August 5, 2022
Oakland A’s — Dany Jimenez looked great Thursday in his first game back from the IL, striking out the side in the eighth inning. Zach Jackson had some trouble in the ninth, giving up a home run and a walk before A.J. Puk entered to retire Shohei Ohtani for his third save. Jackson’s hold at the top of the committee is rather tenuous, and if Jimenez continues to look this good, a switch could be coming.
Hierarchy remains: *Jackson | Jimenez | Puk.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – Jonathan Hernandez was impressive Thursday to earn his second save (he has the Rangers’ past two saves). Thursday was his second game of a back-to-back coming off Tommy John surgery, which is a good sign that he appears to have the durability for the closer’s role. If he gets another uncontested save, the job is his and the asterisk is kicked.
Hierarchy remains: *Hernandez | Moore | Burke.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Evan Phillips (LAD) – Craig Kimbrel has gone in two straight.
2. Brock Burke (TEX) – Same as above for Jonathan Hernandez and Matt Moore.
3. Brad Boxberger (MIL) – The above is also true for Devin Williams.
Saturday:
1. Dany Jimenez (OAK) – The Athletics are off Friday, but Zach Jackson and A.J. Puk have been busy (they both pitched Wednesday and Thursday).
2. Josh Staumont (KC) – A Friday outing would be two in a row and three of five for Scott Barlow.
3. Garrett Whitlock (BOS) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of five for Tanner Houck.
4. Joe Jimenez (DET) – A Friday outing would also be three of five for Gregory Soto.
5. Anthony Bass (TOR) – If Jordan Romano pitches Friday, that would be four of seven for him.
6. Raisel Iglesias (ATL) – The Braves have a doubleheader against the Mets.
7. Adam Ottavino (NYM) – Edwin Diaz threw 28 pitches in a dominant two-inning outing Thursday, and he likely won’t pitch both games Saturday.
8. Jose Quijada (LAA) – Also, the Angels have a doubleheader…
9. Andres Munoz (SEA) – … against the Mariners.