out 6 on the way to his first save on the year. The former rule 5 draftee debuted in 2012, but spent almost 6 years pitching in the minors before catching on and finally sticking with the Yankees last year. Luetge is having a solid season in long relief and as a lefty matchup specialist, but doesn’t usually factor into the late innings.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Chapman.
July 3, 2022
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman made his first appearance since returning from the IL and it did not go well. Chapman walked all three batters he faced and only one of the eight fastballs he threw was a strike. It’s hard to imagine the Yankees using Chapman in a meaningful spot after yesterday’s outing so we will drop him on the hierarchy until he proves he can throw strikes.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Chapman.
July 2, 2022
New York Yankees — While last night’s contest against the Guardians was rained out, Aroldis Chapman was activated yesterday. He won’t return to closing just yet, as Clay Holmes has been nearly perfect on the year, but expect Chapman to be in the late inning mix. Meanwhile, Miguel Castro was placed on the paternity list
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Chapman | King.
July 2, 2022
New York Yankees — While last night’s contest against the Guardians was rained out, Aroldis Chapman was activated yesterday. He won’t return to closing just yet, as Clay Holmes has been nearly perfect on the year, but expect Chapman to be in the late inning mix. Meanwhile, Miguel Castro was placed on the paternity list
Updated Hierarchy: Holmes | Chapman | King.
June 16, 2022
New York Yankees — Not satisfied to be 30 games over .500 with a closer on a 30-inning scoreless streak, Aaron Boone is threatening Yankee fans with the promise that Aroldis Chapman will “be closing some games” after he returns from Achilles tendinitis. The more relevant Greek myth here might be Icarus.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Castro.
June 13, 2022
New York Yankees – Making his third appearance of the season, Manny Banuelos pitched the final three innings of a Yankees blowout win, earning his first save.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Castro.
June 9, 2022
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman is nearing a return from tendinitis — expected to throw off a mound this Saturday — but Aaron Boone refused to commit to his immediate return to the ninth, noting only that Chapman will be a “big-time back-end reliever.” It looks like Holmes, who is still working on a 26-inning scoreless streak, will keep his job at least as long as he remains perfect.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Castro.
June 3, 2022
New York Yankees — Wandy Peralta earned a nontraditional save in Game 1 of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Angels, coming into the game in the eighth inning with a five-run lead, but the bases were loaded at the time. He induced a flyout and then pitched a clean ninth for his first save. Clay Holmes picked up the save in the nightcap.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Castro.
May 26, 2022
New York Yankees — The Yankees’ season-opening hierarchy has been reunited, but this time on the injured list. Jonathan Loaisiga (right shoulder discomfort) joined Aroldis Chapman and Chad Green on the shelf Wednesday, leaving Miguel Castro and Wandy Peralta as the team’s top seventh-inning options. Rookie Ron Marinaccio pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts last night and could also be in line for some holds.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Castro.
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.
May 24, 2022
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman’s recent absence now has an explanation – the Yankees’ closer has been dealing with an achilles issue. An IL stint may be warranted; we’ll monitor and alert as appropriate. Having also just lost Chad Green for the year to Tommy John surgery, a Chapman injury would leave Clay Holmes and Michael King as the likely contenders for saves on most nights.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Holmes | King.
May 22, 2022
New York Yankees — The Yankees turned the ball over to Clay Holmes to get the last out of the 8th inning, and after throwing just 2 pitches there he stuck around for the 9th with a 2 run lead. He pitched a clean 9th inning for his 4th save on the year, but it is noteworthy that Aroldis Chapman was well rested, having last pitched on Tuesday. The Yankees do have a doubleheader today, so it is possible that they did not want to waste Holmes getting warmed up for just a 2 pitch, 1 out appearance. However, Holmes has been electric this year, only giving up 1 run, and that was on opening day. Meanwhile Chapman has given up a run in his last 4 appearances, but has yet to blow a save on the year. So while Holmes has closed the gap a bit, Chapman is still the closer in New York, but if his struggles start costing the Yankees games they may have an easy plan B.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Holmes | King.
May 19, 2022
New York Yankees — You weren’t surprised to see Clay Holmes grab his third save of the young season last night while Aroldis Chapman rested. You saw it coming. You planned for it. You reveled in it. Why? Because you read Wednesday’s Vulture Save Watch.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Holmes | King.
May 3, 2022
New York Yankees – We’d tabbed Clay Holmes as the likeliest Yankee for a vulture save, and while he was indeed needed for some key outs — closing the door in the 7th and pitching a scoreless 8th — it was Chad Green who got the call in the 9th inning. Green has been decent, but not great, thus far, so we’ll keep the hierarchy as is for the time being.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Holmes | King.
May 2, 2022
New York Yankees – Michael King’s phenomenal season continued, as the righty on Sunday finished the 7th and then pitched a clean 8th inning ahead of Aroldis Chapman. It was his third hold on the season to go along with 22 Ks in 14.2 innings, and while he’s likely most valuable pitching multiple innings (rather than as a more strict set-up man), we can’t keep him out of the hierarchy any longer, even if Jonathan Loaisiga might be more likely to get a save on a night that Chapman is off.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Holmes | King.
April 28, 2022
New York Yankees — Bullpen hierarchies change fast, and Aaron Boone has quickly found that his most trusted late-inning relievers ahead of Aroldis Chapman are 29-year-old sinkerballer Clay Holmes and crafty long man Michael King. Boone’s turn to Holmes last night for a vulture save with Chapman resting means a promotion to first in line.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Holmes | Loaisiga.
April 27, 2022
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes continued his strong season on Tuesday with a seventh-inning hold that lowered his ERA to 1.04. Chad Green has allowed two runs on three hits in each of his last two outings, including this past Saturday.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Loaisiga | Holmes.
April 17, 2022
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes recorded the last four outs in a 5-2 victory to pick up his first career save. The Yankees’ bullpen had been busy recently as Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Loaisiga had both pitched in three of the last four games and Chad Green had pitched in two of the last three. That left Michael King and Clay Holmes to finish off yesterday’s win.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
April 16, 2022
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman needed a rest both due to workload and also to get some distance from a disaster outing against the Blue Jays on Thursday. Unfortunately, he got pressed into service in the 11th inning after Clarke Schmidt loaded the bases loaded with 1 out. The historically correct play is to issue an intentional walk with the bases loaded, which the Angels proved again last night. Chapman decided take the brave man’s route of pitching to the Orioles, and after a quick strikeout he made the mistake of unintentionally walking Ramon Urias to end the game. Aaron Boone defended the decision to go to Chapman despite his recent command struggles. It is difficult to blame any pitcher for failing to deliver a near-Houdini, but the bright lights of New York can be unforgiving and it wouldn’t be the first time Chapman’s hold on the closers role seemed to be slipping. He’s always bounced back from these rough stretches before, but it may be time to get out the Loaisiga handcuff if you’re invested in Chapman.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
April 15, 2022
New York Yankees — Every closer is due for a poor outing, and maybe Aroldis Chapman got his clunker out of the way early. The flame-throwing veteran loaded the bases on three walks with no outs on Thursday against the Blue Jays and was pulled for Michael King, who danced around the trouble on just five pitches (all strikes) and struck out one to earn his first save. Chad Green already pitched earlier in the contest and Jonathan Loaisiga, who pitched on Tuesday and Wednesday, was likely unavailable. After the game, Chapman said he agreed with manager Aaron Boone’s decision to yank him. We’ll continue to monitor Chapman’s control in the early going.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
March 23, 2022
New York Yankees — The Yankees have one of the more stable bullpens in baseball, with Aroldis Chapman set to once again close in the Bronx. Jonathan Loaisiga and Chad Green will set up Chapman, as Zack Britton isn’t expected to be back from Tommy John surgery until later this year, if at all.
Starting 2022 hierarchy: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
Holds candidates: Loaisiga, Green.
September 30, 2021
New York Yankees — Jonathan Loaisiga returned from the injured list and immediately pitched a perfect seventh in a tied game. That’s enough to get him back on the Yankees’ hierarchy for the remainder of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
September 29, 2021
New York Yankees — Jonathan Loaisiga is expected to be activated from the IL today. He should immediately see high-leverage chances as the Yankees look to clinch home field advantage for the AL Wild Card game.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Peralta.
September 17, 2021
New York Yankees — Jonathan Loaisiga will begin a throwing program Friday as he hopes to return to the Yankees bullpen before the season ends.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Peralta.
September 16, 2021
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman had a dominant outing on Wednesday and, just as importantly, Chad Green keeps blowing leads. The Yankees will ride with Chapman the rest of the way, for good or ill.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Peralta.
September 9, 2021
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was booed off the mound on Wednesday after a low-leverage outing that included a home run, two walks, and a wild pitch. Chapman started the season with no earned runs in 18 appearances and he had a 0.39 ERA (1 ER, 23 IP) going into the game on June 10. Over the last three months, however, he boasts a 7.23 ERA, three blown saves, 24 walks, and seven homers allowed. You can’t trust him and neither should Aaron Boone. Chad Green seems likeliest to get the next save chance, and we’re sticking an asterisk back on this bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Green | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
September 6, 2021
New York Yankees – The Yankees placed Jonathan Loaisiga on the IL on Sunday with a strained rotator cuff and are hopeful that he’ll only miss a couple weeks.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Peralta.
August 25, 2021
New York Yankees – Tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the ninth inning against Atlanta, Aroldis Chapman retired two of the first two hitters he faced. Two walks and an infield single derailed his inning, however, and Wandy Peralta won a fierce battle with Freddie Freeman to leave the bases loaded and earn the save. We’ll keep an eye on how much of a leash Aaron Boone gives Chapman going forward and whether Peralta, Jonathan Loaisiga or Chad Green become Boone’s preferred ninth-inning options. Zack Britton’s name isn’t on that list, as surgery is now a possibility after he landed on the IL with an elbow strain.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
August 24, 2021
New York Yankees – Zack Britton was placed on the IL with a left elbow sprain. The injury appears minor, but there isn’t a timetable for his return yet.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
August 20, 2021
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman had a rough outing Wednesday, so manager Aaron Boone decided to give his closer the day off and turned to Chad Green, who allowed a run but managed to earn his sixth save. Zack Britton pitched the eighth inning and Jonathan Loaisiga was rested again after he tossed two innings on Tuesday.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
August 19, 2021
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman returned from his injury absence and Aaron Boone announced that he would immediately resume his role as New York’s closer. With a four-run lead, Chapman gave up a solo home run — his seventh on the year, tying his career high — then was pulled for Lucas Luetge after he put two more guys on base. Luetge got a single out to earn his first save of the season, and also his first since August 21, 2012. (Covered, naturally, by Closer Monkey.) Chapman is still looking to recapture his command, but (for now at least) he’ll be doing so in the ninth inning.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
August 18, 2021
New York Yankees – The Yankees swept a doubleheader against the Red Sox on Tuesday, allowing both Jonathan Loaisiga and Chad Green to collect a save. Loaisiga loaded the bases with nobody out in the first game of the day but recorded a Houdini to end the game. Green closed out a 2-0 win in game two to complete the sweep.
