September 4, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays — Andrew Kittredge struck out a pair in a perfect 9th inning to pick up his sixth save of the season. Kittredge has now recorded the last three saves for the Rays and four of the last five, with the only save he didn’t get being a three-inning save by Chris Mazza. For any other team, this would probably be enough to remove the asterisk, but we wouldn’t even dare suggest that for the Rays would we…
Hierarchy remains: *Kittredge | McHugh | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs – Rowan Wick struck out the side in a perfect 9th inning to earn his second save of the season. Wick has been used in the 9th for a save situation in his last three appearances, though he blew the save on Thursday. If this usage continues, Wick could establish himself as the primary closer for the Cubs to finish the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Wick | Heuer | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox – After Cleveland tied the game in the 7th inning, the Red Sox brought in Adam Ottavino to escape the jam. He struck out both batters he faced and would go on to get the win, but that left the save opportunity to Garrett Whitlock, who got the last 4 outs to earn his 2nd save of the year. Ottavino definitely got the higher leverage work here, but last night showed that this is still a committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Ottavino | Whitlock | Robles.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – The Mariners used their top arms earlier in a tie game, so when they took the lead in the 10th the save chance fell to Yohan Ramirez. Ramirez converted for his second save of the year, the last one also coming in extra innings on August 22. Ramirez is having a solid season and may be working towards a more prominent role in the bullpen, but we think he is still just off the hierarchy for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Steckenrider | Sadler.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Kyle Finnegan has been activated from the paternity list, and should step right back into his role as closer.
Hierarchy remains: Finnegan | Machado | Voth.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH:
Today
1. Cole Sulser (BAL) – Tyler Wells threw 32 pitches last night.
2. Adam Morgan (CHC) – Rowan Wick and Codi Heuer have pitched back to back and 3 of 4.
3. Trevor May (NYM) – Same for Edwin Diaz.
4. Andrew Chafin (OAK) – Sergio Romo has pitched back to back, throwing a total of 38 pitches.
5. Casey Sadler/Drew Steckenrider (SEA) – Paul Sewald has pitched in 2 of 3, throwing 50 pitches. Steckenrider has a similar workload but with fewer pitches.
Sunday:
1. Taylor Clarke (ARI) – Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Tyler Clippard.
2. Garrett Whitlock (BOS) – Same for Adam Ottavino
3. Daniel Bard (COL) – Same for Carlos Estevez
4. Jonathan Loaisiga/Chad Green (NYY) – same for Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Loaisiga.
5. Adam Cimber (TOR) – same for Jordan Romano.