May 2, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza earned his 5th hold of the season on Sunday, pitching a clean 8th ahead of Jordan Romano. Mayza and Adam Cimber continue to share a bridge role ahead of Romano and Yimi Garcia in this strong bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Romano | Garcia | Mayza.
Los Angeles Angels – With his team up by 6 runs entering the 9th, Raisel Iglesias probably wasn’t expecting to pitch. But when Michael Lorenzen faltered after an otherwise remarkable 8.1 innings, Iglesias proceeded to allow five of the six baserunners he faced to reach base; fortunately, Ryan Tepera bailed him out by getting the game’s final out with the bases loaded. Iglesias had only allowed 1 run on the season prior to Sunday, so he’s not in danger yet.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Tepera | Loup.
New York Yankees – Michael King’s phenomenal season continued, as the righty on Sunday finished the 7th and then pitched a clean 8th inning ahead of Aroldis Chapman. It was his third hold on the season to go along with 22 Ks in 14.2 innings, and while he’s likely most valuable pitching multiple innings (rather than as a more strict set-up man), we can’t keep him out of the hierarchy any longer, even if Jonathan Loaisiga might be more likely to get a save on a night that Chapman is off.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Holmes | King.
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs stumbled their way through April and didn’t have a ton of leads to protect, but they managed to shut out the Brewers on Sunday, with Marcus Stroman, Rowan Wick, and David Robertson combining on the effort. Wick wasn’t great — he needed Robertson to get the last out of the 8th for him, which surely wasn’t the plan — but he’s been the most effective middle reliever for Chicago thus far, and now has 2 holds and a save on the season to go along with a 1.23 ERA.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Wick | Givens.
St. Louis Cardinals – Ryan Helsley showed no signs of slowing down after an otherworldly April, pitching the final two innings of the Cardinals victory on Sunday. Helsley retired all six hitters he faced, striking out the side in the 9th, featuring the fastest pitch in MLB so far this season (103.1 MPH). We can’t assume this is any kind of switch, especially given the lack of any comments postgame, but it was certainly striking to see this usage for Helsley given that Giovanny Gallegos hasn’t pitched in 5 days.
Updated hierarchy: Gallegos | Helsley | Cabrera.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Ryan Tepera – Raisel Iglesias struggled through a 26-pitch outing Sunday, his third appearance in four days.
2. Yimi Garcia – Jordan Romano has pitched back to back and three of four.
3. Clay Holmes – Aroldis Chapman has pitched back to back.
Tomorrow
1. Amir Garrett – Josh Staumont and Scott Barlow both pitched Sunday; check today’s usage to see who might be available tomorrow.