July 24, 2021
Baltimore Orioles — Baltimore had an intriguing late-innings option emerging in Tyler Wells, so naturally, he was placed on the injured list, retroactive to Tuesday, with tendinitis in his wrist. Brandon Hyde expects Wells to return after the minimum 10-day stay, but for now, the Orioles are back to a bullpen gallimaufry of Tanner Scott, Paul Fry, Dillon Tate, and Cole Sulser.
Hierarchy remains: *Scott | Fry | Tate.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — The Yankees activated Jonathan Loaisiga from the IL yesterday, although he did not pitch in a four-run loss. Zack Britton earned a couple holds last week, but they came in some pretty rough outings, and we see Loaisiga unseating him for now.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Loiasiga.
Colorado Rockies — Daniel Bard wasn’t able to hold a one-run lead in the ninth, sending Friday’s game to extra innings. When Colorado scored three in the top of the tenth, they turned to Lucas Gilbreath to close, and he got the job done for his first career save. Gilbreath is having an up and down rookie season and won’t be cracking the hierarchy anytime soon.
Hierarchy remains: Bard | Givens | Estevez.
Chicago Cubs — With a six-run lead going into the seventh, the Cubs turned to Keegan Thompson over the last three innings. Thompson gave up just one solo homer to lock down his first career save. Despite struggling with command, Thompson has been effective this year, although mostly in mop-up duty. He doesn’t factor into the team’s typical late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Chafin | Tepera.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Carlos Estevez/Michael Givens (COL) — Daniel Bard has pitched in two of three, but he threw 38 pitches last night and will almost certainly get the day off. Givens has pitched the same days, but his pitch count was much lower.
2. Emilio Pagan (SD) — Mark Melancon has gone in three in a row.
3. Mike Mayers (LAA) — Raisel Iglesias has pitched back-to-bback, throwing 27 pitches.
Sunday:
1. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Today would be back to back and three out of four for Ranger Suarez.
2. David Bedner/Chris Stratton (PIT) — Richard Rodriguez threw 25 pitches last night, so if he goes today, he could get Sunday off.