April 10, 2022
Colorado Rockies – Daniel Bard struck out the side in a perfect 9th inning to record the Rockies’ first save of the season. Alex Colome struggled in the 8th inning ahead of Bard and manager Bud Black acknowledged he would prefer Colome to pitch at a faster pace. Bard moves to the head of the committee and at least one beat writer thinks Bard will be the closer going forward. We are a little skeptical given Bard’s struggles in the role last year, but if he can convert a couple more saves early in the season, he will kick the asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: *Bard | Colome | Estevez
*= closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes is dealing with a tight back and won’t pitch until Monday at the earliest. Jake Diekman and Hansel Robles should see save chances while Barnes is unavailable, and we will alert you if Barnes ends up needing a stint on the IL.
Hierarchy remains: *Barnes | Diekman | Robles
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Kenley Jansen got the day off after a 30 pitch blown save on Friday and that allowed Will Smith to record his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Smith | Matzek
Miami Marlins – Anthony Bender blew his first save chance of the season on Friday, but the Marlins stuck with him on Saturday and he was able to close out a one-run victory. We will see if Bender can settle into the role while Dylan Floro is sidelined.
Hierarchy remains: *Bender | Sulser | Bass
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — Drew Steckenrider picked up the save on opening day with Paul Sewald getting the 8th inning ahead of him. Both relievers then got Saturday off and the third member of the Mariners’ committee, Diego Castillo, struck out a pair in a perfect 9th for his first save of the season. The Mariners have a very strong bullpen and they showed last year that they are not afraid to use multiple guys to close out games.
Hierarchy remains: *Steckenrider | Sewald | Castillo
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — Andrew Kittredge recorded his first save of the season in the Rays’ 5-3 victory yesterday. We all know what the Rays do with their bullpen at this point, but it’s encouraging for fantasy owners that drafted Kittredge to see him get a save.
Hierarchy Remains: Kittredge* | Chargois | Feyereisen
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Yimi Garcia has picked up an 8th inning hold and a 7th inning hold ahead of two Jordan Romano saves to start the season and it looks like he will be an important piece setting up Romano this year.
Updated hierarchy: Romano | Garcia | Cimber
San Diego Padres — Pierce Johnson pitched a scoreless 8th inning ahead of closer Taylor Rogers yesterday. Johnson now has two 8th inning holds and that is enough to get him onto our hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Suarez | Johnson
Chicago White Sox — Aaron Bummer gave up singles to the first two batters he faced in the ninth inning, but then he struck out the side to pick up his first save of the season. Closer Liam Hendriks and set-up man Kendall Graveman were both rested yesterday.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Graveman | Bummer
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Seth Lugo – Edwin Diaz is on the bereavement list
2. Jonathan Loaisiga – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight
3. Jake Diekman/Hansel Robles – Matt Barnes will be unavailable today
4. Adam Cimber – Jordan Romano and Yimi Garcia have both pitched in two straight
5. J.T. Chargois – Andrew Kittredge has pitched in two straight
6. Archie Bradley – Raisel Iglesias picked up a save yesterday and Joe Maddon has said he doesn’t want to use his relievers on back-to-back games early in the season
7. Anthony Bass – Anthony Bender and Cole Sulser have both pitched in two straight
8. Jose Alvarado – Corey Knebel has also pitched in two straight
9. Robert Suarez – Taylor Rogers has also pitched in two straight
10. Tyler Rogers – Jake McGee and Camilo Doval have both pitched in two straight
Monday
1. Will Smith – If Kenley Jansen pitches on Sunday, it will be two of three, including his 30 pitch effort on Friday.
2. Seth Lugo/Trevor May – Edwin Diaz will miss Monday’s game as well