May 7, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — After the Jays called on a shaky Drew Storen to finish off a 5-2 win over the Dodgers, John Gibbons explained that Roberto Osuna was unavailable with a mild groin strain. Osuna, speaking through a translator (to the bafflement of Blue Jay Twitter), said he’d be fine for Saturday, but Gibbons wasn’t ready to commit. Meanwhile, Brett Cecil continues to be used primarily as a lefty specialist, while Jesse Chavez has impressed (16 K in 10.2 IP). As long as Chavez stays in the bullpen, he has a chance at high-leverage work.
Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Storen | Chavez.
San Francisco Giants — Cory Gearrin isn’t striking guys out, but he’s retiring them nonetheless, and Bruce Bochy appreciates his calm demeanor in the late innings. He finished the eighth last night in a tight win over the Rockies. Gearrin, whose last save came three years ago (but was still predicted by the Vulture Save Watch), is definitely in the mix to pick up another if Santiago Casilla needs a rest.
Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Osich | Gearrin.
Cincinnati Reds — The Reds finally grabbed their second save of the year, after only 30 games. Tony Cingrani earned it by escaping an eighth-inning jam, then finishing things up in the ninth while Ross Ohlendorf warmed. With four scoreless innings, the bullpen’s record streak of consecutive games allowing a run ended at 23. After the game, Bryan Price praised Cingrani, but confirmed that he is not the team’s sole closer.
Hierarchy remains: *Ohlendorf | Cingrani | Cotham.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — As we predicted, A.J. Ramos got a break on Friday, and David Phelps nailed down his second vulture save for the red-hot Fish.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Phelps | Barraclough.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Drew Storen, Toronto Blue Jays — If Osuna’s groin stays balky, Storen could get another save chance.
2. Brandon Maurer, San Diego Padres — Fernando Rodney has fired arrows in four of five (and five of seven) and might get Saturday off to replenish his quiver.
3. Dellin Betances/Chasen Shreve, New York Yankees — Andrew Miller needed 36 pitches and a Big Papi hissyfit to escape the ninth on Friday (by the way, that ugly 3-1 pitch was somehow a strike). The Yankees haven’t needed a closer too often lately, but Betances or Shreve could get the call Saturday. Remember: on Monday, Aroldis Chapman comes back.
4. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon hasn’t thrown many pitches, but he’s been used on three straight days.
