September 3, 2017
Chicago White Sox — Juan Minaya picked up the save yesterday, his fourth since Tyler Clippard was traded in mid-August. Minaya is clearly the closer for the White Sox right now so we will drop the asterisk, but we will see how long that lasts. On Thursday, he blew the save by giving up two runs on two hits, two walks, and a walk off HBP with the bases loaded. Last night, he picked up right where he left off by hitting the first batter of the inning and then giving up two hits to load the bases with no outs. Minaya was able to get a double play and a strike out to convert the save last night, but if he keeps pitching like that, he might not be closing for long. Danny Farquhar has a win and two holds in six appearances since joining the White Sox, and the veteran looks to be next in line for saves if Minaya struggles.
Updated hierarchy: Minaya | Farquhar | Infante.
Los Angeles Angels — Blake Parker pitched a perfect tenth inning last night for his fifth save of the season. Parker has now recorded a save in each of his last four appearances, and has not allowed a hit in his last seven appearances. We will drop the asterisk for the Angels as well since Parker has looked dominant in the closer’s role.
Updated hierarchy: Parker | Bedrosian | Petit.
Kansas City Royals — The Royals are not overly concerned about Kelvin Herrera’s injury. He will likely miss a few games, but he should be back closing shortly. Brandon Maurer and Mike Minor should take care of any save chances while Herrera is resting.
Hierarchy remains: Herrera | Maurer | Minor.
Miami Marlins — With Brad Ziegler and Kyle Barraclough unavailable yesterday after pitching in the previous two games, the Marlins turned to Drew Steckenrider. Steckenrider struck out three batters in 1.1 innings en route to his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Daniel Hudson pitched a scoreless eighth inning ahead of closer Felipe Rivero yesterday for his 18th hold of the season. The veteran righty should continue to see time in the later innings for the Pirates.
Updated hierarchy: Rivero | Schugel | Hudson.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. David Hernandez – Fernando Rodney and Archie Bradley have both pitched in two straight and four of five. Hernandez has pitched in two straight as well, but only threw 15 pitches.
2. C.J. Edwards – Wade Davis has gone in back-to-back games, throwing a total of 35 pitches.
3. Brandon Maurer – Kelvin Herrera is expected to miss a few games with a forearm strain.
4. Nick Vincent – Edwin Diaz has pitched in two straight, throwing 38 pitches.
Monday
1. Joe Smith – If Cody Allen pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.
2. David Robertson – Dellin Betances has pitched in two of three.
3. Mark Melancon – Sam Dyson has pitched in two straight.