May 18, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Adam Cimber pitched a perfect ninth inning for his second save in as many days. Jordan Romano remains day-to-day as he tries to recover from a non-COVID illness.
Hierarchy remains: Romano | Cimber | Garcia.
Cincinnati Reds – After Art Warren blew a save chance in the ninth, the Reds regained the lead in the 10th and set the stage for Alexis Diaz to earn his first MLB save. Diaz struck out the first two batters he faced, then walked two straight before recording another strikeout to end the game. Diaz has been terrific this year and has certainly earned the trust of his manager. We expect him to continue to see high-leverage looks and likely challenge for more save opportunities, even when Lucas Sims returns from the IL.
Updated hierarchy: *Warren | Diaz | Santillan.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – Tyler Matzek was placed on the IL with discomfort in his pitching shoulder. A.J. Minter will slide into the hierarchy for now, though Brian Snitker did mention Spencer Strider as a reliever that could see more high-leverage work in Matzek’s absence.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Smith | Minter.
Kansas City Royals – Scott Barlow had pitched in two straight and three of four, so Josh Staumont tossed a perfect ninth inning to close out a 2-1 win in game two of Tuesday’s doubleheader with the White Sox.
Hierarchy remains: *S.Barlow | Staumont | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Adam Cimber/Yimi Garcia (TOR) – Jordan Romano is still day-to-day with an illness and Cimber has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Daniel Hudson (LAD) – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in two straight, including a 29-pitch outing yesterday.
3. Kendall Graveman (CHW) – Liam Hendriks has gone in two straight and three of four.
4. Clay Holmes (NYY) – The same is true for Aroldis Chapman.
5. Tyler Rogers/John Brebbia (SF) – All three members of the Giants hierarchy have gone in two straight, with Camilo Doval having tossed 24 pitches last night. If Rogers, Brebbia and the equally busy Dominic Leone all get rested, then the Giants may go off the board with someone like Jarlin Garcia or Zack Littel for Wednesday’s save chance.
Tomorrow
1. Ryan Helsley/Genesis Cabrera (STL) – The entire Cardinals hierarchy pitched yesterday, so today’s usage will dictate who is available on Thursday.
2. Drew Smith/Seth Lugo (NYM) – If Edwin Diaz, Smith or Lugo pitch on Wednesday that will be two straight days of work.
3. Steven Wilson (SD) – If Taylor Rogers goes today it will be two straight and three of four.