July 9, 2021
Oakland A’s – For the first time since late May, Jake Diekman has earned a save, doing so Thursday night after Lou Trivino pitched the eighth inning. The pair split up facing the heart of a deep Astros batting order, with the righty Trivino taking on RHB Martin Maldonato (LHB Jason Castro pinch hit), RHB Jose Altuve, LHB Michael Brantley and RHB Carlos Correa. In the ninth, the lefty Diekman squared off with LHB Yordan Alvarez, RHB Yuli Gurriel and LHB Kyle Tucker. Manager Bob Melvin played the match-ups in this case, but usually Trivino is the guy. If Diekman continues to earn save chances, we’ll be looking at a committee again in Oakland. But that committee will not involve Trevor Rosenthal, who is now out for the season after undergoing hip surgery.
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Diekman | Petit.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Ryan Buchter was designated for assignment this week. In an atrocious bullpen, it’s hard to find any cream rising to the top. But let’s tab 24-year-old J.B. Bukauskas to join the hierarchy. He has some closer upside, even if his rookie year hasn’t gone so swimmingly (7.15 ERA, 1.94 WHIP).
Updated hierarchy: Soria | Ramirez | Bukauskas.
San Diego Padres — We love relievers here at Closer Monkey, but this update isn’t about what a reliever did on the mound. Daniel Camarena, a 28-year-old rookie reliever, slugged a grand slam Thursday off future Hall-of-Famer Max Scherzer for his first career hit! He’s the first reliever to hit a grand slam in 36 years! Plus, his older brother was in attendance and understandably went nuts. Well done, sir. Great moment.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
Vulture Save Watch:
Today:
1. Josh Staumont (KC) – Greg Holland and Scott Barlow have each pitched in two straight.
2. Brad Boxberger (MIL) – Josh Hader and Devin Williams have also gone two in a row.
Saturday:
1. Emilio Pagan (SD) – A Friday outing would be three of four for Mark Melancon.
2. Ryne Stanek (HOU) – Same as above for Ryan Pressly.
3. Noe Ramirez (ARI) – If he goes Friday, that would be four of six for Joakim Soria.
4. Mike Mayers (LAA) – A Friday appearance would be six of eight for Raisel Iglesias. Wow, has he been busy!