May 15, 2022
Arizona Diamondbacks — Mark Melancon got the call in the 9th inning of a tie game yesterday and it did not go well. Melancon allowed two walks and two hits without recording an out and three of those runs came around to score. Melancon now has five losses on the season and an ERA over 8.00. Manager Torey Lovullo showed patience with Closer Monkey favorite Fernando Rodney several years ago and will likely do the same with Melancon. However, if Melancon’s struggles continue, Ian Kennedy and Joe Mantiply look ready to step in.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Kennedy | Mantiply.
Detroit Tigers — The Tigers went right back to Gregory Soto to protect a 9th inning lead and he responded with a scoreless inning for his 5th save of the season. Fantasy owners will be happy to see the save and also happy to see that Soto didn’t walk a batter for the first time in his last four appearances.
Hierarchy remains: Soto | Fulmer | Vest.
Chicago Cubs – Rowan Wick ran into a little trouble in the 9th inning but was able to strike out the side to secure his third save of the season. There is still no timetable for David Robertson’s return and Wick, who has picked up both Cubs’ save opportunities while Robertson has been sidelined, should continue to be a short-term source of saves in Robertson’s absence.
Updated hierarchy: Wick | Givens | Martin.
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza picked up the win yesterday with a scoreless 7th inning while Adam Cimber pitched a scoreless 8th and Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 9th in a four-run victory. Yimi Garcia was used before all three and that is the third game in the row where that has happened. Mayza and Cimber have been swapping who gets the 8th inning and based on recent usage, it appears both are ahead of Garcia at this point.
Updated hierarchy: Romano | Mayza | Cimber.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Michael Fulmer (DET) – Gregory Soto has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Ian Kennedy (ARI) – Mark Melancon has also pitched in two straight and three of four.
3. Tyler Duffy (MIN) – Emilio Pagan and Jhoan Duran have both pitched in two straight.
4. Mike Mayers (LAA) – Raisel Iglesias, Ryan Tepera, and Aaron Loup have all pitched in two straight.
Monday
1. Drew Smith (NYM) – If Edwin Diaz pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and three of four.
2. Kendall Graveman/Jose Ruiz (CHW) – Liam Hendriks threw 26 pitches on Saturday so if he is needed again on Sunday, he will likely get Monday off.
3. Mychal Givens/Chris Martin (CHC) – Rowan Wick threw 28 pitches on Saturday so if he is needed again on Sunday, he will also likely get Monday off.