May 4, 2022
Oakland A’s – Lou Trivino was activated from the COVID IL on Tuesday, though manager Mark Kotsay said prior to the game that “Lou has that opportunity to get back to that closing role.” Kotsay also said that there aren’t necessarily defined roles in the Oakland bullpen. The A’s sure looked like a committee on Tuesday, as Dany Jimenez pitched a 1-2-3 eighth to set the stage for a Kirby Snead save chance. Snead blew the save, which allowed for Trivino to make his return to the mound. His first pitch of the night was a wild pitch, though he did preserve a 5-5 tie. Unfortunately for Trivino, he gave up five runs on four hits in the 10th. Based on Kotsay’s comments and Trivino’s performance, it’s hard to remove Jimenez from the top of the hierarchy, but we will bring back the asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: *Jimenez | Trivino | Acevedo.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – There was legitimate concern on Tuesday when Devin Williams, not Josh Hader, entered the ninth inning to protect a 6-3 lead. However, after Williams secured the save, Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said that Hader had mid-back spasms and should be available either Wednesday or Thursday.
Hierarchy remains: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Loyal Vulture Save Watch readers were rewarded on Tuesday when Joe Mantiply pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Mantiply | Ramirez.
New York Mets — Seth Lugo closed out game two of a doubleheader sweep, with Edwin Diaz earning a save in the first game of the day. Drew Smith tossed two innings of no-hit ball to set up Diaz.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Smith | Lugo.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Devin Williams – Josh Hader may not be available today.
2. Kendall Graveman – Liam Hendriks has pitched in two straight and three of four. Graveman did not pitch yesterday.
3. Trevor Stephan/Anthony Gose/Robert Suarez/Steven Wilson – The Guardians and Padres play a doubleheader today.
4. Chris Stratton/Heath Hembree/Michael Fulmer/Joe Jimenez – As do the Pirates and Tigers.
Tomorrow
1. Devin Williams/Brad Boxberger – If Josh Hader does return today, he may get tomorrow off depending on how his back feels. A Wednesday appearance would be two in a row for Williams.
2. Drew Smith/Seth Lugo – If any of the Mets hierarchy pitches today it’ll be two in a row.