April 29, 2023
Tampa Bay Rays — After Pete Fairbanks was removed in the middle of the 9th inning, rookie Kevin Kelly came in with two men on and two outs in a 1 run game. Kelly got a popout to end the threat, and secured the first save of his career. After the game, Fairbanks said he was removed due to Reynaud’s Syndrome, which affected him last year in the playoffs and prevents circulation form getting to his fingers. Fairbanks seemed optimistic that he could pitch through it, but this may limit his opportunities in colder weather. As it seems he will avoid the IL, we will put him back into the hierarchy, but with Jason Adam and Colin Poche both pitching well the Rays will have options going forward.
Updated Hierarchy: *Fairbanks | Adam | Poche.
*=closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins — If you follow the Vulture Save Watch you know that Jhoan Duran had an immigration appointment yesterday, which prevented him from being with the team. This left the clear save opportunity to Jorge Lopez, and although he gave up a couple hits he gave up no runs and got his second save of the year. Duran’s return date is not certain, so expect Lopez to get the bulk of the save chances until he returns.
Hierarchy remains: *Duran | Lopez | Thielbar.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – With Texas holding a 2 run lead in the 9th, it was Will Smith, not Jose Leclerc, coming out of the bullpen for the save. Smith was facing a right-switch-left batting order, so this wasn’t just a matchup based save chance. Smith converted for his 3rd save of the year to Jose Leclerc’s 1. Leclerc did pitch on Thursday, but only threw 14 pitches, and while he has only given up 1 earned run this season, he has struggled with his command at times. After Thursday’s game Bruce Bochy said they need him to “get on track” which is never a good sign for a closer. Given the recent usage it seems Will Smith is the arm to own in Texas, but with Leclerc still sporting very good stats don’t be surprised to see them splitting save chances.
Updated hierarchy: *Smith| Leclerc| Hernandez.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Angels – If Estevez hadn’t pitched his way to the top spot of the Angels hierarchy, Jose Quijada hitting the IL yesterday certainly locked in his position. We expect Matt Moore to serve as the primary set up man, while Aaron Loup has gotten a hold in the Angels last two save opportunities. Andrew Wantz has also started the year well and may see some higher leverage work going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Estevez | Moore | Loup.
* = closer-by-committee
Vulture Save Watch:
- Jorge Lopez (MIN) — Jhoan Duran is still not working through his immigration questions.
- Aaron Bummer (CHW) — Both Reynaldo Lopez and Kendall Graveman have pitched back to back days.
- Tanner Scott (MIA) — A.J. Puk has pitched back to back and secured the win in both games, while Dylan Floro has gone in 3 straight.
- Pierce Johnson (COL) — Daniel Bard has pitched in 2 of 3, including a 21 pitch outing last night.
- Colin Holderman (PIT) — The Pirates have a doubleheader….
- CJ Edwards (WAS) — …Against the Nationals.
- Cionel Perez (BAL) — The Orioles have a doubleheader…
- Jason Foley (DET) — …Against the Tigers.
For Sunday
- James Karinchak/Trevor Stephan (CLE) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Emmanuel Clase
- Craig Kimbrel (PHI) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Jose Alvarado.
- Peter Strzelecki/Bryse Wilson (MIL) — Same for Devin Williams and Peter Strzelecki.