September 3, 2021
Oakland A’s – With Lou Trivino continuing to get a break from the closer’s role, Sergio Romo earned his second save of the season Thursday with a scoreless ninth. Andrew Chafin finished the seventh and pitched the eighth to make way for Romo. Trivino, meanwhile, has not pitched since Aug. 26. Manager Bob Melvin said he has been dealing with back spasms, but he was available and not used on Thursday.
Hierarchy remains: *Romo | Chafin | Diekman.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — A middling starting pitcher for much of the year, Garrett Richards has been much better since moving to the bullpen (1 ER in 13.1 IP), and he’s seeing more high-leverage work lately. Richards threw three scoreless innings Thursday to earn his second save and cover innings for a relief corps depleted by COVID-19. We’ll continue to monitor his use moving forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Ottavino | Whitlock | Robles.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets — The Mets have claimed Brad Hand off waivers from the Blue Jays. We’ll have to see if he sees enough high-leverage work the next couple of weeks to enter this hierarchy, but the chances are slim given how he looked with Toronto.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | May | Lugo.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Bryan Shaw (CLE) – Emmanuel Clase has pitched in two straight.
2. Austin Voth (WAS) – Andres Machado has gone in three of four, while Kyle Finnegan could still be on paternity leave.
Saturday:
1. Chris Stratton (PIT) – David Bednar threw 29 pitches over two innings Thursday and could need a break if he goes again Friday.
2. Trevor May (NYM) – A Friday appearance would be three of four for Edwin Diaz.
3. Devin Williams (MIL) – If he goes Friday, it would be four times in six days for Josh Hader.