May 5, 2021
Arizona Diamondbacks — The Diamondbacks reinstated Joakim Soria from the IL on Tuesday. Soria only made it through 0.2 IP of his 2021 debut, so it truly remains to be seen what we can expect from him this year. One thing that is certain, though, is that the Arizona bullpen has struggled lately, so Soria’s return could be a nice boost to the beleaguered group.
Updated hierarchy: *Crichton | Ginkel | Soria.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – Will Harris made his 2021 debut on Tuesday after beginning the season on the IL, striking out two in a scoreless eighth inning of a Nationals loss. We expect to see Harris eventually pitch in high-leverage situations, so we’ll move him into Tanner Rainey’s spot in the hierarchy, especially after Rainey gave up a grand slam to the Braves’ starting pitcher last night that pushed his ERA to 10.00 for the season.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Hudson | Harris.
St. Louis Cardinals – Jordan Hicks landed on the IL Tuesday with right elbow inflammation and it’s expected he’ll miss at least four weeks. Ryan Helsley has earned Mike Shildt’s trust after pitching well lately and should see more high-leverage work in Hicks’ absence.
Updated hierarchy: Reyes | Gallegos | Helsley.
Philadelphia Phillies — With Hector Neris tired and Jose Alvarado suspended, the Phillies turned to Sam Coonrod for the final three outs of Tuesday’s 6-5 win, just as the Vulture Save Watch predicted.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
Oakland A’s – Speaking of correct Vulture Save Watch predictions, if you read the VSW on Tuesday you knew that Lou Trivino and Jake Diekman had each pitched two straight days, paving the way for Yusmeiro Petit to pick up his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Diekman | Petit.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Giovanny Gallegos (STL)/Trevor May (NYM) – The Cardinals and Mets play a doubleheader today.
2. Rex Brothers (CHC) – Craig Kimbrel and Andrew Chafin have both pitched in three of four, though the Cubs do have Thursday off.
3. Scott Barlow (KC) – Josh Staumont has thrown 47 pitches over the last two days while Greg Holland has appeared in three straight days.
4. Dealer’s Choice (MIN) – Taylor Rogers (43 pitches) and Tyler Duffey (24 pitches) have pitched in two straight while Hansel Robles threw 27 pitches yesterday. The Twins don’t have Thursday off, either.
Tomorrow
1. Adam Ottavino/Matt Andriese (BOS) – If Matt Barnes pitches today, that will be two straight and three of four. The same will be true of Ottavino.
2. Jose Alvarado (PHI) – Hector Neris may get Thursday off if he pitches today based on his 40-pitch outing on Monday.
3. It Really Could Be Anybody (TB) – If Diego Castillo pitches today, that will be three of four. Same goes for Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson.
4. Joely Rodriguez (TEX) – If Ian Kennedy goes today that will be three of four, four of five and five of seven.