Hierarchy remains: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 17, 2021
New York Yankees – The Yankees had a much-needed strong showing from their bullpen yesterday, with Chad Green closing out a 2-1 victory for his fourth save. We’ll watch to see if Green gets the next chance with an eye on moving him ahead of Jonathan Loaisiga if he does.
Hierarchy remains: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 16, 2021
New York Yankees – Wandy Peralta picked up his second save in a week, cleaning up the mess after Lucas Luetge got in trouble in the 9th. He’s still behind several others on the depth chart, but if he keeps finding his way into these spots, we’ll make a place for him on the hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 15, 2021
New York Yankees — Zack Britton told manager Aaron Boone to remove him as closer and that meant that Chad Green got the call in the 9th inning yesterday with the Yankees up one. Unfortunately for Yankees fans and fantasy owners, he couldn’t get the job done. After the Yankees took the lead again in the top of the 10th, out trotted Zack Britton from the bullpen to try and record the save. However, he clearly wasn’t kidding about wanting to be removed from the closer role and after allowing a single in between a pair of walks, he was pulled for Albert Abreu. Abreu retired the two batters he faced and picked up his first career save. Jonathan Loaisiga and Chad Green should split save chances with Britton no longer an option and we will move Loaisiga to the top of the committee after Green blew the save yesterday.
Updated hierarchy: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 13, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees let Liam Hendriks off the hook at the Field of Dreams, giving him the cheapest win imaginable when Tim Anderson smashed a walk-off homer that sent the ball disappearing into the corn fields and gave Zack Britton another blown save. The Yankees might not give Britton the next shot.
Hierarchy remains: *Britton | Loaisiga | Green.
* = closer-by-committee
August 12, 2021
New York Yankees — For the third time since Aroldis Chapman’s injury, Zack Britton got the ninth inning for the Yankees, protecting a three-run lead for his first save of the season. The Yankees will likely continue to treat this as a committee, but it looks like the experienced Britton will get the bulk of the opportunities.
Updated hierarchy: *Britton | Loaisiga | Green.
* = closer-by-committee
August 10, 2021
New York Yankees – The Yankees bullpen tied an MLB record on Monday by blowing a save four different times before Wandy Peralta finally closed the door in the 11th. Perhaps even more amazingly, they did so in four consecutive innings (7th through 10th), as Jonathan Loaisiga, Chad Green, Zack Britton, and Clay Holmes all allowed the Royals to tie it after the Yankees had taken the lead in the top half. Not much to report on the fantasy front, here, though we’ll continue to see if anyone emerges as the clear leader for the Yankees with Aroldis Chapman out.
Hierarchy remains: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 8, 2021
New York Yankees — As we alerted you yesterday, Aroldis Chapman was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation. The MRI did not reveal any structural damage and the Yankees are hopeful he can return from the IL when eligible. Jonathan Loaisiga picked up the save yesterday and we think he will lead a committee that includes Chad Green and Zack Britton while Chapman is out.
Updated hierarchy: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 7, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees placed Aroldis Chapman on the IL. Expect a committee of Jonathan Loaisiga, Chad Green and Zack Britton to handle the late innings while Chapman is out, with Loaisiga as the leader.
Updated hierarchy: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 1, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees gave Aroldis Chapman the day off yesterday as the Vulture Save Watch predicted, but the save went to Jonathan Loaisiga instead of Chad Green. Loaisiga had one blow-up outing recently where he gave up four runs, but other than that he has been great and we will slide him up first in line behind Chapman after yesterday’s save.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
July 25, 2021
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman worked around a walk and a two-out double to pitch a scoreless inning and record his 18th save of the season. After a brutal three game stretch where Chapman allowed nine earned runs, he is starting to pitch better and has only allowed one earned run over his last six appearances. He has also recorded the last two saves for the Yankees after Chad Green picked up the save on July 7th.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
July 24, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees activated Jonathan Loaisiga from the IL yesterday, although he did not pitch in a four-run loss. Zack Britton earned a couple holds last week, but they came in some pretty rough outings, and we see Loaisiga unseating him for now.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
July 22, 2021
New York Yankees — Zack Britton’s return now comprises three outings, eight baserunners, and four earned runs, with no clean innings in the bunch. With Aroldis Chapman’s finger continuing to give him trouble, the Yankees’ bullpen is unusually unreliable lately.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Britton.
July 21, 2021
New York Yankees — It had been a month since Aroldis Chapman had earned a save, but despite allowing a solo homer to Andrew McCutchen, the struggling reliever stuck out Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins and Didi Gregorius to convert his first save opportunity since that disastrous outing against the Mets on July 4. Not only did Chapman get the save, but his velocity was great, particularly in the final two at-bats of the night. In other news, Jonathan Loaisiga is back with the team and could return this weekend while Darren O’Day will have season-ending surgery.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Britton.
July 17, 2021
New York Yankees — There isn’t much good news coming out of the Yankees these days, but one bright spot is the return of Zack Britton from the IL. The Yankees have seen the season start to slip away, and the bullpen struggles have been a large part of it. Aroldis Chapman needed the All-Star break more than anyone, having given up 9 runs in the 4 appearances leading up to it. Meanwhile, Chad Green took the loss in one of the more spectacular blown saves of the year. Jonathan Loaisiga, who was the Yankees’ best reliever recently, is expected to miss 10 days due to COVID so he won’t be back until next week. We will slide Britton into his hierarchy spot and see how the Yankees bullpen plays out over the next couple of weeks.
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
July 11, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees have placed Jonathan Loaisiga on the COVID IL, but he may not be out very long as manager Aaron Boone said Loaisiga was feeling good. The Yankees did not need their bullpen at all yesterday as Gerrit Cole pitched a complete game but Aroldis Chapman was warming in the bullpen for the save chance if the Yankees decided to pull Cole.
Hierarchy remains: *Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
July 8, 2021
New York Yankees — For years, a one-run lead in the ninth inning has produced a Pavlovian response in Yankees fans: Aroldis Chapman. But a month of increasingly harsh negative reinforcement has flipped the script, leaving them newly desperate to not see their $17.2 million closer in a tight spot (examples one, two, and three). Aaron Boone, a veteran of the Skinner box of the New York media, still wants it both ways, nodding to Chad Green’s recent ascendance while affirming Chapman as the long-term answer. We believe he’ll return to Chapman full-time after the All-Star break, but the ultimate result of this experiment is very much up in the air. But things could always be worse.
Hierarchy remains: *Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
July 5, 2021
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman had another ugly outing, consisting of a leadoff homer to tie the game, followed by a walk and a hit batsman, both of whom eventually scored. But it wasn’t just that he was bad again. It was that the two relievers who are ostensibly competing with him for save opps were both stellar. Chad Green picked up a 1-out hold in game one of Sunday’s doubleheader, then came back and threw 3 perfect innings (including an immaculate one in the 7th) to close out the nightcap. Meanwhile, Jonathan Loaisiga contributed 2.1 scoreless innings of his own — though he did allow one inherited runner to score — in the first game. With Aaron Boone’s postgame comments about continuing “to talk through” the late game issues, combined with an earlier remark about getting his usually-otherworldly closer some lower-leverage work, we’re slapping a committee tag here and will wait to see how the next few games go.
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
July 1, 2021
New York Yankees — It’s all about roster construction. When the Mets were down 12 with the bases loaded in the eighth inning on Wednesday night, they had the luxury of turning to converted outfielder Albert Almora, who scattered a walk, hit batsman, and homer around three outs, slamming the door with only three runs charged to his account. The Yankees, however, in the slightly higher-leverage situation of protecting a four-run lead in the ninth, were forced to bring in injured Dellin Betances the ghost of Kevin Gregg Carlos Marmol in a really good disguise Aroldis Chapman. Chapman walked the bases loaded, then immediately cleaned up that mess with a grand slam. Lucas Luetge was also less effective than Almora, giving up three runs as four reached. Until the Yankees commit to shutdown relievers like Almora, who can hold opponents to six runs, max, in the clutch, they’ll keep looking up in the standings at their neighbors in Queens. Chapman, by the way, has a 17.47 ERA over the last three weeks (eight appearances) and has walked 8 of the last 21 hitters he’s faced.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
June 29, 2021
New York Yankees — Justin Wilson and Darren O’Day are expected back for New York on Tuesday. Time will tell how quickly the two return to higher-leverage use.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
June 26, 2021
New York Yankees — Zack Britton pulled up lame after a pitch in the eighth inning and immediately headed for the clubhouse. It seems likely that Britton will miss yet more time, and that Jonathan Loaisiga — who struck out all four guys he faced on Friday — will return to a higher-leverage role in his stead.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
June 11, 2021
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman didn’t allow his first run of the season until May 23 and entered action on Thursday with a 0.39 ERA, so some regression was coming. It came in bunches Thursday night, as Chapman allowed four runs – including two home runs that traveled at least 430 feet – on just nine pitches to take his first loss. Notably, Chapman’s spin rates and velocity were down in this appearance. Chapman has a long, long track record. He’ll be fine. Meanwhile, Zack Britton could be back soon.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
June 3, 2021
New York Yankees – For the third straight appearance, Chad Green got the 8th inning ahead of Aroldis Chapman. Green has re-established himself as the handcuff for the surging Yankees.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
May 29, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees also got some good news when Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth inning of a tie game after missing a couple of days with a non-COVID illness. Chapman remains an elite closer when healthy.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
May 28, 2021
New York Yankees — With a two-run lead in the second game of a doubleheader, we expected to see Aroldis Chapman get the seventh inning, but instead it was Chad Green picking up his second save of the year. After the game, Aaron Boone revealed that Chapman was dealing with a non-COVID illness, but that the team is hopeful he will be available this weekend. It doesn’t sound like Chapman will miss any more time, but we will keep the vulture save watch on him until we see him pitch again.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
May 15, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees did indeed give Aroldis Chapman a second day off after his recent heavy workload, but it was Jonathan Loaisiga who got the vulture save over Chad Green. Green pitched a scoreless 7th after the Yankees took the lead in the top of the inning while Loaisiga pitched a perfect 9th for his second save of the season. Green has been quite good in his set-up role, but the last couple of times that Chapman has needed a spell, the Yankees have gone with Loaisiga to close out the game. That’s enough to boost him to the first in line.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
May 12, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees had a bit of a scare during the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game when the trainer came out to check on Aroldis Chapman, who was only hitting 96 with his “fastball.” Chapman finished the game and earned the save, and afterward, Aaron Boone confirmed that Chapman had an issue with his fingernail and that he’s fine.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
May 2, 2021
New York Yankees — Darren O’Day has been placed on the IL with a rotator cuff strain. Jonathan Loaisiga pitched another scoreless inning yesterday, his sixth straight appearance without allowing an earned run. Loaisiga should see more time in the later innings while O’Day is out.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
April 25, 2021
New York Yankees — The Yankees did indeed rest Aroldis Chapman and Chad Green yesterday as the Vulture Save Watch predicted, but it was Jonathan Loaisiga who got the save in their absence. Loaisiga has been good to start the season but so has the rest of the Yankees’ hierarchy so we aren’t ready to move him on there just yet.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | O’Day.
