August 8, 2021
New York Yankees — As we alerted you yesterday, Aroldis Chapman was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation. The MRI did not reveal any structural damage and the Yankees are hopeful he can return from the IL when eligible. Jonathan Loaisiga picked up the save yesterday and we think he will lead a committee that includes Chad Green and Zack Britton while Chapman is out.
Updated hierarchy: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — Reds manager David Bell says there is a “good chance” that Lucas Sims will be activated from the IL today. Sims was the main option for saves out of the Reds bullpen before he got injured but a lot has changed since then. We think the Reds will likely ease Sims back into high leverage spots given the other options they have at this point, but since nobody has run away with the closer’s job while he was out, Sims could quickly move back up to the top if he can pitch well.
Hierarchy remains: *Hembree | Givens | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — Another day, another eighth-inning appearance for Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel’s usage since being acquired by the White Sox has to be alarming for fantasy owners looking for saves from the dominant reliever. We will continue to monitor this situation to see how the White Sox use Kimbrel and Liam Hendriks moving forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Hendriks | Kimbrel | Kopech.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes pitched the bottom of the seventh inning of game two of the doubleheader yesterday with the game tied. After the Red Sox took the lead in the top of the eighth inning, Adam Ottavino came on for the bottom of the inning and closed it out for his eighth save. Ottavino was really struggling at the end of July but has strung together a couple of scoreless appearances in August and should continue to pick up any saves when Barnes is not available.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Ottavino | Robles.
St. Louis Cardinals — Alex Reyes got the day off after pitching in the previous two games and that allowed Giovanny Gallegos to pick up his second save of the season. Gallegos should continue to serve as the primary set-up man for Reyes and get any save chances when Reyes is not available.
Hierarchy remains: Reyes | Gallegos | Cabrera.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Richard Rodriguez (ATL) – Will Smith has pitched in three of the past four.
2. Blake Treinen (LAD) – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight and three of four.
3. Tony Watson (SF) – Jake McGee, Tyler Rogers, and Dominic Leone have all pitched in three straight.
4. Jhoulys Chacin (COL) – Daniel Bard and Carlos Estevez have both pitched in three of the past four.
5. Yimi Garcia (HOU) – Ryan Pressly, Kendal Graveman, and Ryne Stanek have all pitched in two straight.
6. Chad Green (NYY) – Jonathan Loaisiga has pitched in two straight and three of four.
7. Jose Alvarado/Archie Bradley (PHI) – Ian Kennedy has pitched in two straight, three of four, and five of seven.
8. Paul Sewald (SEA) – Diego Castillo has pitched in two straight.
Monday
1. Emilio Pagan (SD) – If Mark Melancon pitches today, it will be two straight.