August 6, 2019
New York Mets – A game one appearance by Edwin Diaz meant that the save chance in the nightcap of the Mets’ doubleheader sweep went to Seth Lugo. Lugo, who now has not allowed a run in his last 15.2 innings (including no hits OR walks in his last 10 innings), pitched two perfect innings for his second save of the year. Before the game, Mickey Callaway was more forceful about the fact that Diaz remains the closer, but Lugo, who was the NL Reliever of the Month in July, is certainly making a case for himself.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Lugo | Wilson.
Toronto Blue Jays – A bout of elbow inflammation kept Ken Giles out of action for a week, and after he made his return on Sunday, the Jays apparently didn’t want to use him in back to back games. So Derek Law got his second save of the year, pitching the last 1.1 innings to wrap up the victory.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Shafer | Law.
Chicago Cubs – Craig Kimbrel was placed on the 10-day IL on Monday with a knee issue. Joe Maddon said the Cubs will deploy a committee in his absence; the first save chance went to David Phelps, who converted. Success tends to breed more opportunities in these spots, so we’ll slot Phelps in just behind Brandon Kintzler for now. Kintzler has been Chicago’s most consistent reliever and likely would’ve gotten the 9th if he hadn’t needed to bail Steve Cishek out in the 8th instead. Cishek and Rowan Wick could also see occasional chances.
Updated hierarchy: *Kintzler | Phelps | Cishek.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jeremy Jeffress – Josh Hader threw 28 pitches across 1.1 innings last night and Freddy Peralta also may be unavailable after a 31 pitch outing.
Tomorrow
1. Jesse Chavez/Bruce Martin – If Jose Leclerc or Jesse Chavez go tonight, it’ll be back to back and four of five; check usage to see who’ll be available tomorrow.
2. Zack Britton/Adam Ottavino – Same for Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton…
3. Michael Lorenzen – …and Raisel Iglesias.
4. Seth Lugo – If Edwin Diaz goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
5. Nate Eovaldi – Likewise for Brandon Workman.