September 5, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays have done it. Dietrich Enns (we swear that is a real person and not somebody that we made up for this post) pitched the final three innings of an 11-4 Rays victory to pick up his first career save. Enns became the recording breaking 13th Rays’ pitcher to record a save this season. Maybe the Rays should take Jayson Stark’s idea to boost attendance and have a Pick the Closer pool each game.
Hierarchy remains: *Kittredge | McHugh | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets — After the Mets blew a 9-0 lead in game one of their doubleheader yesterday, they were able to take the lead again in extra innings and that left Heath Hembree to record the save. Hembree recorded eight saves for the Reds this season but still doesn’t factor into the Met’s regular late-inning plans at this point.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | May | Lugo.
Seattle Mariners – The Mariners activated Diego Castillo from the IL and immediately threw him into a save situation. With Paul Sewald and Drew Steckenrider unavailable, the Mariners sent Castillo out for the 9th inning to protect a 3 run lead, and he was able to get the job done and record the save. We will slide Castillo back onto the hierarchy and see if he becomes a more prominent member of this committee down the stretch.
Updated hierarchy: *Sewald | Steckenrider | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Garrett Whitlock (BOS) – Adam Ottavino has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Daniel Bard (COL) – Carlos Estevez has also pitched in two straight and three of four.
3. Jonathan Loaisiga (NYM) – Same with Aroldis Chapman
4. Adam Cimber (TOR) – and Jordan Romano
5. Andres Machado (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan pitched in both games of the doubleheader yesterday.
Monday
1. Michael Lorenzen (CIN) – If Mychal Givens pitches today, it will be three in a row.
2. Trevor May/Seth Lugo (NYM) – If Edwin Diaz pitches today, it will be three of four and four of six.