May 8, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Matt Strahm came on for the 8th inning to protect a 3-run lead, then stayed on for the 9th after the Phillies stretched their lead further, earning his first career save. But in what is potentially more relevant news, Jose Alvarado was used in the 7th against the heart of the Boston lineup, which makes it more likely we’re headed back to a committee situation here. Watch this space for updates.
Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
New York Yankees – In a tie game against the Rays, the Yankees went with Clay Holmes in the 7th, Wandy Peralta in the 8th, and Michael King in the 9th. This situation is still very fluid, but it’s probably safe to say that on any given night, King has a better chance at a save than Holmes, even if it’s still questionable whether he can pitch on back to back nights with any consistency. We’ll swap them accordingly.
Updated hierarchy: *King | Holmes | Hamilton.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Andrew Nardi, the 6th man out of the bullpen, picked up a 14th inning save on Sunday, the first of his career. Though we love him even more because his first name is Andy, the Nard Dog doesn’t factor in to the Marlins’ usual late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: *Puk | Floro | Scott.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – Hunter Harvey got the save chance after the Nationals rallied to take the lead in the top of the 9th, and the righty converted for his first save of the season. We’ll shuffle him up to handcuff status as a reward.
Updated hierarchy: Finnegan | Harvey | Edwards.
Seattle Mariners – With Paul Sewald seeing a good bit of action lately, the Mariners gave the ball to Justin Topa in the 9th inning with a 2-run lead. Topa converted and is cementing himself as the best alternative on nights when Sewald is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Sewald | Topa | Brash.
Chicago Cubs – Another shaky outing pushed Brad Boxberger’s ERA to 4.50; meanwhile, Mark Leiter Jr. tossed two solid innings in extras to drop his to 1.13. He’s clearly been the most effective arm in the Cubs’ bullpen, so we’re shuffling him up to the top of the committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Leiter Jr. | Boxberger | Alzolay.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Clay Holmes/Ian Hamilton – Until Michael King proves he can pitch on back to back days, Holmes and Hamilton will be in this space the day after his appearances.
2. Colin Poche – Jason Adam has pitched on four of the last six days.
3. Trevor Stephan – Emmanuel Clase and James Karinchak have both pitched on back to back days.
4. Aroldis Chapman – Same for Scott Barlow.
5. Dylan Floro – Same for AJ Puk.
6. Brusdar Graterol – Same for Evan Phillips.
Tomorrow
1. Brad Boxberger/Adbert Alzolay – If Mark Leiter Jr. goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Giovanny Gallegos – Same for Ryan Helsley.
3. Peter Strzelecki – If Devin Williams goes today, it’s back to back.