July 5, 2021
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman had another ugly outing, consisting of a leadoff homer to tie the game, followed by a walk and a hit batsman, both of whom eventually scored. But it wasn’t just that he was bad again. It was that the two relievers who are ostensibly competing with him for save opps were both stellar. Chad Green picked up a 1-out hold in game one of Sunday’s doubleheader, then came back and threw 3 perfect innings (including an immaculate one in the 7th) to close out the nightcap. Meanwhile, Jonathan Loiasiga contributed 2.1 scoreless innings of his own — though he did allow one inherited runner to score — in the first game. With Aaron Boone’s postgame comments about continuing “to talk through” the late game issues, combined with an earlier remark about getting his usually-otherworldly closer some lower-leverage work, we’re slapping a committee tag here and will wait to see how the next few games go.
Updated hierarchy: *Chapman | Green | Loiasiga.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates – Righty David Bednar picked up an 8th inning hold on Sunday, and has now given up just 1 run in his last 8 outings, and the peripherals look good, too, as he’s now recorded 40 Ks in 32 innings to go along with a 3.38 ERA and 1.09 WHIP on the year. With Richard Rodriguez a prime trade candidate, we’ll be watching the Pirates set-up men closely to see who might grab the job should Rodriguez get moved.
Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Crick | Bednar.
Cincinnati Reds – After eight straight scoreless outings, Amir Garrett was rewarded with a save opportunity on Sunday, and he converted, retiring the last two hitters around a walk for his 6th save. Brad Brach was brought in for the 3-4-5 hitters in the 8th, and pitched a strong 1.1 innings ahead of Garrett, so he’s still at the top of this committee, but we’ll move Garrett up a spot in light of his recent success.
Updated hierarchy: *Brach | Garrett | Hembree.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – Brooks Raley picked up his second save of the season on Sunday with a scoreless 10th inning. Ryne Pressly and Ryne Stanek weren’t available, as you would’ve known if you read the Vulture Save Watch yesterday.
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Stanek | Raley.
San Francisco Giants – Tyler Rogers got a 1-out save on Sunday after 8.2 brilliant innings by Anthony DeSclafani. This remains a two-headed committee.
Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – Chris Martin has rebounded from a couple of ugly games in mid-June and has re-established himself as a key fixture in the late innings for the Braves. Sunday’s outing — in which he worked himself in and out of trouble — was his third straight 8th inning appearance.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Minter | Martin.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Dylan Floro – Yimi Garcia has gone back to back, including a dreadful outing on Sunday against the Braves. He’ll likely get today off.
2. Jimmy Nelson – This whole hierarchy has gone back to back.
3. Mike Mayers – Raisel Iglesias has gone three straight.
4. Adam Ottavino – Matt Barnes threw 33 pitches yesterday and might not be available tonight; if he does go, then he’ll be down tomorrow.
Tomorrow
1. AJ Minter/Chris Martin – If Will Smith goes today, it’s back to back and four of five.