April 10, 2021
New York Yankees — Finally some good news on the injury front, where the Yankees got Justin Wilson back from the IL. Wilson was set to be a prominent part of the group that got the ball to Aroldis Chapman, although both Chad Green and Darren O’Day have pitched well in the early going. We will see how the Yankees deploy Wilson going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | O’Day.
April 4, 2021
New York Yankees — Chad Green got the final four outs of the Yankees’ victory yesterday to record his first save of the season. More importantly, it was the first (of hopefully very many) for the Vulture Save Watch. Aroldis Chapman should return to closing now that his two-game suspension is over.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | O’Day.
March 26, 2021
New York Yankees — Justin Wilson got good news about his injured shoulder, but still seems likely to start the year on the IL. Expect Darren O’Day to take over the seventh inning in the meantime.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | O’Day.
March 14, 2021
New York Yankees — Zack Britton is scheduled to have surgery to remove a bone chip from his pitching elbow, which means he is likely to be out until at least May. Aaron Boone plans to mix and match in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings with guys like Chad Green, Justin Wilson and Darren O’Day.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Wilson.
March 3, 2021
New York Yankees — Most of the Yankees’ bullpen is back for 2021, with 33-year-old Aroldis Chapman re-assuming the closer’s role. Zack Britton and Chad Green will round out a pretty formidable late-inning trio. Two new additions (Justin Wilson and Darren O’Day) could compete for holds, too.
Starting 2021 hierarchy: Chapman | Britton | Green.
Holds candidates: Britton, Green, Wilson, O’Day.
September 3, 2020
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman was issued a three-game suspension after MLB determined he intentionally threw at the head of Mike Brosseau. Chapman plans to appeal, but if he misses any games, expect Zack Britton to get a couple save chances.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
September 2, 2020
New York Yankees – Zack Britton was activated off the IL on Tuesday and immediately returned to his usual eighth-inning role, recording a strikeout in a 1-2-3 frame to preserve a 5-3 lead.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
August 31, 2020
New York Yankees – With Aroldis Chapman getting the day off and many other relievers having been used earlier in the doubleheader, Luis Cessa got a one-out save in extra innings. He doesn’t factor in to the Yankees usual late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Ottavino | Green.
August 21, 2020
New York Yankees – Zack Britton was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring. He underwent an MRI Thursday, but the severity of the injury – and a timetable for a return – weren’t immediately known.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Ottavino | Green.
August 20, 2020
New York Yankees – Zack Britton had a rough night, committing a costly error while giving up a pair of runs to take the loss. To make matters worse, he is being evaluated for a hamstring injury. The Yankees have said they expect a diagnosis today, so this would shake up the Yankee hierarchy if Britton misses any time. With Aroldis Chapman having a shaky start to his season on Monday, the Yankees bullpen is worth watching closely for the next few days.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
August 17, 2020
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman will be activated from the IL today. Whether he’ll close immediately is uncertain, but the Yankees will surely want to get him into the role sooner rather than later, so we’ll slot him in there immediately with the understanding that he might get a 1-2 game tune-up.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
August 16, 2020
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman could be activated Monday or Tuesday. Chapman will be the team’s closer when he returns but he might need a few outings before he returns to that role full time.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Ottavino | Green.
August 7, 2020
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman is scheduled for another bullpen session Saturday. If that goes well, he should face live hitters at the team’s alternative training site next week.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Ottavino | Green.
August 6, 2020
New York Yankees — Arolids Chapman is progressing towards a return from COVID, throwing a bullpen session yesterday, but Aaron Boone doesn’t want to rush him back. They don’t need to push it, as Zack Britton continued to be unhittable yesterday, pitching a perfect inning for the save in a shortened game.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Ottavino | Green.
August 2, 2020
New York Yankees — The Yankees rested their top bullpen arms on Saturday and that left David Hale to close out of the final two innings of a 5-2 victory for the save.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Ottavino | Green.
August 1, 2020
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was cleared to return to play after his second negative test for COVID-19. Chapman had been quarantined in his Manhattan apartment, and may need a few days before he makes his first appearance. A few innings up the road, Tommy Kahnle hit the IL with an elbow injury that is likely to require surgery. Chad Green and Jonathan Loaisiga will inherit the seventh inning.
Updated hierarchy: Britton | Ottavino | Green.
July 31, 2020
New York Yankees — Yankees skipper Aaron Boone said that Tommy Kahnle was unavailable Thursday night, adding “we’ll have something on that tomorrow.” Stay tuned. Jonathan Loaisiga pitched in his place Thursday against Baltimore, and could see increased looks in the late innings if Kahnle were to miss more time.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Ottavino | Kahnle.
July 20, 2020
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman is likely to miss some time after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. While he’s away from camp, perhaps in his new bulletproof, six-wheeled Jeep, expect Zack Britton to get the first shot at Yankees save chances.
Updated hierarchy: Britton | Ottavino | Kahnle.
February 24, 2020
New York Yankees — The Yankees will again field one of the most stable bullpen situations in 2020. In fact, we didn’t adjust the team’s bullpen hierarchy once in all of 2019, a testament to good health, luck, and really, really good pitching. Atop the hierarchy is established closer Aroldis Chapman, who picked up 37 saves last season and is entering his age-32 season. Chapman was extremely effective last year, finishing with a 2.21 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and 13.1 K/9. He is set up by bullpen studs Zach Britton and Adam Ottavino, among others.
Starting 2020 hierarchy: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino. Holds candidates: Britton, Ottavino, Chad Green, Tommy Kahnle.
September 20, 2019
New York Yankees – Dellin Betances is expected to be ready for spring training after he partially tore his Achilles tendon on Sunday. Doctors said Betances should not need surgery and should make a full recovery, but he is obviously out for the season. He pitched in just one game this year, striking out the only two batters he faced on Sept. 15.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
August 13, 2019
New York Yankees – After Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton both appeared in the first game of Monday’s doubleheader with the Orioles, Adam Ottavino was tasked with the 9th inning in the nightcap. Ottavino converted for his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
August 9, 2019
New York Yankees — Luis Cessa picked up his first save this season with a three-inning effort to close out a 12-6 win. He is obviously not a regular member of the team’s late-inning crew.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
August 7, 2019
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton had both pitched in three of four and four of six, so Adam Ottavino was the only hierarchy member available on Tuesday. He tossed a five-pitch eighth inning to preserve a 7-4 lead and stayed on for the ninth to close out an 9-4 win for his first save as a Yankee. With Aaron Boone not wanting to exhaust his most important bullpen arms ahead of a postseason run, expect some more vulture saves for guys like Ottavino, Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle down the road depending on usage.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
August 5, 2019
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton both got Sunday night off, allowing Chad Green to pick up his second save of the year. Green has been great since his brief stint in the minors earlier this year, but he’s unlikely to get many more save chances in this stacked bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
July 26, 2019
New York Yankees — In perhaps the greatest triumph of all time for the Vulture Save Position Player Pitching Watch, catcher Austin Romine indeed wrapped up a blowout for the Yankees Thursday night. Romine was more of a Mychal Givens than a Stevie Wilkerson, though, with a few pitches in the 80s and three runs allowed on two home runs.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
July 24, 2019
New York Yankees — It was not the best night for the Yankees’ hierarchy, as Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman both blew late-inning leads. Adam Ottavino nearly joined that list after he loaded the bases with two outs in a 14-12 game, but Chad Green Aaron Hicks made sure the Yankees hung on for the 10-inning win. A truly well-earned save for Green and an even more well-deserved hold for Ottavino.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
July 20, 2019
New York Yankees — After the Yankees extended their lead to 8-2 with three runs in the sixth inning, Stephen Tarpley pitched the final three innings to earn his second career save. Tarpley does not factor into the Yankees’ usual late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
July 5, 2019
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman allowed two earned runs in his third blown save of the season, but the Yankees scored five runs in the 10th inning to retake the lead. Luis Cessa came on to get the final three outs, but he could only retire two batters and left the game with the bases loaded and one run already home. That created a save chance for David Hale, who shut the door on Tampa for his second save of the season. Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino had already pitched.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
June 27, 2019
New York Yankees — Zack Britton got another save chance to spare Aroldis Chapman a third straight day of work. Britton blew the save, but because Alexander Cartwright made it very clear in 1845 that YOU CAN NEVER USE YOUR CLOSER IN A TIE GAME ON THE ROAD, the Blue Jays turned to Nick King Ham and his 9+ ERA instead of Ken Giles, handing Britton a vulture win.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
June 23, 2019
New York Yankees — As we predicted in the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, Zack Britton got the call in the ninth inning with Aroldis Chapman getting the day off. Britton made it interesting with three walks but was able to close it out for his third save of the season. Britton should continue to see any save chances when Chapman is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
June 10, 2019
New York Yankees — Stephen Tarpley only needed three or four hours of sleep to pick up his first career save in the Yankees’ extra-inning win in Cleveland on Sunday. Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino had all pitched prior to Tarpley’s appearance.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
May 31, 2019
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances has thrown two recent bullpen sessions and may face live hitters as soon as next week. The Yankees’ bullpen is loaded, so they’ll take it slow with Betances, but a return to the late innings for the big righty this summer is likely.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
May 24, 2019
New York Yankees — Zach Britton preserved a one-run lead with a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday to record his second save. As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Aroldis Chapman had pitched on three of the previous five days and got some rest.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
May 22, 2019
New York Yankees – David Hale, who the Yankees called up prior to Tuesday’s game, pitched the final four innings of last night’s 11-4 victory over the Orioles. Hale earned the team’s championship belt but it is unlikely he will earn any more saves this season.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
May 20, 2019
New York Yankees – Chance Adams pitched the final three innings of a Yankees blowout on Sunday; he does not factor in to the team’s usual late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
April 24, 2019
New York Yankees — As we predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Aroldis Chapman got a night off and Zack Britton recorded a 1-2-3 inning for his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
April 13, 2019
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances suffered a setback in a simulated game yesterday; he’ll get a cortisone injection and be out for at least 6 weeks. The Yankees have 12 players on the IL, but their bullpen has been mostly unaffected, so they’ll be careful not to rush Betances back.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
February 18, 2019
New York Yankees – The Yankees added to their already-loaded bullpen this offseason by acquiring Adam Ottavino, who essentially replaces the departed David Robertson. This gives them a multitude of options in the late innings, as Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, and ZacK Britton all return from last year’s squad. Chapman should start the season as the closer, but don’t be surprised if someone else takes over should Chapman struggle out of the gate, especially considering this could be the best bullpen ever.
