May 19, 2022
Texas Rangers — With a two-run lead going into the ninth, Rangers fans were surprised and eventually dismayed by the appearance of Matt Bush instead of Joe Barlow. After the game, won by Texas in 10, Barlow revealed that he had a throbbing finger blister that might keep him out another day or two, but is not expected to require time on the IL.
Hierarchy remains: Barlow | Bush | Martin.
Chicago Cubs — David Robertson returned after a week and a half on the COVID IL and pitched a clean, two-K ninth in a loss to Pittsburgh. Expect him to immediately reclaim the top slot in the Cubs’ bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Wick | Givens.
Seattle Mariners — The Mariners are still running a full-on closer committee. Last night, Andres Muñoz got the seventh, Paul Sewald the eighth, and Diego Castillo the ninth — although an extra Seattle run meant that it was no longer a save situation. Muñoz hasn’t seen an eighth or ninth all month, so we’re going to edge Sewald ahead of him for now. Castillo will continue to be a factor as well, along with Drew Steckenrider, who will be available again for today’s game against Boston.
Updated hierarchy: *Sewald | Muñoz | Steckenrider.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — Anthony Bender has six saves, but he isn’t being used like Miami’s top closing option. Sure, it’s been a rough 5-12 May for the Marlins, but they keep using Bender early on, like Tuesday in the fifth, or Wednesday’s failed stint in a tied eighth. Although we keep expecting Dylan Floro to get a shot to close, he hasn’t looked good in his return from the IL (10 baserunners in four innings, 11.25 ERA). Meanwhile, Anthony Bass, Tanner Scott, and Cole Sulser have all been fairly impressive in middle relief. What we’re basically saying is that Miami doesn’t have a closer, and we have no idea what they’re going to do next. Adjust accordingly!
Updated hierarchy: *Bender | Sulser | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Kyle Finnegan pitched a clean eighth, but after Tanner Rainey blew the save with a run in the ninth, Victor Arano converted the extra-inning save, his first as a National.
Hierarchy remains: Rainey | Finnegan | Arano.
New York Yankees — You weren’t surprised to see Clay Holmes grab his third save of the young season last night while Aroldis Chapman rested. You saw it coming. You planned for it. You reveled in it. Why? Because you read Wednesday’s Vulture Save Watch.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Holmes | King.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel was rested, as the VSW projected, and it was Daniel Hudson who picked up the save, his second of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Amir Garrett (KCR) — Both Josh Staumont and Scott Barlow are tired, each having pitched thrice in four days and four times in six.
Friday:
1. Clay Holmes (NYY) — An appearance by Aroldis Chapman today would be three in four days (and four in six).
2. Kendall Graveman (CWS) — The same is true for Liam Hendriks.
3. Rowan Wick (CHC) — David Robertson isn’t likely to pitch in three straight games right away.