April 28, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies again went with Hector Neris in a save opportunity and he converted for his fourth save of the season. Neris has now recorded the Phillies’ last three saves and is close to shedding the committee asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Dominguez | Neshek
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Diego Castillo started the eighth inning with the Rays up two and the Red Sox 2-3-4 hitters due up. However, Castillo was not sharp and he was pulled for Jose Alvarado after recording only one out. Alvarado was able to get out of the inning but needed 21 pitches so that left Emilio Pagan for the ninth inning. Pagan recorded his third straight save with a scoreless inning. Five relievers have recorded saves for the Rays so far this season and their bullpen is very fluid.
Updated hierarchy: *Alvarado | Pagan | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – Tyler Clippard, who missed the start of the season with a strained right pectoral muscle, made his debut for the Indians yesterday. The veteran righty was immediately used in a high leverage spot as he came on to get the last out of the eighth inning of a tie game. Clippard also came back out and pitched a perfect ninth. We expect him to continue to work at the back-end of the Indians’ bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Wittgren | Clippard.
Atlanta Braves — Jesse Biddle has been placed on the IL Luke Jackson pitched the 7th and 8th innings ahead of AJ Minter yesterday and has not allowed a run in his last 11 appearances. Meanwhile, AJ Minter blew the save and has now given up 9 runs in 8.1 innings so far this season. Jackson will slide into 1st in line with Biddle injured and could challenge for saves if Minter continues to struggle.
Updated hierarchy: Minter | Jackson | Winkler.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez entered yesterday’s game with the bases loaded and nobody out. Baez did an outstanding job to strand all three runners and protect the Dodgers’ two-run lead. Baez now has two wins and three holds in his past five appearances.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Zack Britton – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight, three of four, and five of seven.
2. Ryan Pressly – Roberto Osuna pitched two innings yesterday and has pitched in two of the past three, throwing a total of 40 pitches.
3. Pat Neshek – Hector Neris has pitched in two of the past three, throwing a total of 52 pitches. Seranthony Dominguez has pitched in three of the past four.
Monday
1. Scott Oberg – If Wade Davis pitches on Sunday, that will be three straight
2. Kyle Barraclough – Same with Sean Doolittle