May 1, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — Vulture Save Watch readers knew Hector Neris needed a night off and, sure enough, the Phillies went to Jose Alvarado against the top of the Mets’ order in the eighth inning — an eventful choice given Alvarado’s fiery celebrations and recent history. Sam Coonrod wound up with the vulture save, his first of the year. Neris should be ready to go today; we know Dominic Smith will be.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
Cincinnati Reds — The Reds started the ninth with a four-run lead; after the first two batters reached base, they went to Lucas Sims. Sims got two quick outs, but was wild the whole time, throwing a wild pitch and walking three. Tejay Antone came on with the bases loaded, getting the last out on three pitches for the first save of his career. While Sims’s final two walks could easily have been called strikeouts, you have to trust the umpire who saw interference here to get it right. While Sims might have gotten screwed out of a save last night, its hard to deny that Antone has earned a chance. We expect him to be a candidate for saves going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Sims | Antone | Doolittle.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — Sean Newcomb was activated from the IL yesterday and got immediately thrown into the action. It was not his best showing, as he gave up two hits, two walks, and two runs. Newcomb had been off to a great start before his IL stint, but it looks like the Braves will ease him back into the later innings.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Minter | Matzek.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tanner Scott (BAL) — Cesar Valdez has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing 53 pitches.
2. Devin Williams (MIL) — Josh Hader has pitched back-to-back and in three of four, while Devin Williams was held out of last night’s game.
3. Rafael Dolis (TOR) — Jordan Romano has thrown 34 pitches over the past three days.
Sunday:
1. Tejay Antone/Sean Doolittle (CIN) — Lucas Sims threw 27 pitches last night.
2. Emilo Pagan (SD) — Today would be two straight and three of four for Mark Melancon.
3. Daniel Hudson/Tanner Rainey (WAS) — Today would be two straight and three of four for Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson, so if either pitches today, he’ll likely get Sunday off.