Starting 2019 hierarchy: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
Holds candidates: Britton, Ottavino, Betances, Chad Green.
September 30, 2018
New York Yankees – The Yankees were up five heading into the bottom of the 9th inning, but after Jonathan Holder gave up a two-run homer and allowed another baserunner to reach, the Yankees called on closer Aroldis Chapman. Chapman struck out two, with a walk sandwiched in between, to record his first save since returning from the DL.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
September 25, 2018
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman pitched a clean 7th inning on Monday night, earning his first hold of the season; Dellin Betances pitched the 8th and Zach Britton pitched the 9th for the save. After a rough first outing back, Chapman has now thrown two scoreless innings. Aaron Boone has said that he hopes to have the lefty closing games come playoff time, so it seems possible-to-probable that he gets a save chance the next time one arises.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
September 22, 2018
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was given the night off after returning from the DL on Thursday. This left the save chance to Dellin Betances, who converted. With the Yankees almost locked into the Wild Card game, they will be careful with Chpaman and may rest other pieces of their bullpen in the final week. Aaron Boone said that he hopes that Chapman will be closing out games by the playoffs, but that he will be seeing some lower-leverage work to ease him back. We think that the Yankees will try to get him to the 9th inning sooner rather than later, but ultimately they will be careful with their All-Star.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
September 21, 2018
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman made his return to game action Thursday and was given a chance in a pretty tight spot against the Red Sox, down 8-6 in the eighth inning. He appeared rusty, allowing a single, a walk, and a three-run shot to Mookie Betts before being pulled. He will continue to get eased in, so the Yankees’ relievers aren’t likely to help you a ton during the fantasy playoffs.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
September 20, 2018
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman is back from the disabled list, although he’ll be eased back into action over the next 10 days. If New York’s relievers are right, their playoff bullpen might be the best in baseball.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
September 19, 2018
New York Yankees – Zach Britton picked up his sixth save of the season on Tuesday night after David Robertson pitched the eighth inning. The biggest bullpen news out of the Bronx came before the game, however, as Aaron Boone said that Aroldis Chapman will be activated either today or Thursday. The Yankees are likely to be careful with Chapman prior to the postseason, so Britton, Robertson and Dellin Betances may still see save chances depending on Chapman’s usage.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Robertson | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
September 15, 2018
New York Yankees – With the Yankees clinging to an eight-run lead, they turned to Luis Cessa to start the 7th inning. He pitched well enough to go out for the 8th and then the 9th, picking up his second three-inning save of the year to preserve the shutout. Cessa is long relief for the Yankees and is not a normal part of the late innings.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Robertson | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
September 9, 2018
New York Yankees – The Yankees went with Zach Britton in the 7th, David Robertson in the 8th, and Dellin Betances in the 9th to close out a tight game yesterday. Britton and Robertson each threw perfect innings, with Robertson striking out the side. Betances also struck out the side but he made things a lot more interesting by loading the bases on a double, walk, and hit batter. Betances has now gotten both Yankees saves in September and we will move him back to the head of the committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Betances | Robertson | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
September 2, 2018
New York Yankees – Dellin Betances got the call to protect a one-run lead in the ninth yesterday and responded with a scoreless inning for his second save of the season. Betances also struck out his 100th batter of the season, making him the first reliever in history with five straight seasons of at least 100 strikeouts. David Robertson had pitched in two straight prior to yesterday and the Yankees will likely continue to use both Robertson and Betances in save chances while Aroldis Chapman is out. Speaking of Chapman, the Yankees said that they can’t guarantee he will return this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Betances | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
September 1, 2018
New York Yankees – David Robertson picked up another save last night, and went through August without giving up an earned run in 11 appearances. As the Vulture Save Watch noted, Dellin Betances threw 31 pitches in taking the loss on Thursday, so he was likely unavailable. Zach Britton was used in the 7th and 8th of a tie game, giving up a run, and he was in line for the loss until the Yankees’ bats came alive in the bottom of the 8th. While Betances and Britton have both been solid in Aroldis Chapman’s absence, Robertson has been better, which prompts us to move him to the top of the committee while Chapman is out.
Updated hierarchy: *Robertson | Betances | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 27, 2018
New York Yankees – The Yankees continued to mix things up in the 9th, this time opting for David Robertson. Robertson, Zach Britton, and Dellin Betances have each gotten a save apiece in Aroldis Chapman’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Britton | Robertson.
* = closer-by-committee
August 26, 2018
New York Yankees — In game 2 of the doubleheader yesterday, Dellin Betances came on after Tommy Kahnle ran into trouble in the 9th and struck out the only batter he faced to pick up his first save of the season. Betances has struck out at least one batter in 33 straight relief appearances. In game 1 of the doubleheader, Luis Cessa recorded a three-inning save.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Britton | Robertson.
* = closer-by-committee
August 25, 2018
New York Yankees — Aaron Boone said he would mix and match and that’s exactly what happened last night. In a tie game, David Robertson pitched the 7th inning and gave up a pair of unearned runs. The Yankees tied it back up, and Dellin Betances came on to face the 4-5-6 hitters for Baltimore in the 8th inning spot and threw a scoreless inning. Chad Greene took the 9th with the game still tied, and when the Yankees scored 3 in the 10th, it was Zach Britton who got the save opportunity. He gave up a solo homer but got the job done. Without Aroldis Chapman, this bullpen could go anywhere. We still think that Betances is the best arm in the bullpen, and would likely get any close save opportunities, but with the Yankees holding Britton out as the visitors, he moves to first in line and could move to head of the committee if the Yankees do it again.
Updated hierarchy: *Betances | Britton | Robertson.
* = closer-by-committee
August 23, 2018
New York Yankees — Aaron Boone hasn’t been thrilling Yankee fans with his bullpen management lately. Now with Aroldis Chapman headed to the disabled list, Boone says he’ll “mix and match” in the ninth inning among Dellin Betances, Zach Britton, and David Robertson. Robertson has had recent shoulder concerns, but he also has closing experience and great numbers this month. Britton has a 5.23 ERA in 11 appearances for New York, and has yet to prove he’s the same unhittable reliever we saw in 2014-2016. Betances has been outstanding since mid-May, allowing only three runs over his last 36 appearances, but Boone may hesitate to move him from his dominant eighth-inning role. If Robertson is actually healthy, he could get the first shot, but we’ll keep Betances in the first chair of this committee for now.
Updated hierarchy: *Betances | Robertson | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
August 22, 2018
New York Yankees — Once Chance Adams showed up in Miami instead of Buffalo, it was pretty clear that Aroldis Chapman would be hitting the disabled list with his knee injury, and now confirmation has arrived. We expect Dellin Betances to close over Zach Britton and David Robertson. If Robertson’s shoulder continues to bother him, Chad Green would be next in line in New York’s deep bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Britton | Robertson.
August 22, 2018
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman left Tuesday’s tilt after throwing just six pitches, which left Tommy Kahnle to convert the 12th-inning save. After the game, Aaron Boone said that Chapman called for the trainer because he felt pain in his left knee. Chapman, who will undergo an MRI today, said it’s worrisome and Boone is calling this a huge concern. If Dellin Betances is still available in your league, now is the time to get him, as he is likely to get a bulk of the save chances should Chapman need a stint on the DL. Meanwhile, David Robertson was unavailable on Tuesday because of a sore shoulder, but Boone is not overly concerned about it and Robertson said he should be available today if needed.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Britton.
August 18, 2018
New York Yankees — In a curious move, the Yankees brought out newly acquired closer Mother Nature while they batted in the 7th inning. She brought the thunder, ending the game moments after Giancarlo Stanton put the Yankees up by two with a homer off of Marcus Stroman. Never one to accumulate statistics, Nature granted the recorded save to David Robertson, but unofficial records have her perfect in save opportunities in her journeywoman career, having suited up for all 32 teams at some point. Despite her age of roughly 4.5 billion years, Nature shows no signs of stopping, but isn’t a consistent part of the Yankees bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Britton.
July 24, 2018
New York Yankees — Zach Britton is coming to the Yankees, giving them an insanely deep bullpen that boasts 535 saves among the top four options. We expect Britton to slot in between David Robertson and Dellin Betances to start.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Britton.
July 22, 2018
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman had a tough outing on Saturday as he faced five batters and recorded zero outs. 16 of his 19 pitches were balls, including his last 11. Chasen Shreve came on with the bases loaded and nobody out and got a double play and pop-up to record his first save of the season. Chapman has been battling tendinitis in his knee, but it’s hard to know if that had any impact on his performance yesterday.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
July 10, 2018
New York Yankees – Giovanny Gallegos got a three-inning save in the second game of the Yankee doubleheader yesterday. He doesn’t factor in to the team’s usual late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
July 9, 2018
New York Yankees – The Yankees got good news on Aroldis Chapman on Sunday morning, as the recurring knee tendinitis which led to his brief appearance Saturday didn’t appear to be serious. But while Chapman was ostensibly available, Aaron Boone elected to give him the day off, and David Robertson picked up the 10th inning save in his place. Look for the Yankees to continually be cautious with Chapman when they can.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
July 8, 2018
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was removed from the game yesterday, but his injury is not considered serious. Chapman has been dealing with tendinitis in his left knee and manager Aaron Boone thought it wasn’t worth leaving him in the game. Chapman may get Sunday off and may get rested more throughout the season, but he shouldn’t miss any extended period of time at this point.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
June 13, 2018
New York Yankees — It’s time to talk about how good Dellin Betances has been lately. On Tuesday, Betances ran his scoreless streak to eight innings thanks to a pair of strikeouts. Betances has been lights out over the past month, allowing just one hit and recording 13 strikeouts over his last eight appearances. More importantly, he has issued just five walks in that span, including none over his last five games. The way Betances is pitching, it’s hard to believe Aaron Boone would look to anyone else to get a save if Aroldis Chapman is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
May 6, 2018
New York Yankees — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, David Robertson got the call with Aroldis Chapman resting on Saturday. Robertson struck out a pair in a scoreless inning for his first save of the season. He should continue to be used as the backup closer when Chapman is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.
