April 16, 2017
New York Yankees — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances both got the day off on Saturday, and that left Tyler Clippard for the save chance. Clippard made it interesting, he allowed a homerun and two other baserunners, but was able to strike out the side to record his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.
Cincinnati Reds — On Saturday, Michael Lorenzen became the third Reds’ reliever to record a save this season. Lorenzen was coming off a rough outing on Friday where he allowed four runs, but was able to bounce back yesterday to pick up his first career save. Raisel Iglesias pitched two innings earlier in the game, and ended up with the win, while Drew Storen got the last out of the seventh and pitched a scoreless eighth ahead of Lorenzen. The Reds will continue to use Iglesias, Storen, and Lorenzen for saves as long as it continues to work.
Hierarchy remains: *Iglesias | Storen | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — With the Cubs up one in the seventh inning on Saturday, they summoned Pedro Strop from the bullpen. Unfortunately, Strop was not able to get the job done as he allowed a walk and a go-ahead homer while taking the loss. Koji Uehara, on the other hand, threw a scoreless eighth inning and has yet to allow a run on the season.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Uehara | Strop.
Atlanta Braves — Jose Ramirez (no, not that Jose Ramirez) earned his second consecutive seventh inning hold ahead of Arodys Vizcaino and closer Jim Johnson. Ramirez has been pitching well and should continue to see time in the seventh inning until Mauricio Cabrera is able to return.
Updated hierarchy: Johnson | Vizcaino | Ramirez
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Ian Krol, Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson, Arodyz Vizcaino, and Jose Ramirez have all pitched in two straight and three of the past four.
2. Brad Ziegler, Miami Marlins – A.J. Ramos has appeared in two straight and four of the last five games
3. Daniel Hudson, Pittsburgh Pirates – Tony Watson has pitched in two straight and three of the past four
Monday:
1. Koji Uehara, Chicago Cubs – Wade Davis has pitched in two of the past three games and will likely not be available Monday if he pitches today.