August 26, 2021
Boston Red Sox — After Matt Barnes’s latest implosion and prior to the start of Wednesday’s game, Alex Cora confirmed that Barnes was not likely to get the next save chance. Cora name-checked several ninth-inning options, including Hansel Robles — who saved the Red Sox on Tuesday night, but gave up five runs in the tenth last night — sometime-starter Garrett Richards, and rookie Garrett Whitlock. Adam Ottavino didn’t get a mention, but the eighth-inning mainstay has eight saves already. We think this will be a true committee for at least the next few days, and the combination of performance and workload leads us to think Whitlock will get the next shot.
Updated hierarchy: *Whitlock | Ottavino | Robles.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies — With a three-run homer that would have been an out in any stadium but Wrigley, Daniel Bard blew his eighth save of the year and put his position as Colorado’s closer in serious danger. The Rockies came back to win the game, but Bud Black said the coaching staff will talk over what to do going into Thursday’s off day. We’d give Carlos Estevez (two saves, 8.74 K/9, 4.14 FIP) an edge over Jhoulys Chacin (no career saves, 6.89 K/9, 4.76 FIP) if you’re looking to speculate in the meantime.
Hierarchy remains: Bard | Estevez | Chacin.
Cincinnati Reds — Tejay Antone is indeed back on the IL, with forearm tightness and what the Reds fear might be another extended absence and possible surgery. Best wishes to Antone for a quick recovery.
Hierarchy remains: Givens | Lorenzen | Sims.
Chicago Cubs — Lefty Adam Morgan, who has quietly been the Cubs’ most effective reliever since the All-Star break, effectively protected a three-run lead in game one of Wednesday’s doubleheader. The veteran Morgan has overcome injury woes over the last two seasons to become a key man in the Chicago bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: *Wick | Heuer | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was activated from the COVID-19 IL on Wednesday and should return to sharing seventh-inning duties with Corey Knebel. Kelly got one out in the seventh last night, several hours before eighth-in-line Shane Greene pitched a scoreless sixteenth to earn his first save in a few years.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.
Toronto Blue Jays — Joakim Soria was activated from the IL, but didn’t pitch on Wednesday. We’ll keep an eye on his usage going forward to see if he can crack the hierarchy again.
Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Cimber | Hand.
*=closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Josh Staumont (KC) — Scott Barlow threw 31 pitches in a blown save on Wednesday.
2. Adam Cimber (TOR) — Jordan Romano has pitched in two of three and four of six.
3. Craig Kimbrel (CHW) — Liam Hendriks might get a second day off.
4. Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY) — Aroldis Chapman could be back in a closer committee.
Friday:
1. Tyler Rogers (SF) — Jake McGee needed 24 pitches to get the save last night.
2. Andres Machado (WAS) — Kyle Finnegan has gone in two straight.
3. Blake Treinen (LAD) — Same with Kenley Jansen.