August 27, 2022
Baltimore Orioles – As the vulture save watch predicted, it was Dillon Tate getting the save as Felix Bautista got the night off. Cionel Perez actually was brought out for the 9th inning first, but after putting the tying run on base, Dillon Tate came in for the last out and his 3rd save of the season. Bautista should resume as the primary closer today.
Hierarchy remain: Bautista | Tate | Perez.
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies used Jose Alvarado to get out of a jam in the 7th inning, and had David Robertson face the heart of the Pirates lineup in the 8th, which left the 9th inning to Brad Hand. Hand took a ball off his foot to convert his 5th save of the year, but it is his first since before the all-star break. Robertson is still the best arm to own in this bullpen, but this usage may be the hint of a relief ace emerging in Philadelphia.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
Texas Rangers – With Jonathan Hernandez having pitched the 8th the Rangers gave the ball to Jose Leclerc with a 3 run lead. He made it interesting, giving up a 2 run homer, but shut the door for his second save. Hernandez faced the toughest part of the Tigers lineup, and given Leclerc’s struggle through the 9th inning there is little reason to think that Hernandez is in danger of losing his job, but with Texas on a bit of a hot streak now (won 5 of their last 6) we could see some more vulture saves out of this bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Hernandez | Moore | Leclerc.
St. Louis Cardinals – Ryan Helsley came off the restricted list yesterday, and while he didn’t pitch in last night’s loss, we expect him to return to closing immediately.
Updated hierarchy: Helsley | Gallegos | Cabrera.
Los Angeles Angels – Ryan Tepera was placed on the restricted list yesterday on their way to Canada. If the Angels have to dig deep, it may be Jimmy Herget, who vultured a save earlier this month, that gets an increased role.
Updated hierarchy: *Quijada | Chavez | Herget.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs – Brandon Hughes pitched the 8th inning with a 1 run lead, and came out for the 9th but a solo homer to tie it chased him from the game. After Sean Newcomb escaped a jam in the 9th, the Cubs took the lead in extra innings and the save chance fell to Manuel Rodriguez in his first appearance of the season. He allowed the ghost runner to score, but got out of the inning to earn the save. Rodriguez doesn’t usually factor into the late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: *Hughes | Wick | Uelmen
* = closer-by-committee
Vulture Save Watch:
- Rowan Wick (CHC) — Brandon Hughes has pitched in 3 of 4 and threw 27 pitches last night.
- Andres Munoz (SEA) — Paul Sewald has also thrown in 3 of 4, but only 12 pitches last night.
- Adam Ottavino (NYM) — Edwin Diaz has pitched in back to back games, throwing 32 pitches.
For Sunday:
- Yimi Garcia (TOR) — Today would be 3 of 4 for Jordan Romano, who has also thrown 43 pitches the past 3 days.
- Dylan Floro/Steven Okert (MIA) — The entire Marlins bullpen pitched last night, so whoever gets the day off today could be in line for a save tomorrow.
- Jose Alavarado (PHI) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for David Robertson.
- John Schreiber (BOS) — Same for Garrett Whitlock.