April 14, 2018
New York Yankees — It’s time to talk about how bad Dellin Betances has been this year. Three homers allowed in six appearances; a WHIP higher than his ERA in 2014 or 2015; and, last night, an inability to get through the eighth with a five-run lead. Betances was hit so hard that he told reporters it wouldn’t have helped if he had thrown the rosin bag. There’s no hierarchy change following, though, because Aaron Boone continues to trust the big righthander: “He’s very close to where we need to him to be and we’ll continue to put him out there.” Chad Green would be likeliest to benefit if Betances continues to struggle.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.
April 8, 2018
New York Yankees — David Robertson, not to be confused with INF/P Daniel Robertson, came on in a tight spot in the seventh inning yesterday. He struck out both batters he faced to protect the Yankees two-run lead. He also came back out for the eighth and retired the side in order with two more strikeouts. Robertson had one bad outing this season, but the Yankees still seem to trust him more than Dellin Betances right now.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.
February 26, 2018
New York Yankees — The Yankees feature perhaps the best bullpen in the big leagues, but it’s not perfect. After opening last season with a suspension, Aroldis Chapman turned in his worst campaign, even briefly losing his job as closer. He finished with a respectable 3.22 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, but he’s capable of so much more. Dellin Betances, too, was inconsistent after two dominant months to start the season. If Chapman gets injured or falters, Betances is the likely No. 2. Behind him is former White Sox closer David Robertson, in his second tour with the Yankees after a midseason trade last year. Tommy Kahnle may compete for holds, too.
Starting 2018 hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
Holds candidates: Betances, Robertson, Kahnle.
September 21, 2017
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances has been struggling, and Joe Girardi has no shortage of high-quality bullpen options to replace him. For now, we think David Robertson will get any save chances if Aroldis Chapman is unavailable but, like Chapman earlier this season, Betances could still earn his job back by the time the Yankees hit the postseason.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.
September 20, 2017
New York Yankees — Since Aroldis Chapman regained his job as closer, he has pitched six scoreless innings over five appearances, allowing just two hits during that stretch. Safe to say he’s kicked the asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
September 10, 2017
New York Yankees — The Yankees are hoping Aroldis Chapman can return to form as a dominant closer down the stretch, and yesterday he certainly looked the part. In his first 1-2-3 save since July 25th, Chapman was efficient throwing strikes while also electric, striking out Mike Napoli on a 102 MPH fastball to finish the game. This outing might be enough to solidify Chapman in the closer’s role again, but we will wait to see one more before removing the committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
* = closer-by-committee
September 7, 2017
New York Yankees — With Dellin Betances struggling as head of the Yankees closer committee (7.94 ERA and two baserunners an inning over the last two weeks), Joe Girardi is strongly considering a return to Aroldis Chapman. Some say the move is a bit hasty, but the $17-million lefty won’t keep the committee asterisk long if he can return to form.
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
* = closer-by-committee
August 25, 2017
New York Yankees — It sure was a wild day in Detroit on Thursday. Benches cleared three times and actual punches were thrown on both sides. As for who we care about, there may be multiple suspensions doled out, especially for those Yankees who were ejected — Dellin Betances, for beaning Tigers catcher James McCann in the helmet (both said it was an accident), and Tommy Kahnle, who threw a pitch behind Miguel Cabrera to spark the big fight.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Robertson | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
August 20, 2017
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances struck out two batters in a scoreless inning yesterday against the Red Sox for his ninth save of the season. Betances has been dominant against the Red Sox this season and should continue to see save chances while former closer Aroldis Chapman figures things out. David Robertson will also be in the mix for saves and Joe Girardi thinks Chapman could reclaim the role.
Updated hierarchy: *Betances | Robertson | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
August 19, 2017
New York Yankees — Before Saturday’s game, Joe Girardi announced that Aroldis Chapman will no longer be the team’s set closer, and that he would decide who pitches the ninth on the basis of matchups. Our belief is that those matchups will favor Dellin Betances and David Robertson, with Chapman himself still a possibility against lefties.
Updated hierarchy: *Betances | Robertson | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
August 19, 2017
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was summoned in the eighth inning with the Yankees down by one. He did not pitch well, giving up two runs and effectively ending any chance for a comeback. This has been a brutal stretch for Chapman, who had an injury scare earlier this week, and has now given up runs in four straight games, which is bad, as Joel Sherman put it, “For himself. For the Yankees, For the present. For the future.” Joe Girardi wouldn’t say whether Chapman is still the closer, vowing to sleep on it. Dellin Betances picked up two saves while Chapman was ailing, and has given up only one hit in his last nine appearances. We’ll keep an eye on this situation, but if Chapman’s struggles continue, the Yankees won’t be able to afford to stick with him.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
August 18, 2017
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session Thursday and did not appear to show discomfort with his leg. As for now, he is not on the disabled list, but consider him day-to-day until further notice. Dellin Betances made the most of the save opportunity Thursday, shutting the door in the ninth on 11 pitches for his eighth save.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
August 17, 2017
New York Yankees — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted Wednesday morning, Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances each got the night off, so it was David Robertson picking up the save. There’s no sign that Chapman has lost the job or will require a DL stint.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
August 16, 2017
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman said he felt tightness in his hamstring when he came off the mound after Tuesday night’s save. While Chapman said it’s “nothing to worry about,” Joe Girardi was a bit more concerned, and not just about Chapman’s hamstring. Chapman is in real danger of being demoted from the closer’s role due to his recent struggles, which is good news for Dellin Betances owners. A stint on the 10-day DL for Chapman is not unlikely at this point, though we’ll learn more today.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
August 15, 2017
New York Yankees – We thought that Aroldis Chapman would be fine to pitch again after his blown save on Sunday — and perhaps he was — but the Yankees opted to play it safe and, with a 2-run lead, instead gave the ball to Dellin Betances in the 9th inning against the Mets. Betances responded with his 7th save of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Robertson.
July 19, 2017
New York Yankees — The Yankees bolstered their bullpen by trading for both David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle. Robertson instantly becomes one of the top setup men in baseball, and should be first choice to close if Aroldis Chapman is unavailable. Kahnle and Dellin Betances will get the ball ahead of Robertson and Chapman – we’ll keep an eye on how Joe Girardi deploys those two arms.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.
July 6, 2017
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances’s ERA has octupled in the past two weeks, which will happen when you’re walking guys at a rate of 23 per nine innings. Wednesday’s debacle saw him walk the bases loaded against Toronto’s 7-8-9 hitters, strike out Jose Bautista, get squeezed on a 2-2 curve, and then walk in the eventual winning run. Repeated collapses from the Yankees’ bullpen have been a huge factor in their wretched 6-16 stretch.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Green.
July 1, 2017
New York Yankees — Bryan Mitchell, who was brought up from AAA yesterday, immediately found himself pitching the last three innings of a blowout win (outdueling Nori Aoki in the ninth). Mitchell was deployed as a starter in AAA and figures to be used in long relief as long as he remains in the Yankees bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Green.
June 22, 2017
New York Yankees — Tyler Clippard has had two straight abysmal outings and is likely to get a bit of a breather from high-leverage use. Swingman Chad Green pitched a tight sixth and seventh Wednesday night and should get the chance to make the role his own.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Green.
June 19, 2017
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman returned from the DL on Sunday and pitched a scoreless inning. Despite Dellin Betances’s dominance, the Yankees bullpen suddenly really needed him back, as it’ll allow Joe Girardi to move the big righty back to the 8th, and revert to using Tyler Clippard and Chasen Shreve in earlier spots.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.
June 17, 2017
New York Yankees — Adding to the Yankees’ sudden bullpen woes, Adam Warren went on the 10-day DL with tightness near his shoulder. Last night’s loss — courtesy of Chasen Shreve and Jonathan Holder — was the fourth straight caused by relief ineptitude. Help is on the way, though, with Aroldis Chapman — throwing 102 with questionable control in rehab at Trenton — set to be activated Sunday.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Clippard | Shreve.
June 16, 2017
New York Yankees – Injured closer Aroldis Chapman is set to start for Double-A Trenton and if all goes well, he’ll rejoin the Yankees this weekend and reclaim his job, though Dellin Betances has been Fernando Rodney 2012-like in his absence, posting 41 K in 21.2 IP, a 0.42 ERA and 6 saves. (Yes, we’re testing to see if this works again.)
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
June 14, 2017
New York Yankees — The Yankees lost in extra innings when Joe Girardi unaccountably called on Ben Heller (in his season debut) in a tight spot — leaving Dellin Betances on the shelf — and Eric Young, Jr. lined the game-winning single straight off Heller’s haunches. Although Aroldis Chapman’s planned rehab outing was rained out in Tampa, he should pitch tonight, then Friday in Trenton, before an expected activation on Sunday. Maybe by then Heller will be able to sit down again.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
May 29, 2017
New York Yankees – Adam Warren entered the game with 2 outs in the 8th inning with the tying run on deck, retired the first man he faced, then stayed on for the 9th for his first save of the season. He remains the Yankees’ 7th-inning man for now.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
May 14, 2017
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman will head to the 10-day DL with rotator cuff inflammation. Dellin Betances will close in Chapman’s absence; the Yankees are preparing for about a month without their closer.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
May 13, 2017
New York Yankees — Two straight rough outings for Aroldis Chapman, who shook his arm in discomfort shortly before being pulled in the middle of the ninth inning. Chapman denied feeling any pain, but his owners — and Dellin Betances’s — should be aware.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.
April 16, 2017
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances both got the day off on Saturday, and that left Tyler Clippard for the save chance. Clippard made it interesting, he allowed a homerun and two other baserunners, but was able to strike out the side to record his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.
