April 15, 2022
New York Yankees — Every closer is due for a poor outing, and maybe Aroldis Chapman got his clunker out of the way early. The flame-throwing veteran loaded the bases on three walks with no outs on Thursday against the Blue Jays and was pulled for Michael King, who danced around the trouble on just five pitches (all strikes) and struck out one to earn his first save. Chad Green already pitched earlier in the contest and Jonathan Loaisiga, who pitched on Tuesday and Wednesday, was likely unavailable. After the game, Chapman said he agreed with manager Aaron Boone’s decision to yank him. We’ll continue to monitor Chapman’s control in the early going.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
Texas Rangers — The Rangers have decided to use Matt Bush as the opener for tonight’s game against the Angels. While the Rangers have yet to record a save this year, Bush hasn’t seen much of the high leverage work in the early going. With Bush opening tonight, it seems as though this might be Joe Barlow’s committee to lead, despite manager Chris Woodward’s pre-season comments. While the overall save situation isn’t settled, it does seem like Matt Bush has dropped in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Barlow | Holland | Bush
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Manager Don Mattingly is holding true to his word – Anthony Bender is his man for saves. Bender looked a little shaky, allowing two hits, but he held the Phillies scoreless to earn his second save. If he gets one more save, we’ll kick the asterisk. Dylan Floro has not returned yet and could muddy this situation when he does, but if Bender has a firm grip on the role he might not relinquish it.
Hierarchy remains: *Bender | Sulser | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs – Mychal Givens picked up a clean save Thursday at Coors Field against his former team to earn his first conversion with the Cubs. David Robertson pitched on Sunday and Tuesday and should have presumably been available, but such is life in a closer committee. We’ll keep Robertson up at the top for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Givens | Wick.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – It was a bit of a nightmare for committee leader Tony Santillan on Thursday, when he was roughed up for three runs in just a third of an inning on 22 pitches. The outing ballooned his ERA to 7.36. We won’t overreact in swapping Art Warren and Santillan in the hierarchy, but look for Warren, who did not pitch Thursday, to get the next shot.
Hierarchy remains: *Santillan | Warren | Strickland.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — Score one for the Vulture Save Watch, sort of. Lou Trivino did not pitch Thursday after going in three of his previous four. So, the save chance went to Dany Jimenez, who retired the side for the first save of his career. Domingo Acevedo came into the game in the seventh inning with the bases empty and a three-run lead, while A.J. Puk got the eighth. The usage is interesting, but we’ll keep the hierarchy like we have it for now. Still, though, more looks could be in store for Jimenez, who was “emotional” and “surprised” after getting and converting the save chance. Congrats!
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Acevedo | Puk.
Seattle Mariners — Committee leader Drew Steckenrider entered Thursday’s game to start the seventh inning against the 6-7-8 hitters in the White Sox lineup, which really isn’t the meat of any batting order. But it was a two-run game so perhaps he’s more trusted in tighter spots? Anyway, Diego Castillo tossed a scoreless eighth on just 6 pitches and Paul Sewald recorded a scoreless ninth inning with a four-run lead, so no save was to be had. This has to be one of the majors’ most puzzling bullpens. We’ll keep an eye on things, but there is no action to be taken yet.
Hierarchy remains: *Steckenrider | Sewald | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY) – Aroldis Chapman could use a night off after a rough outing Thursday when he threw 16 pitches (just four strikes) in issuing three walks. He has also gone in two of three.
2. Michael Fulmer (DET) – Gregory Soto has pitched in three of four.
3. Art Warren (CIN) – Tony Santillan had a rough outing Thursday and has gone in two of three and three of five.
Saturday:
1. Paul Sewald (SEA) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Drew Steckenrider.
2. Cole Sulser (BAL) – Ditto for Anthony Bender.
3. Kendall Graveman/Aaron Bummer (CWS) – Same as above for Liam Hendriks. Graveman has been a busy guy himself, so the chance could go to Bummer if Graveman needs rest.
4. Devin Williams/Brad Boxberger (MIL) – An outing Friday would be four of six for Josh Hader. Williams has also been busy recently, so Brad Boxberger could get a chance if Williams joins Hader in pitching Friday.
5. Hector Neris/Ryne Stanek (HOU) – It would be four of six for Ryan Pressley, too, though the same caveat applies with Neris, who has been busy as of late. Ryne Stanek could find himself in position for a save chance if the other two need rest.