August 25, 2021
Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes was called upon to protect a three-run lead against the Twins in the ninth inning and proceeded to allow a leadoff homer followed by two walks before being mercifully pulled by Alex Cora. Hansel Robles was the next man up and, facing the team that traded him to Boston, retired all three batters he faced to pick up his first save as a member of the Red Sox. After the game, Cora said that he didn’t want to pick on Barnes but that they’re concerned and that they have to make adjustments. It remains to be seen if those adjustments will officially include time off from the ninth inning, but it wouldn’t hurt to pick up Adam Ottavino if he’s still available in your league.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Ottavino | Taylor.
New York Yankees – Tasked with protecting a two-run lead in the ninth inning against Atlanta, Aroldis Chapman retired two of the first two hitters he faced. Two walks and an infield single derailed his inning, however, and Wandy Peralta won a fierce battle with Freddie Freeman to leave the bases loaded and earn the save. We’ll keep an eye on how much of a leash Aaron Boone gives Chapman going forward and whether Peralta, Jonathan Loaisiga or Chad Green become Boone’s preferred ninth-inning options. Zack Britton’s name isn’t on that list, as surgery is now a possibility after he landed on the IL with an elbow strain.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
Cincinnati Reds – It was a rough night for the entire Reds bullpen, but we feel especially bad for Tejay Antone. After working to finally be activated after a lengthy IL stint, Antone called for a trainer after just five pitches and had to leave the game. David Bell said that Antone definitely felt something in his elbow and that they’ll learn more tomorrow.
Hierarchy remains: Givens | Lorenzen | Sims.
Detroit Tigers — When a 4-0 lead in the eighth inning became a 4-1 lead, the Tigers turned to Michael Fulmer to get out of a jam and prevent further damage. Fulmer allowed two inherited runners to score but got out of the jam with a one-run advantage. He then stayed on for a perfect ninth inning to earn the save and give Gregory Soto and extra day of rest. Fulmer appears to have overtaken Jose Cisnero as Soto’s handcuff.
Updated hierarchy: Soto | Fulmer | Cisnero.
Seattle Mariners – With the Mariners holding a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh, Drew Steckenrider entered to face the go-ahead run and induced a flyout to end the frame. When the Mariners added two runs in the top of the eighth, Steckenrider stayed on for the final two innings to earn the save.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Steckenrider | Sadler.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates – David Bednar got the day off, so Chris Stratton pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his second save of the season. Congrats to everyone who not only read the Vulture Save Watch but knew the lowly Pirates would beat the lowlier Diamondbacks.
Hierarchy remains: *Bednar | Stratton | Shreve.
*=closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — The Nationals optioned Gabe Klobosits to Triple-A Rochester. Welcome back to the hierarchy, Austin Voth.
Updated hierarchy *Finnegan | Machado | Voth.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Josh Taylor (BOS) – Even if Matt Barnes somehow keeps his job, he’s pitched in two straight and could use a night off. Meanwhille, Adam Ottavino has gone in three of four.
2. Carlos Estevez (COL) – The Rockies play a doubleheader…
3. Codi Heuer (CHC) – …against the Cubs.
4. Craig Kimbrel (CHW) – Liam Hendriks threw 39 pitches over 1.2 innings last night.
5. Devin Williams (MIL) – Josh Hader has pitched in three of four.
6. Collin McHugh (TB) – Andrew Kittredge threw 26 pitches to complete a two-inning save last night.
Tomorrow
1. Steve Cishek/Mike Mayers (LAA) – If Raisel Iglesias goes today that’ll be two in a row. Cishek enters today having pitched in three of four.
2. Blake Treinen (LAD) – A Wednesday appearance by Kenley Jansen or any of the Dodgers’ hierarchy members will be their second in a row.
3. Devin Williams/Brad Boxberger (MIL) – If Josh Hader pitches today that’ll be two straight and four of five.