April 4, 2021
New York Yankees — Chad Green got the final four outs of the Yankees’ victory yesterday to record his first save of the season. More importantly, it was the first (of hopefully very many) for the Vulture Save Watch. Aroldis Chapman should return to closing now that his two-game suspension is over.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Green | O’Day.
Baltimore Orioles — Cesar Valdez picked up his second save in two days for the Orioles and that moves him to the top of the committee. Manager Brandon Hyde said that he didn’t want to use Valdez or Tanner Scott in back-to-back games early in the season, but admitted after the game that he “lied a little bit” about that. And you wonder why the Monkey has trust issues…
Updated hierarchy: *Scott | Valdez | Armstrong.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers – After Gregory Soto recorded the save in the Tigers’ opening day victory, it was Bryan Garcia who got the call in the second game of the season. Manager AJ Hinch has not named a closer yet, so this looks like a committee for now. We will leave Soto at the top of the committee because we think he has the potential to be an elite reliever, but Soto was warming up to face the top of the Indians’ lineup yesterday so the Tigers may choose to use Soto before the 9th if the game dictates that.
Hierarchy remains: *Soto | Garcia | Farmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – Brooks Raley recorded an unlikely save for the Astros yesterday. Raley came on with the Astros up 4 in the 8th inning and the bases loaded. He got out of the jam and then after the Astros added 4 more runs in the top of the 9th, he came back out to finish off the Astros’ victory.
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Smith | Paredes.
San Diego Padres — The Padres recorded their third save in three days, but this one was of the three-inning variety with the Padres cruising to a 7-0 win. Ryan Weathers, son of former reliever David Weathers, struck out three over three scoreless innings to pick up his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: *Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Tanner Scott – Cesar Valdez has pitched in two straight games
2. Yimi Garcia – Anthony Bass has also pitched in two straight games
Monday
1. Mychal Givens – If Daniel Bard pitches today, it will be two straight and three of four.
2. Blake Treinen – Kenley Jansen recorded 5 outs yesterday so if he pitches again today, he will get Monday off.
3. Kendall Graveman – If Rafael Montero pitches today, it will be two straight and three of four.