June 2, 2019
St. Louis Cardinals — Jordan Hicks got Saturday off as we expected, and the Cardinals turned to their closer from the end of last year, Carlos Martinez. Martinez responded with a perfect ninth for his first save of the season. After missing the beginning of the season, Martinez is beginning to settle in and even though he had pitched the prior two games, the Cardinals knew he was going to get the ninth inning yesterday. It looks like Martinez will be the most likely to see any save chances when Hicks is unavailable moving forward.
Updated hierarchy: Hicks | Martinez | Miller.
Atlanta Braves – After Jacob Webb allowed back-to-back doubles with one out in the eighth inning, the Braves went straight to their closer Luke Jackson. Jackson struck out both batters he faced in the eighth and then after a leadoff single in the ninth, he went on to strike out the side. Former Braves’ closer Craig Kimbrel will no longer cost a draft pick if signed after midnight tonight and this story picks the Braves as a likely landing spot for the free agent.
Hierarchy remains: Jackson | Newcomb | Webb.
Chicago Cubs — Pedro Strop will make another rehab appearance at AAA Iowa today and could be activated after that. The Cubs are also rumored to be interested in Craig Kimbrel.
Hierarchy remains: *Cishek | Kintzler | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — The Nationals bullpen got it done last night as Wander Suero pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth inning for his fifth hold of the season and Sean Doolittle pitched a perfect ninth for his eleventh save. However, they still have one of the worst bullpens in the league and at least one beat writer thinks the Nationals should keep an eye on the market for Kimbrel and make a play for him if the price drops.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Barraclough | Suero.
Colorado Rockies — After a ninth-inning error extended the game and a double cut the Rockies lead to two, Scott Oberg was summoned for the last out of the game. He was able to induce a ground out from the only batter he faced to pick up his second save of the season. Meanwhile, Wade Davis had no problems after his bullpen session, which was the first since his injury. Although there is no exact timetable for his return, it should be relatively soon barring any setbacks.
Hierarchy remains: Oberg | Shaw | Estevez.
Seattle Mariners — Brandon Brennan was used in a tie game yesterday but ended up taking the loss after being charged with a run. Brennan has now given up at least one earned run in three of his past four outings. Veteran Anthony Bass has been pitching well and should see more time in the later innings with Brennan struggling.
Updated hierarchy: *Elias | Bass | Brennan.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jose Leclerc – Shawn Kelley has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Bryan Shaw – Scott Oberg has pitched in three of four and five of seven.
3. Kyle Crick – Felipe Vazquez has gone in two straight, including a 21 pitch blown save yesterday.
Monday
1. Archie Bradley – If Greg Holland pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.