July 14, 2022
Washington Nationals — As we noted last night, Tanner Rainey is out for at least two months with a sprained UCL, and we expect Kyle Finnegan and Carl Edwards Jr. to split save chances in his absence.
Updated hierarchy: *Finnegan | Edwards | Cishek.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — Two Mariners wins on Wednesday and two Paul Sewald saves. The veteran has continued the revitalization of his career in Seattle and is the uncontested king of the bullpen at this point.
Hierarchy remains: Sewald | Castillo | Muñoz.
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers wanted to be sure to use Craig Kimbrel on Wednesday, so in he came in the eighth inning of a game the team trailed. When they took the lead in the top of the ninth, though, that left Evan Phillips to pick up his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.
Atlanta Braves — As we told you yesterday, Kenley Jansen was activated Wednesday and will immediately return to the closer role. He pitched a scoreless eighth down five to the Mets to ease back into the action.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Minter | Smith.
Texas Rangers — Jose Leclerc struggled with a five-run lead in the ninth, but Garrett Richards needed only one pitch to induce a game-ending flyout and pick up the save.
Hierarchy remains: *Martin | Santana | Burke.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — Rays saves leader Colin Poche picked up his first save in three weeks on Wednesday. Although the Rays have been up to their usual committee tricks this season, it’s been six weeks since one of their pitchers got his first save. The record of 14 looks safe.
Hierarchy remains: *Poche | Adam | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Wil Crowe (PIT) — David Bednar has pitched in four of five, blowing a save yesterday.
2. Carlos Estevez (COL) — Daniel Bard has pitched in three of four and Alex Colome left a game on Tuesday with hamstring cramps.
3. Michael King/Aroldis Chapman (NYY) — The top three options for the Yankees have all pitched in two straight, which might provide an opportunity for their former closer to get another shot. If Aaron Boone chooses to go with a hierarchy guy, King is the best-rested.
4. Devin Williams (MIL) — The Brewers are another team that’s used its top three back-to-back. Josh Hader blew the save Wednesday and could get today off.
5. Diego Castillo (SEA) — Paul Sewald appeared in two games yesterday.
Friday:
1. Taylor Clarke (KC) — Scott Barlow has pitched in two of three and Dylan Coleman isn’t with the team in Toronto.
2. Anthony Bass (MIA) — Tanner Scott has seen a lot of work lately.