August 14, 2021
Texas Rangers — Spencer Patton got the ball in the 8th inning with a three-run lead, leaving the 9th inning for Joe Barlow. Barlow has been excellent this year and hasn’t given up a run since his first appearance in July. Meanwhile, Spencer Patton has blown two of his three save chances since Ian Kennedy was traded. Texas is still likely in committee mode, but it looks like Barlow might have jumped to the top of the list.
Updated hierarchy: *Barlow | Patton | Sborz.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – With a three-run lead the Giants had Jake McGee up for the save opportunity, but after letting two runs score and putting men on first and second, the Giants went to Zack Littell to put out the fire. He struck out the only batter he faced to earn his second save of the last week. Jake McGee has struggled his last two outings but has been excellent overall and this isn’t likely to unseat him at the head of this committee. Zack Littell’s heroics were enough to land him on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *McGee | Rogers | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — With the Red Sox up big, they brought Garrett Richards out of the bullpen first. He never gave up the ball, working 3 scoreless innings to earn his first save since May of 2013. Richards, who started the season as a starter, doesn’t usually factor into the Red Sox late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Ottavino | Taylor.
Tampa Bay Rays — Tampa Bay had a seven-run lead going into the 7th and gave the ball to recently recalled Evan Phillips. Three innings and one run later he had his first career save. Despite his perfect save conversion rate, Phillips likely won’t see more save opportunities. On the other hand, he pitches for the Rays, so he could be right back in our update next week. In other Rays’ bullpen news, Nick Anderson, who was expected to close at the beginning of the season, will pitch again today for Durham but is probably still a few weeks away due to when he got hurt.
Hierarchy remains: *Wisler | Kittredge | Sherriff.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Luke Jackson (ATL) – Will Smith has pitched in 3 of 4, including 22 pitches last night, and Richard Rodriguez has had a similar workload, while Jackson is well-rested.
2. Cory Knebel (LAD) – Kenley Jansen has pitched in back-to-back games (including 2 innings last night), while Blake Treinen threw 20 pitches last night.
3. Trevor May (NYM) – Edwin Diaz has pitched 3 in a row, while Trevor May was rested last night.
4. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Jake McGee threw 25 pitches last night.
5. Chris Stratton (PIT) – The Pirates play a doubleheader…
6. Devin Williams (MIL) – …. Against the Brewers.
Sunday
1. Tyler Gilbert (ARI) – Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Tyler Clippard.
2. Kendall Graveman/Ryne Stanek (HOU) – Same for Ryan Pressly.