September 13, 2017
Kansas City Royals — With his bullpen “running on fumes,” Ned Yost tabbed Scott Alexander for the save on Tuesday. It was a shaky save, but Alexander got the job done. Brandon Maurer had pitched the day before, and it’s likely that Yost wanted to try and rest him. Maurer and Alexander are the clear 1-2 in the Royals’ bullpen, and Yost has now shown trust in both relievers to close games.
Hierarchy remains: *Maurer | Alexander | Minor.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted that Greg Holland would be unavailable on Tuesday. However, the Rockies also rested Jake McGee and Pat Neshek. Scott Oberg pitched the eighth inning and then got the first out of the ninth before ceding to Chris Rusin. The lefty recorded the final two outs for his second career save. Bud Black calls Rusin the team’s “Swiss Army knife,” and while he hasn’t officially cracked our hierarchy, don’t be too surprised if he gets more high-leverage looks over the final weeks of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | McGee | Neshek.
Miami Marlins — Brad Ziegler has been nursing a bad back and is awaiting results from a recent MRI. He is hopeful to pitch this week. In the meantime, Kyle Barraclough blew the Marlins’ first save chance on Tuesday in the ninth inning before Brian Ellington blew another one-run lead in the 10th. Barraclough should see any remaining save chances for the duration of Ziegler’s absence, though Drew Steckenrider may get a chance or two as well.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.
Texas Rangers – Keone Kela was activated from the DL on Tuesday. He probably won’t challenge Alex Claudio for the ninth inning, but we’ll monitor how quickly Kela is thrust into a high-leverage role.
Hierarchy remains: *Claudio | Barnette | Bush.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon underwent surgery Tuesday to relieve compression in his forearm, and is expected to be ready for spring training. Cory Gearrin enters the hierarchy as the Giants look to close their miserable season.
Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Strickland | Gearrin.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Luis Garcia – Hector Neris threw 35 pitches over two innings on Tuesday. Garcia also tossed two innings, but threw just 24 pitches.
Tomorrow
1. Brad Brach/Mychal Givens – If Zach Britton pitches tonight, it will be two straight and three of four. Brad Brach has pitched in two straight and three of four entering Wednesday, so if both him and Britton get the ball tonight, Mychal Givens may get a save chance Thursday.
2. Luis Garcia/Edubray Ramos – If Neris gets the ball tonight, either Garcia or Edubray Ramos should get Thursday’s save chance depending on who is more well-rested. Ramos also went two innings on Tuesday.