April 22, 2021
Cincinnati Reds — As of Wednesday afternoon, Amir Garrett still had David Bell’s confidence — but that was before a three-run meltdown to blow a Reds victory and run his ERA to 16.20. After the game, Bell doubled down — but we still don’t think there’s any way he can justify giving Garrett the next save chance, not with Lucas Sims and Sean Doolittle pitching effectively.
Updated hierarchy: *Sims | Doolittle | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — The baseball gods continue their revenge for the hubris of removing the Rays’ eternal asterisk. This time, Diego Castillo actually got the save chance, but the Royals small-balled him to death, in a game both bullpens were evidently desperate to lose. Our only prediction going forward? Pain.
Hierarchy remains: Castillo | Springs | Thompson.
Milwaukee Brewers – We’ve been watching the Brewers pretty closely after Craig Counsell announced that Devin Williams wasn’t necessarily their top setup guy anymore. Brent Suter has had some rough outings as well, while J.P. Feyereisen (0 ER, 9 K in 9.2 IP) and Brad Boxberger have looked good. Wednesday, Counsell used Suter in the fifth and sixth, Williams in the seventh, and started Boxberger in the eighth before calling on Feyereisen to save his bases-loaded bacon. Feyereisen is coming on strong, but we’re going to wait at least one more game to shake up this hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Suter.
Toronto Blue Jays — The Jays used Rafael Dolis to protect a two-run lead against the heart of the Boston order in the eighth inning on Wednesday, leaving Tim Mayza to pitch the ninth. To make things weird, though, Charlie Montoyo pulled Mayza for the last out and gave Anthony Castro his first save since April 2019 against the Bowie Baysox. The committee is going strong in Toronto.
Hierarchy remains: *Dolis | Mayza | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
None.
Friday:
1. Taylor Rogers (MIN) — Alex Colome threw 49 pitches in Wednesday’s loss, so even with Thursday off, we think the Twins will opt for column B.
2. Jake Diekman (OAK) — Similarly, even with Thursday off, Lou Trivino will still be coming off three games in five days (65 pitches).