July 28, 2022
San Diego Padres — Taylor Rogers blew another save on Wednesday, his sixth in a 22-game stretch that has been as awful as the first 20 games were fantastic. Questioned after the game, he defended his performance (“tied for the [league] lead” in saves), but manager Bob Melvin said he would consider a closer change “down the road.” That usually means “after I get a chance to tell the guy to his face,” so we expect an announcement before Friday’s game. We like Luis Garcia a little bit better than Nick Martinez, but the two will probably split chances if Rogers gets a break. Watch this space.
Hierarchy remains: Rogers | Garcia | Martinez.
Tampa Bay Rays — In a true shocker, the Rays actually used their hierarchy in order in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings on Wednesday. Colin Poche gave up the game-tying run, though, which opened the door for Pete Fairbanks to pick up his first save of 2022.
Hierarchy remains: *Poche | Adam | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — Seattle decided to give their big guns a rest on Wednesday, leaving the save for Matthew Festa for the second time this month. Festa still appears to be outside the hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Castillo | Swanson.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — A.J. Puk grabbed a vulture save as projected in Wednesday’s update.
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Jackson | Puk.
Chicago White Sox — Kendall Graveman got the vulture save chance we forecast, but he threw it away with three walks and a ground-ball single. We can’t do it all.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Graveman | Kelly.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Garrett Whitlock (BOS) — Tanner Houck has pitched in two straight.
2. Eli Morgan (CLE) — Same with Emmanuel Clase.
3. Dennis Santana/Brock Burke/Matt Moore (TEX) — It’s been three of four for Brett Martin.
Friday:
1. Felix Bautista (BAL) — Jorge Lopez has gone in two straight.
2. Diego Castillo (SEA) — A Paul Sewald appearance would be three of four.
3. Luis Garcia/Nick Martinez (SD) — In addition to a heavy workload, Taylor Rogers is likely to lose his job.