August 31, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Josh Fields was activated from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday. We imagine he’ll eventually factor into a setup role, but that remains to be seen with Kenta Maeda and Scott Alexander currently manning the ship in front of Kenley Jansen. Dave Roberts reiterated before Thursday’s game that Jansen will continue to be the closer despite recent performance issues.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.
Milwaukee Brewers — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Jeremy Jeffress got the night off after throwing 39 pitches over two innings on Wednesday, but other members of a tired bullpen weren’t so lucky. Josh Hader recovered from a rough outing on Wednesday (four earned runs; 24 pitches) to toss a scoreless 11th inning Thursday for his 11th save. Joakim Soria pitched ahead of him, appearing for the fourth time in five games. Our pick Corbin Burnes did pitch the ninth, but the game was tied.
Hierarchy remains: *Jeffress | Hader | Soria.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Steve Cishek — Pedro Strop and CJ Edwards have each pitched in three of four.
2. Zach Britton — Dellin Betances has thrown in two of three, including a disastrous Thursday outing where he allowed three runs on 31 pitches to blow the save.
Saturday:
1. Justin Anderson — Blake Parker has pitched in two of three and four of the last six.
2. Craig Stammen/Matt Strahm — Kirby Yates has pitched in two of three. Stammen has gone in two straight himself, so if both men are used Friday, Strahm may get a chance Saturday.
3. Hector Rondon — Even with Thursday off, Roberto Osuna has still pitched in four of six entering Friday.
4. Archie Bradley — Brad Boxberger has gone in two straight.
5. Jared Hughes — If Raisel Iglesias pitches today, he’ll have gone in three of four.
6. Cody Allen — Same with Brad Hand.