June 25, 2021
Cincinnati Reds – With Lucas Sims on the injured list and likely out of action for a month, the Reds turned to Amir Garrett and Tejay Antone, as expected, in the late innings. Neither arm earned the save, though. Old friend Brad Brach was David Bell’s man on Thursday, recording his first save since 2018. Brach said after the game he’s “ready for any situation,” so perhaps more looks are coming his way. Let’s place him in the hierarchy and we can see where this goes.
Updated hierarchy: *Antone | Brach | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – James Karinchak (and not Emmanuel Clase) earned the save Thursday, his ninth overall. He has the team’s two most recent saves and pitched the ninth inning in a 4-0 win on Monday. He appears to be the man to own, for now, in Cleveland.
Updated hierarchy: *Karinchak | Clase | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies — There is still no word on the Phillies’ closing situation, as the team had an off day Thursday. We’ll monitor things Friday to see if an announcement is made and who is the new ninth-inning man. Our bet is it’ll be José Alvarado, but stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
Seattle Mariners – Keynan Middleton was called up from Triple-A on Thursday. We’ll monitor his usage to see if he should enter this hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: *Graveman | Montero | Steckenrider.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Daniel Hudson threw off flat ground on Thursday, but it’s not known when he’ll be back. No timetable has been given for a return.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Rainey | Suero.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Sam Coonrod (PHI) — It should be Jose Alvarado’s job today and the Phillies have a doubleheader.
2. Seth Lugo (NYM) — The Mets play the Phillies in that doubleheader.
Saturday:
1. Scott Barlow (KC) — If he pitches Friday, it would be four of six for Greg Holland.
2. AJ Minter (ATL) — Same as above for Will Smith.
3. Jake Diekman (OAK) — A Friday outing would be three of four for Lou Trivino.
4. Adam Ottavino (BOS) — Ditto for Matt Barnes.