April 24, 2021
Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland went on the IL yesterday, and the reasons are still undisclosed, although there’s some speculation that it’s a COVID placement and he could be back soon. Last night the Royals had a four-run lead and used Josh Staumont in the ninth inning. This wasn’t a save situation, but it was close, and Staumont now has a 0.90 ERA and appears to be the committee leader.
Hierarchy remains: *Staumont | Zimmer | Barlow.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins — After J.A. Happ turned in a gem of a performance, the Twins used Tyler Duffey to finish the eighth, and Taylor Rogers to get the last two outs of the ninth. Alex Colome has struggled to start the year — including a 49-pitch outing on Wednesday — and his underlying stats are not pretty. This is still a committee, especially with Rogers’ use in a matchup role, but we’re ready to speculate that Rogers is narrowly the save favorite going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Colome | Robles.
*closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — Never regret thy fall O Icarus! The asterisk in Tampa was seemingly the only thing keeping the bullpen gods at bay, and the Rays placed Diego Castillo on the COVID IL yesterday with side effects from vaccination. He is only projected to miss Friday’s game, but keep an eye out for his activation today just to be safe.
Hierarchy remains: Castillo | Springs | Thompson.
Oakland A’s — As foretold by the Vulture Save Watch, Lou Trivino got the night off after throwing 34 pitches. Jake Diekman got the save chance, protecting a two-run lead. He pitched a clean inning for his second save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Diekman | Petit.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Kevin Ginkel (ARI) — Stefan Crichton may need an extra day after being hit with a comebacker.
2. Joe Smith (HOU) — Ryan Pressly has gone back to back, including a 29-pitch, two-inning outing yesterday.
3. Darwinzon Hernandez (BOS) — Both Matt Barnes and Adam Ottavino have pitched in back to back and three of four.
4. Aaron Bummer (CHW) — Liam Hendriks threw 32 pitches over 1.2 innings last night and will probably get today off.
5. Darren O’Day (NYY) — Aroldis Chapman and Chad Green have both pitched in back to back and three of four.
6. Wandy Peralta (SF) — Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers have pitched in back to back and three of four.
7. Jeffrey Springs (TB) — Diego Castillo should be back today, but in case he needs another day off, Springs is well rested.
Sunday:
1. AJ Minter (ATL) — Today would be back to back and three out of four for Will Smith.
2. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Same for Hector Neris.
3. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — And Alex Reyes.
4. Tim Mayza/Trent Thornton (TOR) — And Rafael Dolis and Tim Mayza.