August 26, 2022
Houston Astros – With Ryan Pressly on the injured list, Rafael Montero recorded the final three outs Thursday for his eighth save and will continue to see save chances in the meantime.
Updated hierarchy: Montero | Neris | Abreu
Seattle Mariners — Paul Sewald got the night off Thursday after going in two straight, leaving the door open for Andres Munoz to pitch a clean ninth for his third save. Diego Castillo pitched Wednesday, but his workload lately has been light, so he was presumably available. Munoz, though, has been excellent this season – he has 17 appearances with at least 3 strikeouts, tying a team record — and could be the preferred setup man in Seattle.
Updated hierarchy: *Sewald | Muñoz | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets – Edwin Diaz was called into the game in the eighth inning Thursday to face the Rockies’ 2-3-4 hitters, leaving the ninth inning for Adam Ottavino, who converted for his first save of the year. Diaz almost always is the ninth-inning guy, regardless of situation, but he’s been the Mets’ best reliever by a wide margin in the second half (not including Darin Ruf), so perhaps more non-ninth high-leverage looks are possible moving forward.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Ottavino | Lugo.
Oakland A’s – Sheldon Neuse, an infielder by trade, pitched the final 1.2 IP Thursday, retiring all five hitters he faced on just 11 pitches. That’s impressive for any pitcher, never mind a position player, and even in a 13-4 laugher.
Hierarchy remains: *Jimenez | Jackson | Puk.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes says he’s feeling good and expects to be activated from the injured list on Monday. He’ll probably step right back into the closer’s role.
Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Loaisiga | Chapman.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Dillon Tate (BAL) – Felix Bautista has gone 3.2 IP in appearing in two of three, including 2 IP (18 pitches) Thursday night.
2. Kendall Graveman (CHW) – Liam Hendriks has pitched in two straight, allowing 3 runs (2 earned).
3. Yimi Garcia (TOR) – Jordan Romano threw 2 innings Thursday and has appeared in two straight.
4. Hector Neris (HOU) – Rafael Montero has also gone in two straight.
Saturday:
1. Andres Munoz (SEA) – A Friday outing would be three of four for Paul Sewald.
2. Pete Fairbanks (TB) – If he pitches Friday, that would be three of five and five of eight for Jason Adam.