May 19, 2021
Cleveland Indians — James Karinchak pitched for the first time in six days on Tuesday, picking up his fourth save of the year. There was no indication postgame from Terry Francona that Karinchak is now his closer, and it’s likely Emmanuel Clase, who threw 26 pitches on Sunday, was getting an extra day of rest. Karinchak’s numbers are hard to ignore, however, and it may not be long before he claims the top spot in the Cleveland hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: Clase | Karinchak | Shaw.
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis returned from the IL on Tuesday and got the final three outs in an 8-0 win over the Red Sox. Charlie Montoyo said that he’ll use Dolis anywhere from the sixth inning to the ninth inning. We’ll keep Jordan Romano at the top of this committee for now, but don’t be surprised to see Dolis get the next save chance.
Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – After we moved Tyler Rogers to the top of the Giants’ committee yesterday, it’s fitting that Jake McGee closed out Tuesday’s win with a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his 11th save of the season. Rogers had pitched in two straight and three of four heading into Tuesday, so a day off was probably in order.
Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | McGee | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies activated Archie Bradley off the IL on Tuesday and Bradley ended up with the win after he got the final out in the top of the eighth before his squad took the lead in the bottom half of the frame. Bradley projects to see some high-leverage opportunities, but we’ll see what exactly his workload entails before putting him back on the hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
Kansas City Royals – The good news? Josh Staumont has the last two saves for the Royals after closing out Tuesday’s triumph. The bad news? His previous save was on April 28. Staumont remains the best option for saves in Kansas City at the moment, but that means the Royals need to start winning more close games.
Hierarchy remains: *Staumont | Holland | Barlow.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Trevor May (NYM) – Edwin Diaz has pitched in three straight.
2. Mychal Givens (COL) – Daniel Bard threw 28 pitches over 1.1 IP last night.
Tomorrow
1. Mike Mayers/Tony Watson/Hunter Strickland (LAA) – If Raisel Iglesias pitches today, that will be three of four for him. The same is also true of Mayers and Watson, and the Angels have a doubleheader on Thursday, so maybe Strickland gets a chance for a save with his new team.
2. Jonathan Loaisiga/Chad Green (NYY) – If Aroldis Chapman goes today that will be two straight for him, with the same holding true for Loaisiga and Green.
3. Andrew Chafin (CHC) – A Wednesday appearance would be two in a row for Craig Kimbrel.
4. Chris Martin (ATL) – Ditto for Will Smith.