June 1, 2022
Cincinnati Reds – With Art Warren presumably available, Tony Santillan got the ball in the ninth inning at Fenway with the Reds holding a 2-0 lead. Santillan began the inning by giving up a single and a double, but he battled back to get the next two hitters. After an infield single plated one run, Santillan struck out Trevor Story to lock up his fourth save of the year. Santillan now has each of the last two saves for the Reds, and with Warren held out of the game entirely on Tuesday, we’ll move Santillan to the top of this committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Santillan | Warren | Diaz.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates — It was no surprise that David Bednar got the night off after a 50-pitch outing on Monday, but it was a surprise that Chris Stratton pitched the eighth and Wil Crowe got the ninth. Both Stratton and Crowe fired 1-2-3 frames, with Crowe earning his second save of the season. With Bednar likely off on Wednesday as well, we’ll see who the Pirates go to if another save chance arises.
Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Stratton | Crowe.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jake McGee (SF) – Camilo Doval has gone in three straight.
2. Genesis Cabrera (STL) – Yesterday we mentioned that Ryan Helsley had yet to pitch in back-to-back games, so of course he made a second straight appearance on Tuesday. We suspect he’ll get today off, and Giovanny Gallegos should be off today as well after throwing 52 pitches over the last two days.
3. Chris Stratton (PIT) – David Bednar threw 50 pitches across two innings on Monday and will likely get a second straight day of rest.
4. Ian Kennedy (ARI) – Mark Melancon has thrown nine pitches over each of the last two days, and while Arizona has Thursday off, the Diamondbacks may not want to use him on a third straight day.
5. Devin Williams (MIL) – Josh Hader pitched both games of Monday’s doubleheader and might need a second day off.
6. Matt Bush (TEX) – Joe Barlow has pitched in back-to-back games.
Tomorrow
1. Will Smith/A.J. Minter (ATL) – If Kenley Jansen pitches today, it will be two straight and three of four. That’s also true of Minter, while a Smith appearance would be three straight for him.
2. Rowan Wick (CHC) – If David Robertson pitches today, that will be two straight and four of five.
3. Daniel Hudson (LAD) – If Craig Kimbrel goes today that will be three of four.