February 27, 2017
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman is back with the Yankees after winning a World Series with the Cubs. That means that Dellin Betances will slide back to an eighth-inning role. As for the seventh? Tyler Clippard is the frontrunner to start the season.
Starting 2017 hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.
Holds candidates: Betances, Clippard.
September 28, 2016
New York Yankees – Dellin Betances had pitched in two straight games, so Tyler Clippard collected the save on Tuesday to snap the Red Sox’ 11-game win streak.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
September 27, 2016
New York Yankees – Following Grilli’s “melt-down” *ducks*, Tommy Layne nabbed his first save of the season. He is not expected to be among the Yankee’s late inning plans for the end of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
September 16, 2016
New York Yankees – The “D” in the former “No Runs DMC” trio has had a rough couple of days, culminating in a disastrous outing Thursday that could cost the Yankees a chance at making the playoffs. Dellin Betances was not called upon to begin the ninth when the Yankees had a 5-2 lead over the Red Sox, as Joe Girardi was hoping to avoid using him. Instead of turning to Tyler Clippard as the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Girardi tried playing the matchups. He went to Tommy Layne to start the 9th. With one out, Girardi brought in Blake Parker, who hit Chris Young and was pulled. He then brought in Betances anyway, and things began to unravel. Betances walked Dustin Pedroia and got the second out when Young was thrown out at home. After allowing RBI singles to David Ortiz and Mookie Betts, he yielded a walk-off 3-run shot to Hanley Ramirez. Ugly. He’s certainly going to need some rest this weekend for you Tyler Clippard owners.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
September 8, 2016
New York Yankees – The Vulture Save Watch struck again, as Tyler Clippard picked up the save for the resurgent Yankees with Dellin Betances getting the night off. Clippard remains Betances’s handcuff.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
September 7, 2016
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances struggled in a wild evening at Yankee Stadium and was unable to convert a save chance. With Adam Warren having already pitched, and Tyler Clippard resting following three straight days of work, the Yankees turned to Blake Parker to close the door in the ninth, grabbing his second career save and first since 2013 with the Cubs.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
August 31, 2016
New York Yankees — Chasen Shreve collected his first career save in a 10-inning win for the Yankees. Meanwhile, Adam Warren’s struggles continued. He was the first pitcher out of a 59-minute rain delay and quickly allowed a run after he gave up a hit to both batters he faced before being pulled. Tyler Clippard, on the other hand, has not allowed a run in his last 11 appearances to lower his ERA to 0.73. Don’t be surprised if Clippard begins to get more chances directly ahead of Dellin Betances.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
August 29, 2016
New York Yankees — Jonathan Holder is the 23-year-old closer for New York’s AAA affiliate in Scranton (the mighty RailRiders). He entered Sunday’s game in Rochester in the sixth inning, up two with two on and nobody out, and proceeded to strike out the next 11 hitters. After a bloop infield single, he finished the game with another strikeout, earning a 12-K, 4-IP save for the ages. The MLB record for consecutive strikeouts is 10 (Tom Seaver), and no one has ever struck out more than nine while earning a major league save. Keep an eye on Holder.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Warren | Clippard.
August 1, 2016
New York Yankees – The Yankees’ Big Three is down to one, and the last man standing is the big young righty Dellin Betances. He should close for the remainder of the season, unless the Yankees find a way to trade him over the next two days, too. Additionally, the Yankees picked up Tyler Clippard yesterday, who should immediately enter the late inning mix.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Warren | Clippard.
July 25, 2016
New York Yankees – As mentioned this morning, the Yankees appear unlikely to move Andrew Miller or Dellin Betances, who will be tasked with handling the late innings in Aroldis Chapman’s absence. Miller will close, while Betances will get any save chances when the lefty is unavailable. Adam Warren is coming back from Chicago and should get the chance to recapture his 2015 seventh-inning role.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Warren.
July 25, 2016
New York Yankees – The Yankees are likely to hold on to Andrew Miller unless they’re absolutely blown away by a deal. The lefty remains under team control until 2018 and will likely close for the Yankees for the duration of his contract. If he’s somehow available in your league, grab him immediately. Dellin Betances also appears unlikely to be moved. (Also, Chad Green got a weird save yesterday because the rest of the Yankees bullpen was shot. Did you have him in your lineup? Send us a screenshot as proof to win Closer Monkey Premium for a year!)
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
July 24, 2016
New York Yankees – There have been rumors of a lot of teams being interested in Aroldis Chapman and it looks like the Yankees are ready to finish up the process. Andrew Miller has been in rumors as well, but it sounds like the Yankees might hold on to him.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
June 28, 2016
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman had a save opportunity snatched away from him by Mother Nature last night – a rain delay in the ninth held him to only nine pitches. When play resumed hours later, Kirby Yates was given the unenviable task of warming up at 2 am to close out a game. He didn’t, giving up 3 runs and blowing his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
June 11, 2016
New York Yankees — The Yankee bullpen triumverate now has a motto: No Runs DMC, from the initials of Dellin, Miller, and Chapman. Yeah, the shirt’s $39.99, but won’t you tell me last time that love bought you clothes? If you want something even more stylish and economic, swing on over to our Merch page — which will have hoodies soon because, as we all know, Winter is Coming.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
June 8, 2016
New York Yankees — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Aroldis Chapman got a night off and Andrew Miller picked up his seventh save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
June 6, 2016
New York Yankees – Trade rumors have begun swirling around the 26-30 Yankees, and if they decide to rebuild, it’s likely that one or more of their trio of late inning arms would be on the block. Aroldis Chapman will be a free agent after this year, while Andrew Miller’s name is also being thrown around. If Miller is available in your league, he’s worth an add, as he’d likely close almost anywhere that he’s dealt.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
May 28, 2016
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was brought in to get the final out after Kirby Yates gave up a homer to make it a three-run game. Chapman did his job twice, getting the rare stat line that has more strikeouts than outs recorded. The last pitcher to do this was the immortal Jerry Blevins, who did it in the bare minimum of six pitches. The last guy to do it in a full inning was Mr. July himself, Will Smith, who should be back with the Brewers next week.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
May 9, 2016
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman was reinstated from his 30-game suspension this morning and will close immediately for the Yankees. Andrew Miller has done a stellar job in his place and becomes perhaps one of the best middle relievers in the game — he’s worth holding on to, especially if the Yankees continue to sputter and look to (gasp!) rebuild.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
April 30, 2016
New York Yankees — When Aroldis Chapman returns from his domestic violence suspension on May 9, he will do so as an American citizen.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
April 8, 2016
New York Yankees — Andrew Miller fought through the pain from a chip fracture in his non-pitching hand and picked up his first save of the season, working around two singles. Despite his injury, he’ll man the closer role until Aroldis Chapman returns from his domestic violence-related suspension.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
April 7, 2016
New York Yankees — Ivan Nova picked up the first long-relief save of the year, pitching four scoreless innings in a 10-run blowout. Nova is still fighting for a rotation spot and does not normally factor into the Yankees’ late-inning mix.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
April 1, 2016
New York Yankees — Wikipedia informed Andrew Miller that his broken pisiform bone wasn’t very important, so the lefthander decided he’ll pitch through the injury. “It’s my right hand; I don’t really need it,” Miller said, in a quote that reads like an April Fool’s joke about Carlos Marmol. The news was not as good for Bryan Mitchell, who could miss a few months with a broken big toe.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
March 31, 2016
New York Yankees — Yankees closer-for-the-first-30-games Andrew Miller was drilled in the right wrist with a line drive and exited the game after throwing just one pitch. A CT scan revealed a chip fracture on Miller’s non-throwing hand, and he will see a specialist to determine what to do next. Dellin Betances will close if Miller is not ready for the start of the season. Also, youngster Bryan Mitchell, who has been impressive this spring, injured his toe and will need an MRI.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
March 1, 2016
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman has been suspended for 30 games in connection with his domestic violence incident in the offseason. Expect Andrew Miller to close in his absence.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
February 29, 2016
New York Yankees — You may have heard a little about these guys — the only three relievers to strike out over 100 batters in 2015, combining to compensate for a Yankee offense so old it got invited to a Democratic debate. The major complicating factor is a possible domestic violence suspension for Aroldis Chapman, which could sideline him as many as 45 days. In that event, New York would turn to last year’s dynamic duo of Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.
Starting 2016 hierarchy: Chapman | Miller | Betances.
Holds candidates: Miller, Betances, Chasen Shreve.
October 2, 2015
New York Yankees — With Andrew Miller resting after a 38-pitch outing, it was Dellin Betances who nailed down the Yankees’ 10,000th win as a franchise, securing a wild card berth.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Wilson.
August 20, 2015
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances picked up his eighth save of the year with Andrew Miller unavailable after having pitched in two straight games. Betances to Miller remains one of the best bullpen combinations in the game.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Wilson.
July 29, 2015
New York Yankees — Adam Warren picked up a three-inning save as the Yankees crushed the Rangers, 21-5. He does not factor into the Yankees’ late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Wilson.
July 9, 2015
New York Yankees — Andrew Miller was activated from the DL and immediately saw his first save opportunity last night. Despite giving up a two-run home run, he fought back to escape a brief jam with two outs and remain perfect in save chances this year.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Wilson.
July 8, 2015
New York Yankees — Andrew Miller will be activated today and immediately take over the closer role he ceded to Dellin Betances, who will slide back to the 8th inning after going 5-of-6 in save opportunities during Miller’s absence. Justin Wilson and Chasen Shreve will likely combine for a majority of the holds ahead of Miller and Betances.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Wilson.
June 24, 2015
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances had a forgettable outing last night. After striking out two hitters in the 8th, he lost his command and surrendered four runs on two hits and two hit batsmen to take his first loss of the year. As a show of how good he has been, the four runs quintupled his ERA from 0.25 to 1.25. He should continue to get the 9th inning while Andrew Miller is out, but Miller plans to play catch today.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Wilson | Shreve.
June 21, 2015
New York Yankees — Bryan Mitchell pitched the last three innings of a blowout Yankees win to record the save last night. Mitchell was just called up, and was an option to start yesterday, so he does not factor into the Yankees normal late inning bullpen plans.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Wilson | Shreve.
June 20, 2015
New York Yankees — Since Chris Martin returned from the disabled list eight days back, he’s been hit hard, yielding five runs and eight hits in three appearances. As a result, the Yankees announced today that they and the big righthander will consciously uncouple, with New York moving on to young Brian Mitchell, and Martin riding the rails to Scranton to try his luck with the IronPigs of Lehigh Valley. Nobody said it was easy. But no one ever said it would be this hard.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Wilson | Shreve.
