August 9, 2021
Seattle Mariners – Drew Steckenrider returned to action after a long stretch without much action, earning a 2-inning save against the Yankees. That’s all we needed to see to get him back on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Castillo | Sewald | Steckenrider.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Mychal Givens got his second save in four days, both on occasions where Heath Hembree was seemingly available. Despite spending most of the year in Colorado, Givens has put up a 2.27 ERA. While his peripherals suggest that his low ERA has been due in part to good fortune, Cincinnati looks to continue using him in high-leverage spots or perhaps as their full-time stopper. We’re moving Givens up to the top of this committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Givens | Hembree | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – With Will Smith being given the day off, the Braves went to Chris Martin in the 9th inning, who earned the save despite giving up a run. Richard Rodriguez had pitched earlier, getting out of a jam in the 7th and then pitching a scoreless 8th.
Hierarchy remains: *Smith | Rodriguez | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – With all of the Giants’ top arms getting the day off, Zack Littell got his first big league save, pitching the final two innings. He doesn’t factor in to San Francisco’s usual late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – Having already used Scott Barlow and Greg Holland to navigate the 8th inning, the Royals were left with Richard Lovelady — who is a totally real person that we’ve definitely heard of before — to pitch the 9th. Lovelady got the job done, picking up his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: *Barlow | Holland | Staumont.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Emilio Pagan – Mark Melancon has gone back to back