September 8, 2022
San Diego Padres — Josh Hader converted a second straight save opportunity on Wednesday, with Nick Martinez pitching the eighth in front of him. It was Hader’s first 1-2-3 inning in over a month. There’s been no official word on a move, but you know the Padres didn’t bring Hader to San Diego to set up a converted starter. We’ll toss a committee asterisk on here to account for the transition, but the job is again Hader’s to lose.
Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Martinez | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — You always remember the non-save closer outings that end poorly, and last night was one of those for Kyle Finnegan. Called on with a five-run lead because he hadn’t pitched in six days, Finnegan surrendered two walks, two singles, and two doubles in a combination that left him walking off the mound with the loss. Dave Martinez probably should have turned to John Daly.
Hierarchy remains: Finnegan | Edwards | Harvey.
Philadelphia Phillies — David Robertson got a night off and the Phillies went off the board in the ninth to Connor Brogdon. Brogdon started the inning with a home run and a single, but settled down and managed to earn his second save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
New York Yankees — Lucas Luetge picked up his second save of the season in the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader, coming in with a three-run lead in the seventh and finishing the game out after the lead stretched to six.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Peralta | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jonathan Loaisiga/Wandy Peralta (NYY) — Clay Holmes has pitched in three of four, including a two-inning outing last night.
2. Kendall Graveman (CWS) — Liam Hendriks has gone in two of three (43 total pitches).
3. Carl Edwards Jr./Hunter Harvey (WAS) — Kyle Finnegan could get a day off after last night’s struggles.
Friday:
1. Jhoan Duran (MIN) — An appearance Thursday for Jorge Lopez would be two straight.
2. Brad Hand (PHI) — David Robertson’s workload has been high lately.
3. Giovanny Gallegos/Jordan Hicks (STL) — If Ryan Helsley pitches today, it will be three of five.