April 11, 2021
Miami Marlins – We suggested in our previous Marlins update to keep an eye on Yimi Garcia and sure enough, it was Garcia who got the call in the 9th inning with the Marlins protecting a three-run lead yesterday. Garcia pitched a perfect inning to pick up his first save of the season. Manager Don Mattingly said that Anthony Bass would still have a big role moving forward but for now, it might not always be protecting a 9th inning lead. We will move this to a committee with Garcia at the top. Lefty Richard Bleier was also mentioned as an option to close based on matchups.
Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Bass | Bleier.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes continued his torrid start to the season, striking out a pair in a perfect 9th inning of a tie game. Barnes now has 11 strikeouts in 5 innings so far this season and has yet to allow a hit. He also picked up the win yesterday after the Red Sox took the lead in the 10th inning. Matt Andriese ended up with the save in extra innings.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Ottavino | Sawamura.
Atlanta Braves — Chris Martin has been placed on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. Manager Brian Snitker mentioned Sean Newcomb could get a chance in the set-up role while Martin is out. Newcomb picked up the win yesterday, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts, and also picked up a save last week. He has gotten off to a strong start to the season with 9 strikeouts in 3.1 innings.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Newcomb | Minter.
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays crushed the Angels yesterday 15-1 and that allowed Tommy Milone to pitch the last three innings and pick up a save. Milone was impressive, striking out six while only allowing one hit over those three innings, but he does not factor into the Blue Jays’ normal late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: *Merryweather | Romano | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Anthony Bass (MIA) – Yimi Garcia has pitched in two of the past three.
2. Trevor May (NYM) – Edwin Diaz struggled yesterday and has pitched in two of the past three.
3. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Jake McGee has also pitched in two straight and three of four.
Monday
1. Sean Newcomb (ATL) – If Will Smith pitches today, it will be two straight.
2. Adam Ottavino (BOS) – If Matt Barnes pitches today, it will be two straight and three of four.