June 11, 2022
Boston Red Sox — Hansel Robles is back for Boston, pitching a scoreless 7th inning after the Red Sox took the lead. Matt Strahm pitched the 8th, and escaped a jam only giving up 1 run, which left the save chance to Tanner Houck. We noted on Thursday that the Red Sox might give Houck a look at closer, and he responded with a clean inning to grab his first save of the year. Boston has shown a lot of flexibility with the back end of their bullpen, but this order seems to be how they would prefer the late innings to go. We will slide Houck to the top of the committee and see if he can stick there.
Updated Hierarchy: *Houck | Strahm | Robles
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — Dany Jimenez had another rough outing last night. Entering the 9th with a 2 run lead, he gave up a leadoff homer, followed by a walk, a double, an intentional pass to load the bases and a sac fly to give up the tying run. Sam Moll tried to put out the fire, but another sac fly later and Jimenez was on the hook for the A’s 10th straight loss. This has been part of a bad run for Jimenez, who has seen his ERA rise from 0.49 to 4.91 just over the past 2 weeks. The only thing keeping him secure in the closers role for now is that nobody in the A’s bullpen is pitching particularly well. Even so, if you’re depending on Oakland for saves it may be time to buy up some insurance in the form of A.J. Puk.
Hierarchy remains: Jimenez | Puk | Jackson
Miami Marlins – Tanner Scott continues to make the case that he should be the full time closer in Miami. He pitched a perfect 9th inning last night to earn his 4th save, and now has either the win or the save in his last 5 appearances. He will probably get the day off today (as you will see in the Vulture Save Watch), but he is clearly the guy to own in Miami.
Hierarchy Remains: *Scott | Bass | Floro.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers activated Craig Kimbrel from the paternity list, and he is expected to resume closing immediately.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol
Vulture Save Watch:
- Anthony Bass (MIA) — Tanner Scott has pitched in 3 straight.
- Will Smith (ATL) — Kenley Jansen has pitched in back to back and 3 of 4.
- Jhoan Duran (MIN) — Emilo Pagan has thrown 30 pitches over the past 3 days.
- Alex Colome (COL) — The Rockies play a doubleheader today…
- Luis Garcia (SD) — …against the Padres.
For Sunday:
- Rowan Wick (CHC) — David Robertson threw 28 pitches last night.
- Jake McGee (SF) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Camilo Doval.
- Michael King (NYY) — Today would be 3 in a row for Clay Holmes.