August 31, 2020
New York Yankees – With Aroldis Chapman getting the day off and many other relievers having been used earlier in the doubleheader, Luis Cessa got a one-out save in extra innings. He doesn’t factor in to the Yankees usual late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Ottavino | Green.
New York Mets – Dellin Betances was just placed on the IL (and wasn’t pitching great anyway) meaning Edwin Diaz despite another brutal outing Sunday, in large part due to a lack of significant competition. Look for Justin Wilson to get more of the late innings.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Wilson | Familia.
Detroit Tigers – That’s two saves in two days for Gregory Soto, with Buck Farmer getting the 8th in this one. One more and we’ll remove the asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: *Soto | Farmer | Cisnero.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles – Cole Sulser blew the save and took the loss on Sunday, marking his third loss in his last four outings. With Mychal Givens having been dealt to the Rockies, there aren’t many standout arms you’d want to own here, but if you’re desperate for saves, this might want to watch this bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Sulser | Castro | Harvey.
Colorado Rockies – Jairo Diaz’s struggles continued, as he allowed 3 runs in a lopsided loss to the Padres. The recently-acquired Mychal Givens should see some action in the late innings here.
Updated hierarchy: *Bard | Estevez | Givens.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – Taylor Williams had a nice bounceback outing, pitching a scoreless 9th and earning the win when the Mariners took the lead in the 10th. Yohan Ramirez pitched the bottom of the 10th for his first save, and slots into the hierarchy in place of Dan Altavilla, who is headed to San Diego.
Updated hierarchy: Williams | Hirano | Ramirez.
San Francisco Giants – We thought Tyler Rogers had taken the lead in this bullpen, so of course, he pitched the 8th last night, leaving the 9th inning to Sam Coonrod, who picked up his first career save. Coonrod has decent numbers, but we have to admit he wasn’t on our radar for saves here. We’ll keep watching to see if he keeps getting these opportunities.
Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Coonrod | Watson.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Felix Pena – Ty Buttrey has pitched three of four (3.2 innings) and might get the day off; if not, he’ll definitely be off tomorrow.
Tomorrow
1. Tanner Rainey – If Daniel Hudson goes tonight, it’ll be two straight.
2. Evan Marshall – If Alex Colome goes today, it’ll be two straight and three of four.
3. Shane Greene/Will Smith – If Mark Melancon, Shane Greene, or Will Smith go today, it’ll be back to back and three of four; watch usage to see who’s available tomorrow.