September 10, 2023
St. Louis Cardinals – Ryan Helsley pitched a scoreless inning for his first save since returning from the IL while Giovanny Gallegos got the 8th inning. Helsey has four scoreless appearances since coming back and should be the best option for saves on any given night.
Hierarchy remains: *Helsley | Gallegos | King.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Aroldis Chapman worked around a pair of walks to pitch a scoreless inning and close out a 3-2 Rangers win. Will Smith picked up the win with a scoreless 8th inning. The Rangers have been struggling so there haven’t been a ton of save chances but Chapman has recorded the last two saves and should continue to lead this committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Chapman | Smith | Leclerc.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers — Alex Lange went 1.1 perfect innings with a pair of strikeouts to pick up his 22nd save of the season. Lange has cut his walks down and seems to be settling back into the role as he has recorded the last five saves for the Tigers. We will get rid of the committee label and hope Lange can keep it going through the end of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Lange | Foley | Brieske.
Kansas City Royals – Austin Cox hurt his knee trying to cover 1st base and was placed on the 60-day IL. The Royals bullpen is a mess and they haven’t had any save chances in September so it’s probably best to just avoid this situation.
Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Clarke | Cruz.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC) – Adbert Alzolay has pitched in two straight.
2. John King (STL) – Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos have both pitched in two straight.
Monday
1. Shintaro Fujinami (BAL) – Yennis Cano threw 32 pitches yesterday and will likely get Monday off if he pitches again today.
2. Trevor Stephan (CLE) – If Emmanuel Clase pitches on Sunday, it will be four of five.
3. Kevin Ginkel/Scott McGough (ARI) – If Paul Sewald pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and three of four. Same for Kevin Ginkel.