September 6, 2018
St. Louis Cardinals — Carlos Martinez picked up his first save in four years, a two-inning, four-strikeout, 40-pitch extravaganza that got Cardinal fans really excited on Twitter. After the game, manager Mike Shildt said that the next save chance will be based on freshness and matchups, so we’ll give Jordan Hicks the nod for now — but don’t be surprised if Hicks stays in the eighth and Martinez gets a real shot at the job.
Updated hierarchy: *Hicks | Martinez | Norris.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — On the advice of his cardiologist, Kenley Jansen will not make the weekend trip to Colorado with the team. Dave Roberts refused to commit to a particular closer in Jansen’s absence, but the options will include Kenta Maeda, Scott Alexander, Ross Stripling — if he makes it back from the DL as expected — and even Pedro Baez or Ryan Madson.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.
Atlanta Braves — Mike Foltynewicz and Jesse Biddle strung together seven innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox on Wednesday, and then along came the Braves’ top four relievers to somehow blow a six-run lead and a one-run lead in consecutive innings. It was an uncharacteristic blip, more likely to affect the team’s (theoretical) playoff confidence than the order of their late-inning relievers.
Hierarchy remains: Minter | Winkler | Venters.
Colorado Rockies — There was only one vulture save option on the board yesterday, but it was a profitable one, as Adam Ottavino did in fact secure a save in Wade Davis’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Ottavino | Oh.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
None.
Friday:
1. Cody Allen — Brad Hand has pitched in two straight.