June 13, 2015
New York Yankees — Joe Girardi clarified that lefthander Justin Wilson will move into the primary set-up role now that Dellin Betances has become the Yankees’ closer. Chris Martin could get an occasional look in the eighth too, depending on matchups. Brian Cashman has said that Andrew Miller could be out for a month.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Wilson | Martin.
June 12, 2015
New York Yankees — Everything’s Not Lost in the Yankees bullpen after all with the Thursday return of righty Chris Martin. Martin had been sent to Triple-A late last month after his DL return so he could get “back on a roll,” according to manager Joe Girardi. Martin has one save and a 3.55 ERA in 12.2 innings for the Yankees this season.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Shreve | Martin.
June 10, 2015
New York Yankees – Andrew Miller has been placed on the disabled list with a strained forearm. Dellin Betances will close in his place, while Chasen Shreve and Jacob Lindgren move up to the 8th and 7th inning roles.
Updated hierarchy: Betances | Shreve | Lindgren.
June 6, 2015
New York Yankees — Andrew Miller needed a second day of rest after throwing 21 pitches on Tuesday and 35 on Wednesday, and with New York up seven through eight, it looked like that wouldn’t be a problem. But then LA put eight straight men on base to start the ninth: five by Esmil Rogers and three by Dellin Betances. After a visit from Joe Girardi, Betances managed to stop the Angels’ rally just in time, earning his second save of the season and saving Miller for another day.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
June 4, 2015
New York Yankees — David Carpenter was designated for assignment when the Yankees activated Masahiro Tanaka. Meanwhile, Chris Martin has begun a rehab assignment in AAA. Chasen Shreve moves into our hierarchy for now; he has been seeing more high-leverage situations, and seems to have the trust of Joe Girardi. However, an intriguing dark horse is Jacob Lindgren, a 22-year-old fireballer who was done nothing but strike out hitters since he turned professional. His four innings of work are too small to make the crowded Yankees hierarchy, but he has been electric in the early part of his career.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
May 10, 2015
New York Yankees — Chris Martin has been placed on the DL with tendinitis in his right elbow. Martin has been solid for the Yankees this season and was 2nd on the team in appearances. David Carpenter had a rough outing on Tuesday but should see time in the 7th inning while Martin is out.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Carpenter.
May 9, 2015
New York Yankees — After Andrew Miller shut the Orioles down in order on his way to his 13th save, Joe Girardi reluctantly (and sarcastically) admitted that Miller is New York’s closer. The Yankee bullpen continues to be the best in baseball, with the one-two punch of Miller and Dellin Betances combining for 32 innings pitched with no earned runs, 52 strikeouts, and only 11 hits.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Martin.
May 5, 2015
New York Yankees – After Chase Whitley tossed 7 innings of shutout ball, Chris Martin and Dellin Betances surrendered 3 runs between them. Martin was tagged with the loss and Betances credited with his first blown save of the year. With Andrew Miller getting some rest following a long outing last night, it is safe to say that Betances did not make the most of his chance to stake a claim to the 9th inning.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Martin.
May 3, 2015
New York Yankees –Dellin Betances picked up his first save of the season yesterday. The Yankees wanted to give Andrew Miller the day off on Saturday and that allowed Betances to look dominant in the closers’ role for one night, as he struck out all four batters that he faced on only 14 pitches. Miller should still see the majority of save chances, but Betances proved that he can get the job done if the Yankees want to give Miller extra rest at any point during the season.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Martin.
April 29, 2015
New York Yankees –Don’t Panic, Yankees fans. In a game that seemed to move at the Speed of Sound under A Sky Full of Stars, Chris Martin made sure there was no ninth-inning Trouble and recorded his first career save. Both Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances had pitched in back-to-back games.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Martin.
April 28, 2015
New York Yankees — Another great outing for Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. In 19.2 innings, the two have now allowed no earned runs and eight hits, while striking out 32.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Martin.
April 27, 2015
New York Yankees — David Carpenter has been absent from close games lately; maybe he’s not tall enough for Joe Girardi’s liking. In a bullpen full of literal giants, 6-foot-8 Chris Martin stands as tall as any — and the five straight outs he recorded during last night’s two-run win over NY (NL) gets him into a hierarchy that’s now only an inch short of 20 feet tall.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Martin.
April 24, 2015
New York Yankees — Andrew Miller picked up his AL-leading sixth save Wednesday; Miller, who has not allowed a run, has 15 strikeouts in 7 games this season. Joe Girardi hasn’t confirmed that Miller is the full-time closer, but we’re sure enough to remove the committee asterisk. Dellin Betances, meanwhile, has overcome his early control issues and allowed only one walk in his last five appearances. He’ll be the guy should Miller falter or get hurt.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Carpenter.
April 18, 2015
New York Yankees — Joe Girardi might still call it a closer committee in the Bronx, but Andrew Miller is the one running all the meetings. Dellin Betances took care of business in the seventh and eighth last night before giving way to Miller, who earned his third save with three strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains: *Miller | Betances | Carpenter.
* = closer-by-committee
April 14, 2015
New York Yankees – Andrew Miller was called on to close the door on the Yankees’ come from behind victory tonight with a five-out save. Dellin Betances was used in the 8th and continued to struggle, giving up two hits and two walks in one inning of work. At this point it seems that Joe Girardi is most comfortable relying on Miller to lock up close games. While still ostensibly a committee, we are ready to flip Betances and Miller.
Updated hierarchy: *Miller | Betances | Carpenter.
* = closer-by-committee
April 9, 2015
New York Yankees – Dellin Betances’ struggles carried over from spring, as he entered the game with the Yankees down by one to face the heart of the order in the eighth inning. He left after giving up a run, but earned a vulture win after Aaron Loup and Brett Cecil combined to give up three runs in the eighth. Andrew Miller earned his first save of the season, saying afterwards that he was comfortable as a co-closer. It’s too early to call this a shift at the top of the Yankees’ committee, as Betances was brought in to face three dangerous righties in a close game, and Miller fell into a save due to the implosion by Toronto’s bullpen. However, the early returns are leaning towards Miller, and you should not hesitate to pick him up if he is somehow still available.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Miller | Carpenter.
*closer-by-committee
April 3, 2015
New York Yankees – Dellin Betances has one more outing scheduled before the regular season starts, and it better be a good one, because the stories about his bad spring are becoming increasingly critical. Given his rough March — which included a 7.11 ERA and a fastball that didn’t seem to have as much life as last year — Joe Girardi has been forced to hold off on declaring a closer. This means Andrew Miller might see a few chances in the early going, and could take over the job entirely if Betances’s struggles spill over to the regular season.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Miller | Carpenter.
*closer-by-committee
March 18, 2015
New York Yankees – Though Joe Girardi said the closer role would be determined by a spring training competition between Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller, most of the speculation was that Betances would be the guy. (Which is why we ranked him so highly on our preseason closer rankings.) We still don’t have a definitive answer, but nothing drastic has changed; Betances is still the frontrunner and likely closer for the Bombers.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Miller | Carpenter.
March 6, 2015
New York Yankees — With David Robertson departed to the AL Central, the Yankees went out and got Andrew Miller. However, despite a $36 million deal, Miller isn’t the team’s closer . . . at least not yet. He’s in a battle for the job with Dellin Betances, who impressed last year with a 1.40 ERA, setting the Yankee record for strikeouts by a reliever with 135. Betances has terrific stuff and is probably the better pitcher, but it’s possible that Joe Girardi uses him more strategically, in the highest-leverage spots. Girardi could even platoon the two based on matchups. Former Brave David Carpenter projects to be the seventh-inning guy.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: Betances | Miller | Carpenter.
Holds candidates: Carpenter, Adam Warren.
September 26, 2014
New York Yankees – So it turns out that baseball is totally rigged, and last night, David Robertson owners were the victims. Robertson’s role in “Yeah Jeets!: The Play” was to ensure that Derek Jeter got a final at bat, which meant a brutal blown save which included two home runs. In all seriousness, the Yankee brass should definitely mull the Robertson vs Betances question in the offseason. Robertson has been OK, but not great, all season, while Betances has had one of the best seasons for a reliever of all time.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
September 20, 2014
New York Yankees — Adam Warren recorded his third save of the season last night. David Robertson and Dellin Betances were both given the night after pitching back-to-back games.
Update hierarchy: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
September 18, 2014
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances surpassed some Mariano Rivera guy on Wednesday to set a Yankees record for strikeouts by a reliever (132), and he did it in 20 fewer innings. Because of Masahiro Tanaka’s injury, Betances is now only three Ks away from leading the entire team.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Betances | Kelley.
August 20, 2014
New York Yankees — The Yankees have had to cobble things together at almost every position, but the bullpen had remained a strength — until recently. Aside from the still-otherworldly Dellin Betances, no Yankee reliever has pitched well since the All-Star break. After a lights-out April and May, Adam Warren has struggled recently, and he saw more than a week go by between his last two outings. Shawn Kelley’s stats aren’t much better, but he seems to be the reliever that Joe Girardi trusts most in the seventh these days.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Betances | Kelley.
July 15, 2014
New York Yankees – Closer David Robertson is in the final year of his contract, but even with Dellin Betances lurking behind him, the Yankees are still in the playoff race and should stand pat with their bullpen with other more pressing needs elsewhere. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None
July 8, 2014
New York Yankees – After throwing 21 pitches on Sunday, David Robertson got Monday night off. That paved the way for All-Star Dellin Betances to collect his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
June 20, 2014
New York Yankees – With most of New York’s top relievers needing a night off, Adam Warren picked up a 2-out save on Thursday.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
June 11, 2014
New York Yankees — Shawn Kelley will be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday, but Joe Girardi will be careful with him for a while, avoiding use in back-to-back games. Dellin Betances and Adam Warren have been exemplary in Kelley’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
June 7, 2014
New York Yankees — Protecting a 2 run lead in the 8th inning, the Yankees called on Dellin Betances. He pitched a clean inning, with 2 Ks, and picked up his 8th hold of the season. Betances now has a ridiculous 61 Ks in 36 innings this season and is turning into a dominant set-up man for the Yankees.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
May 14, 2014
New York Yankees — Shawn Kelley was placed on the DL with a lower back injury, retroactive to May 7; this will force Joe Girardi to lean on Adam Warren and Dellin Betances even more.
Hierarchy change: Robertson | Warren | Betances.
April 23, 2014
New York Yankees — As we let you know on Tuesday morning, David Robertson has returned from the disabled list. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Closer, Shawn Kelley to Set-up, Adam Warren to 2nd in line.
