August 18, 2020
St. Louis Cardinals – The Cardinals used their top relievers to get through the first game of yesterday’s doubleheader, which meant the second save in last three days by Andrew Miller after a Giovanny Gallegos 8th. We’ll continue to monitor over the next few days to see if the Cards are still taking a committee approach, or if this is now Miller’s job to lose.
Updated hierarchy: *Miller | Gallegos | Gant.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – A full fledged meltdown from Daniel Hudson — his second blown-save-loss outing in his last four — has us continuing to stare at the numbers Tanner Rainey is posting thus far. If you have room for a speculative add, consider the young fireballer; in medium-sized leagues, he’s likely good enough to help you even as a middle reliever.
Hierarchy remains: Hudson | Rainey | Harris.
New York Mets – Franklyn Kilome had a mostly forgettable outing on Monday night (3 IP, 4 hits, 5 BBs, 2 ERs), except for the fact that it came in the last three innings of a blowout, meaning he was awarded his first career save. He doesn’t factor in to the Mets usual late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Lugo | Diaz | Betances.
Houston Astros – Two straight days of work meant an offday for Ryan Pressly on Monday, allowing Blake Taylor to collect his first save. “VUL, ture, SAVE, watch [clap, clap, clap-clap-clap].”
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Taylor | Scrubb.
San Francisco Giants – Trevor Gott’s absolutely brutal stretch continued on Monday, as he blew another save and saw his ERA balloon to 14.73. (Tony Watson’s ERA is 1.35.) Gabe Kapler said he has to find a “softer landing spot” for the reliever, which likely means earlier in the game. We’re slapping a committee tag on here and watching to see what happens, but best to add Watson now if he’s available.
Updated hierarchy: *Gott | Watson | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Will Harris – Daniel Hudson and Tanner Rainey have gone back to back.
2. Zack Britton – Aroldis Chapman threw 20 pitches last night and might not go back to back right out of the chute.
3. Blake Treinen – Kenley Jansen threw 26 pitches last night and has gone in three of the last four.
Tomorrow
1. Blake Taylor – If Ryan Pressly goes tonight, it’ll be three of the last four.
2. Hector Rondon – If Archie Bradley goes tonight, it’ll be three of the last four.