Boston Red Sox – A day after Hansel Robles failed to get the job done in the 9th inning on a night that Tanner Houck was unavailable, the latter closed out a 2-0 shutout victory for the Red Sox with a perfect 9th. It was Houck’s second save on the season, and he’s likely the guy the Red Sox will use for these opportunities more often than not. Note, however, that Houck hasn’t pitched in back to back games all season long, and while his usage might be trending toward more frequent, shorter-stint appearances, a few other relievers might fill in until he gets there.
Hierarchy remains: *Houck | Strahm | Robles.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – Corey Knebel had an encouraging round of catch on Sunday, and while an IL stint is possible, it seems that he might be available again relatively soon. Seranthony Dominguez seems like the most likely fill-in closer at the moment.
Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Dominguez | Hand.
New York Yankees – Making his third appearance of the season, Manny Banuelos pitched the final three innings of a Yankees blowout win, earning his first save.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Castro.
Baltimore Orioles – Jorge Lopez had gone in two straight, so he got Sunday off, allowing Cionel Perez to pick up his first save of the season. Perez, a 26-year-old lefthander, doesn’t have the best control (19 IP, 19 Ks, 11 BBs), but he’s managed a 0.95 ERA despite his 1.42 WHIP thus far.
Hierarchy remains: Lopez | Bautista | Tate.
Cincinnati Reds – Alexis Diaz made it interesting on Sunday, entering with a 3-run lead in the 9th and giving up a 2-run HR four batters later, but he managed to strike out Albert Pujols to end it and earn his 2nd save of the season. Tony Santillan and Art Warren both appeared earlier in this one, though this hierarchy is extremely fluid.
Updated hierarchy: *Santillan | Warren | Diaz.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Will Smith – Kenley Jansen has gone in three of four.
2. Diego Castillo – Paul Sewald has gone back to back.
3. Matt Bush – Joe Barlow has gone back to back.
4. Seranthony Dominguez – Corey Knebel remains day to day.
Tomorrow
1. Rafael Montero – If Ryan Pressly goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Adam Cimber – Same for Jordan Romano.
3. Ian Kennedy – Same with Mark Melancon.