April 11, 2014
New York Yankees – With both Shawn Kelley and Adam Warren unavailable, David Phelps picked up his 2nd career save, throwing a spotless 2.1 innings with 3 Ks. With the rest of the bullpen now rested, Phelps will return to his swingman role and is unlikely to see many more late game appearances. No hierarchy change.
April 7, 2014
New York Yankees – David Robertson sustained an injured groin and is going on the disabled list. For what it’s worth, Robertson only expects to miss the minimum 15 days. Hierarchy change: Shawn Kelley to Closer, Adam Warren to Set-up, Matt Thornton to 2nd in line.
April 4, 2014
New York Yankees — Adam Warren made an excellent debut in a high-leverage spot, before yielding to Shawn Kelley and new closer David Robertson. Hierarchy change: Adam Warren to 2nd in line, replacing Matt Thornton.
March 13, 2014
New York Yankees — As the post-Mo era begins in the Bronx, we think David Robertson will exhibit the talent to be a top-tier closer option, especially if he can improve his efficiency. Ranked #9 in our preseason closer rankings.
March 11, 2014
New York Yankees – The ninth inning for the Yankees will look decidedly different in 2014 with the retirement of the legendary Mariano Rivera, and David Robertson will have some giant shoes to fill as the team’s new closer. The rest of the bullpen is full of question marks, with Shawn Kelley seemingly favored by manager Joe Girardi as the eight-inning option. Matt Thornton will be the team’s lefty specialist and will see time in the seventh. Dellin Betances has impressed this spring and Preston Claiborne will also be someone to watch. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – David Robertson, Set-up – Shawn Kelley, 2nd in line – Matt Thornton.
September 29, 2013
New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer of all time, will not pitch again this season. He finishes his final season with 44 saves. David Robertson will take over as closer and certainly has some big shoes to fill. No hierarchy change.
September 28, 2013
New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera got the night off after his emotional final outing in Yankee Stadium. David Robertson retired the Astros in order (which isn’t hard to do) for his 3rd save of the season. There are rumors that Mariano could play center field this weekend so Robertson could see more saves. No hierarchy change.
September 12, 2013
New York Yankees – David Robertson returned to action yesterday, pitching the 8th inning and picking up a win. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Set-up, Shawn Kelley to 2nd in line.
September 11, 2013
New York Yankees — David Robertson could return from his right shoulder tendinitis within the next few days, but it might be a few days longer for Boone Logan, who needed a cortisone shot in his left elbow over the weekend. Without their top set-up guys, New York is relying on Shawn Kelley and Adam Warren, and summoning Mariano Rivera for multi-inning save chances whenever necessary. Hierarchy change: Shawn Kelley to Set-up, Adam Warren to 2nd in line, David Robertson and Boone Logan injured.
September 7, 2013
New York Yankees – The Yankees bullpen gave up 9 runs in a loss last night. More bad news for the Yankees as David Robertson is expected to miss 5-6 days with a sore shoulder. No hierarchy change.
August 23, 2013
New York Yankees – As mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch, David Robertson picked up a save in Mariano Rivera’s absence on Thursday. No hierarchy change.
August 13, 2013
New York Yankees — As we suspected, Mo Rivera got a night off on Monday, and although David Robertson didn’t make it easy — surrendering three baserunners and allowing an inherited run to score — he ultimately picked up his first save of the season. No hierarchy change.
August 12, 2013
New York Yankees – Most closers who blow three consecutive save chances would be destined for a trip to the Hot Seat. But Mariano Rivera, who completed the third leg of that ignominious feat on Sunday, would probably have to double, or maybe even triple, his current streak of blown saves in order for the Yankees to consider derailing his farewell tour. No hierarchy change.
July 22, 2013
New York Yankees — Joba Chamberlain’s continued struggles have once again dropped him below Boone Logan on the Yankees’ depth chart; Logan struck out the side in a tied seventh inning on Sunday at Fenway. Hierarchy change: Boone Logan to 2nd in line, replacing Joba Chamberlain.
July 17, 2013
New York Yankees — With all the injuries stalking the Bronx this season (including a 97 MPH All-Star Game fastball to Robinson Cano’s quadriceps), the late innings are the least of Joe Girardi’s concerns. Although New York could always add a setup arm, there’s not a pitcher in the world who could derail Mariano Rivera’s farewell tour. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.
May 29, 2013
New York Yankees — Joba Chamberlain was reactivated from the disabled list before Tuesday’s game. Although the Yankees’ pen has grown somewhat crowded in his absence, he should get a chance to regain his seventh-inning role. Hierarchy change: Joba Chamberlain to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.
May 14, 2013
New York Yankees — Adam Warren picked up his first career save on Monday with four innings of two-hit ball. Although Warren entered in the 6th to protect a one-run lead, he presents as more of a long man or spot starter. No hierarchy change.
May 3, 2013
New York Yankees – Joba Chamberlain hit the DL yesterday with a strained right side. Boone Logan will likely fill the 7th inning role in his absence. Hierarchy change: Boone Logan to 2nd in line, Joba Chamberlain to DL.
April 28, 2013
New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera and David Robertson both got the night off after pitching in three of the previous four games. Joba Chamberlain gave up a couple hits in the 9th but ultimately got the save. No hierarchy change.
April 26, 2013
New York Yankees – After a rough start to the season, Joba Chamberlain has now put together six straight scoreless outings, spanning 5.2 innings. He earned his second hold of the season yesterday, pitching the 7th inning ahead of David Robertson and Mariano Rivera. Hierarchy change: Joba Chamberlain to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.
February 24, 2013
New York Yankees – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Mariano Rivera Set-up- David Robertson, 2nd in line- Boone Logan.
September 21, 2012
New York Yankees – The Yankees did indeed rest Rafael Soriano, but it was David Robertson who collected the save in his absence, striking out the side. No hierarchy change.
September 13, 2012
New York Yankees – For the second straight night, Boone Logan entered in the 7th and failed to retire the hitter he was summoned to face — and for the second straight night, it was Joba Chamberlain who relieved him and finished the inning. Hierarchy change: Joba Chamberlain to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.
September 7, 2012
New York Yankees – It was a rough night for the Yankees bullpen, which surrendered four 8th inning runs in a loss to the Orioles. Boone Logan was among the relievers who were touched up, as he gave up a run without recording an out. But the lefty has been getting a lot of late inning opportunities in recent weeks, while Joba Chamberlain has been pitching early in games, or in blowouts. Hierarchy change: Boone Logan to 2nd in line, replacing Joba Chamberlain.
August 14, 2012
New York Yankees – Derek Lowe, just signed by the Yankees, picked up his first save since 2001, pitching the last four innings in an 8-2 victory for New York. Lowe does not factor in to the Yankees usual late-inning plans. No hierarchy change.
August 7, 2012
New York Yankees – On Monday, in his second big-league appearance of the year, Joba Chamberlain pitched 1.2 scoreless innings. Chamberlain was dominant in his rehab outings, logging a 0.96 ERA, 10 Ks and only 1 BB. Once he gets his feet under him in the big leagues, the Yankees are certain to use him in some high-leverage late-inning spots. Hierarchy change: Joba Chamberlain to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.
July 13, 2012
New York Yankees – Rafael Soriano has been rock solid since taking over the 9th inning, while David Robertson has continued to be spectacular in any role other than closer. Any acquisitions the Yankees make are unlikely to affect their hierarchy. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.
June 15, 2012
New York Yankees – The Yankees activated David Robertson from the DL on Thursday. Robertson is expected to return to a set-up role, but could challenge for the closer job if Rafael Soriano struggles. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Set-up, Boone Logan to 2nd in line.
June 2, 2012
New York Yankees – David Robertson is still a few weeks away from returning but the Yankees have already said that Rafael Soriano will continue to close even after Robertson comes back. Robertson will likely go back to his 8th inning duties once he is healthy. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Set-up (DL).
May 26, 2012
New York Yankees – With a three-run lead on Friday, the Yankees turned to Boone Logan, who pitched a breezy 8th inning ahead of Rafael Soriano. Logan (2.95 ERA, 28 Ks in 18.1 IPs) is establishing himself as the go-to set-up man in the Yankees beleaguered bullpen. Hierarchy change: Boone Logan to Set-up, Cory Wade to 2nd in line.
May 16, 2012
New York Yankees – David Robertson was placed on the 15-day DL with a left oblique strain. Rafael Soriano will close until he returns. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to DL, Rafael Soriano to Closer, Cory Wade to Setup, Boone Logan to 2nd in line.
May 15, 2012
New York Yankees – Rafael Soriano picked up his 2nd save last night, as David Robertson revealed he has been dealing with a nagging injury since Friday. The young closer doesn’t think it’s too serious, but he will undergo an MRI today. No hierarchy change.
May 13, 2012
New York Yankees – Boone Logan picked up a save yesterday, throwing 1.1 innings in a game where the Yankees had a four-run lead. No hierarchy change.
May 11, 2012
New York Yankees – As noted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, David Robertson was unavailable on Thursday. Rafael Soriano got the save in his place, allowing one run in the 9th. No hierarchy change.
May 4, 2012
New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera tore his ACL while shagging fly balls during warmups before Thursday’s game. He’s out for the year and his career may be over. Rafael Soriano was used in the 8th inning yesterday with the Yankees down by a run, leaving little doubt that it will be David Robertson who steps in and attempts to fill Rivera’s big shoes. Hierarchy change: Mariano Rivera to DL, David Robertson to Closer, Rafael Soriano to Setup, Cory Wade to 2nd in line.
April 7, 2012
New York Yankees- David Robertson’s mild foot injury cost him some work early in spring training, and the Yankees hinted that Rafael Soriano would set up as a result, but Robertson appears to be fine; in their first game, the Yanks went with Soriano in the 7th and Robertson in the 8th. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Set-up, Rafael Soriano to 2nd in line.
March 28, 2012
New York Yankees- Mariano Rivera enters what he says will be his last season. Rafael Soriano will pitch the 8th inning to start out, but if he struggles, David Robertson could re-assume the role he thrived in last season. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Mariano Rivera, Set-up- Rafael Soriano, 2nd in line- David Robertson.
Sept. 22, 2011
New York Yankees- Rafael Soriano picked up the save in the second game of yesterday’s doubleheader. Mariano Rivera had already pitched the day game, so he was given the night off. No hierarchy change.
Sept. 4, 2011
New York Yankees- David Robertson notched the save last night, as Rivera had pitched several games in a row. No hierarchy change.
