August 17, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays – Matt Wisler was placed on the injured list yesterday — the 13th Rays reliever on the injured list — and the Rays also sent lefty Ryan Sherriff to AAA. So who’s left? We like Andrew Kittredge as the best bet for a save on any given night, though we’d also expect them to mix in Adam Conley and JT Chargois. And, you know, most of the rest of the bullpen. The Rays win a lot, so depending on your league’s size and categories, one or two of these relievers may still be worth owning; we’ll keep an eye on how they deploy their bullpen going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Kittredge | Conley | Chargois.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland was placed on the IL, cementing Scott Barlow’s spot at the top of this hierarchy for now. We’ll give Holland’s hierarchy slot to Jake Brentz, who has set up for Barlow each of the last two nights.
Updated hierarchy: Barlow | Brentz | Staumont.
New York Yankees – The Yankees had a much-needed strong showing from their bullpen yesterday, with Chad Green closing out a 2-1 victory for his fourth save. We’ll watch to see if Green gets the next chance with an eye on moving him ahead of Jonathan Loaisiga if he does.
Hierarchy remains: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Zack Littell/Tony Watson – Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers have both gone back to back and three of four.
2. Josh Staumont/Wade Davis – Scott Barlow and Jake Brentz have both gone back to back.
Tomorrow
1. Carlos Estevez – If Daniel Bard goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.