August 16, 2020
San Francisco Giants — Sometimes after a bad night, it’s best to get right back out there the next night with a chance to get back on track. Unfortunately for Trevor Gott, that was not the case. After giving up 5 runs on Friday, Gott was sent back out there to protect a 3 run lead on Saturday. He proceeded to give up two homers for the second straight appearance on his way to the blown save. Manager Gabe Kapler says that he still believes in Gott, but fantasy owners may feel differently. Tony Watson got the 8th inning hold before Gott blew the save and he seems to be rounding into form. We will keep an eye on this to see if the Giants decide to make a change.
Updated hierarchy: Gott | Rogers | Watson.
St. Louis Cardinals — The Cardinals won both games of their doubleheader yesterday and both were relatively close games. In game 2, Andrew Miller pitched a scoreless final inning to preserve a 6-3 victory and record his first save of the season. In game 1, Giovanny Gallegos pitched the second to last inning and was impressive, striking out the side on only 12 pitches. Although it is significant that Miller got the first save since Kim moved to the rotation, Gallegos was great last year and is off to a good start after missing the beginning of the season. This is still a committee, and Gallegos looks to be the best arm in the bullpen, but if Miller gets another save, he will move to the top.
Hierarchy remains: *Gallegos | Miller | Gant.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers — Alex Claudio got the call in extras and pitched a scoreless inning for his first save since 2018. Josh Hader got the day off and Corey Knebel had already pitched.
Hierarchy remains: Hader | Knebel | Williams.
Kansas City Royals — Josh Staumont set up Trevor Rosenthal in game 2 of the Royals’ doubleheader yesterday. Meanwhile, Greg Holland pitched in a losing effort in game 1. Manager Mike Matheny had good things to say about the combination of Staumont and Rosenthal and we could see them together in the later innings more frequently moving forward.
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Barlow | Staumont.
San Diego Padres – Kirby Yates has officially been placed on the IL, and he had an MRI done that revealed bone chips in his elbow. Yates will get a second opinion tomorrow.
Hierarchy remains: Pomeranz | Pagan | Stammen.
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman could be activated Monday or Tuesday. Chapman will be the team’s closer when he returns but he might need a few outings before he returns to that role full time.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | Ottavino | Green.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Will Smith/Shane Green – Mark Melancon has pitched in two straight. Will Smith just returned from injury and pitched yesterday so the Braves might be cautious with him.
2. Blake Treinen – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight, and three of four.
3. Joakim Soria – Liam Hendriks has also pitched in two straight and three of four.
4. Shaun Anderson – Trevor Gott, Tony Watson, and Tyler Rogers have all pitched in back-to-back games
Monday
1. Hector Rondon – Archie Bradley threw 22 pitches yesterday and if he pitches again Sunday, he will likely get Monday off.
2. Miguel Castro – If Cole Sulser pitches today, it will be two straight.
3. Blake Taylor – Same for Ryan Pressly