April 16, 2022
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman needed a rest both due to workload and also to get some distance from a disaster outing against the Blue Jays on Thursday. Unfortunately, he got pressed into service in the 11th inning after Clarke Schmidt loaded the bases loaded with 1 out. The historically correct play is to issue an intentional walk with the bases loaded, which the Angels proved again last night. Chapman decided take the brave man’s route of pitching to the Orioles, and after a quick strikeout he made the mistake of unintentionally walking Ramon Urias to end the game. Aaron Boone defended the decision to go to Chapman despite his recent command struggles. It is difficult to blame any pitcher for failing to deliver a near-Houdini, but the bright lights of New York can be unforgiving and it wouldn’t be the first time Chapman’s hold on the closers role seemed to be slipping. He’s always bounced back from these rough stretches before, but it may be time to get out the Loaisiga handcuff if you’re invested in Chapman.
Hierarchy Remains: Chapman | Loaisiga | Green.
San Francisco Giants — Last night with a 3 run lead the Giants went to Tyler Rogers for the 8th inning, and Camilo Doval pitched the 9th to secure his second save in as many outings. Jake McGee has not pitched since April 9, and there doesn’t appear to be any injury related reason he hasn’t seen the mound in a week. Despite Gabe Kapler’s pre-season assurance that McGee was the closer, actions speak louder than words. We told you last time that another clear save chance for Doval would bump him to the top of the committee, and that is what happened. If Doval is still somehow available you should snatch him up immediately.
Updated Hierarchy: *Doval | Rogers | McGee
Detroit Tigers — The Vulture Save Watch strikes again. With Gregory Soto needing a rest after pitching in 3 of 4, it was Michael Fulmer who got the tough save chance. Fulmer pitched a perfect 9th inning to earn his first save on the year. Joe Jimenez pitched a clean 8th inning and has yet to give up a run on the year. Soto should be back for the rest of the weekend series, but the entire Detroit bullpen is on a roll right now.
Updated Hierarchy: Soto | Fulmer | Jimenez
Baltimore Orioles – The beneficiaries of the walk off walk, the Orioles rolled through a lot of their bullpen in their 11 inning win over the Yankees. One player who didn’t pitch was Paul Fry, who had a rough 2 inning outing on April 10, and has only pitched once since then. In a tie game every inning is high leverage and Bryan Baker got the 9th and 2 outs of the 10th, which is enough for him to slide into the (still pretty bad) Baltimore hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Lopez | Tate | Baker.
* = closer-by-committee
Vulture Save Watch:
For today:
1. Chad Green/Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY) — Aroldis Chapman has now pitched back to back and 3 of 4. Loaisiga threw 21 pitches last night, while Green was held out.
2. Jake Diekman (BOS) — Matt Barnes threw 22 pitches last night, and has thrown 41 over the past 3 days, while Diekman is well rested.
3. Will Smith (ATL) — Kenley Jansen has only pitched in 2 of 3, but he usually gets more rest early in the season, and Will Smith didn’t pitch last night.
For Sunday:
1. Kendall Graveman/Aaron Bummer (CHW) — Today would be back to back and 4 of 5 for Liam Hendriks. Graveman and Bummer have also had a high workload so whoever doesn’t pitch today should get the nod for Sunday.
2. Tyler Rogers/Jake McGee (SF) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Camilo Doval.
3. Yimi Garcia/Adam Cimber (TOR) — Same for Jordan Romano.