August 19, 2020
Washington Nationals – The Nationals wasted no time going back to their closer after an ugly blown save. Daniel Hudson bounced back from Monday’s meltdown with two strikeouts as part of a 1-2-3 ninth inning in Tuesday’s 8-5 win.
Hierarchy remains: Hudson | Rainey | Harris.
San Diego Padres – Cal Quantrill, who started and threw 66 pitches over 3.2 innings on Saturday, needed only four pitches to earn his first career save on Tuesday. He recorded the final out to strand two runners and preserve a 6-4 win. Quantrill relieved Emilio Pagan, who got the final two outs of the eighth inning and secured the first two outs of the ninth. Closer Drew Pomeranz pitched in the seventh inning, facing the top of the order in a move that Jayce Tingler said was intended to “stop the momentum” of the Rangers. Tingler’s comments suggest that Pomeranz is the desired person to close out games, but based on yesterday’s usage, we’ll make this a committee until further notice.
Hierarchy remains: *Pomeranz | Pagan | Stammen.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – With the Rays ahead of the Yankees, 6-3, Nick Anderson entered the bottom of the eighth to face the 3-4-5 hitters, which he retired in order. That led to Chaz Roe earning his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth. Jose Alvarado is on the IL, so expect Roe to see a few more high-leverage chances going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Anderson | Castillo | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – Kenta Maeda was outstanding on Tuesday, striking out eight in a row at one point and taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning. Maeda lost his no-hitter and then saw his win disappear as Taylor Rogers blew the 3-0 lead. It was Rogers’ second blown save of the season, and it may not be long until Sergio Romo is seeing the bulk of the save opportunities going forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Romo | May.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Tanner Rainey – Daniel Hudson has pitched three in a row while Rainey was off yesterday.
2. Sergio Romo – Taylor Rogers has gone in three of four, including a blown save last night.
3. Miguel Castro – Cole Sulser threw 30 pitches last night.
4. Rafael Dolis – Anthony Bass tossed 29 pitches in two innings of work last night after throwing 14 pitches on Monday.
5. Blake Taylor – Ryan Pressly has pitched in three of four.
Tomorrow
1. Blake Taylor/Andre Scrubb – If Ryan Pressly goes tonight, it’ll be two straight and four of five. If Taylor pitches today, that will be three of four for him.
2. David Phelps/Devin Williams – Should Josh Hader pitch today, that will be two straight and three of four. Phelps enters today having appeared in three of four.
3. Zack Britton – If Aroldis Chapman pitches today, expect him to get tomorrow off.