August 18, 2022
New York Yankees — A walk-off grand slam is a wonderful thing, but the Yankees needed it because of more control issues by Aroldis Chapman — two walks preceding a seeing-eye double. Chapman has the obvious pedigree to close, but Aaron Boone has shown once already this year that he’s not afraid to swap him out for an unheralded arm if necessary. Boone says he’ll play matchups with Clay Holmes on the injured list, but Chapman is likely only one more wild outing away from another demotion.
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Effross | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks — The night after an Ian Kennedy blown save, Mark Melancon got the shot to nail down the victory for Arizona. Neither man is pitching particularly well this season, but they seem to be locked into save chances ahead of Joe Mantiply.
Hierarchy remains: *Kennedy | Melancon | Mantiply.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Matt Moore’s move from the paternity list to the bereavement list is fortunately not a sign of tragedy, but rather an indication that Texas is willing to let Moore have more than three days away from the team to spend with his wife and newborn. Former closer Joe Barlow returned from the injured list on Wednesday and pitched a scoreless sixth, albeit with two baserunners.
Hierarchy remains: Hernandez | Burke | Leclerc.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Brandon Hughes (CHC) — Rowan Wick has gone back-to-back.
2. Evan Phillips/Alex Vesia (LAD) — It’s been two straight (and three of four) for Craig Kimbrel.
Friday:
1. Colin Poche (TB) — Jason Adam will have gone in four of five with an outing Thursday.
2. Kendall Graveman (CWS) — An appearance for Liam Hendriks on Thursday would make three of four and five of seven.
3. Dany Jimenez/A.J. Puk (OAK) — Zach Jackson has pitched in two games in three days.
4. Carl Edwards Jr. (WAS) — It’s been three of five for Kyle Finnegan.