May 3, 2022
St. Louis Cardinals – Giovanny Gallegos owners had to be encouraged to see the righty get the 9th in a 1-0 victory on Monday after Ryan Helsley pitched 2 scoreless innings for the save on Sunday. Since Oliver Marmol still hasn’t made any comments about how he’s going to distribute save chances, after last night we’ll continue assume that Gallegos is still the man and Helsley is the handcuff.
Hierarchy remains: Gallegos | Helsley | Cabrera.
Minnesota Twins – Monday marked the first career save for Jhoan Duran, who pitched a perfect 9th inning after a clean 8th from Emilio Pagan. This is still a committee situation, with neither Duran nor Pagan distinguishing themselves as the clear top option thus far.
Hierarchy remains: *Pagan | Duran | Duffey.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – We’d tabbed Clay Holmes as the likeliest Yankee for a vulture save, and while he was indeed needed for some key outs — closing the door in the 7th and pitching a scoreless 8th — it was Chad Green who got the call in the 9th inning. Green has been decent, but not great, thus far, so we’ll keep the hierarchy as is for the time being.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Holmes | King.
Houston Astros – Rafael Montero picked up his second save in the past four days on Monday and moves to the top of this committee, which will collectively cede the closer role back to Ryan Pressly upon his return.
Updated hierarchy: *Montero | Stanek | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Tyler Matzek/Will Smith/Seth Lugo/Drew Smith – The Braves and Mets have a doubleheader.
2. Joe Mantiply – Ian Kennedy has gone three of four.
Tomorrow
1. Ryan Helsley – If Giovanny Gallegos goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Kendall Graveman/Aaron Bummer – If Liam Hendriks or Kendall Graveman goes today, it’s back to back and three of four; check usage to see who’s available tomorrow.