July 12, 2022
New York Mets – While Drew Smith and Seth Lugo have traded inconsistent outings, veteran Adam Ottavino has become a stabilizing force in the Mets bullpen. He got the 8th inning last night in a 2-run game and pitched a scoreless inning, and is now, at minimum, in the conversation for saves when Edwin Diaz is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Ottavino | Lugo.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Yerry de los Santos got the last out of the 8th in what was a 2-run game, then stayed on for the 9th when the Pirates stretched their lead to four. It’s his third save of the season, all of which have come since June 29.
Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Crowe | de los Santos.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Adam Ottavino/Seth Lugo – Edwin Diaz has gone three straight.
2. Joel Payamps – This whole bullpen is gassed after yesterday’s doubleheader — Scott Barlow pitched both games — so we’ll go off hierarchy with Joel Payamps for a possible vulture save tonight.
Tomorrow
1. Luis Garcia – Taylor Rogers threw 25 pitches yesterday in a shaky outing; if he goes again tonight, he’s likely down Wednesday.