May 21, 2022
Atlanta Braves – Kenley Jansen received a second night off in a row, so it was Will Smith who got the ball with a 2 run lead in the 9th. He converted for his second save of the year. After the game Brian Snitker cited the fact that the Braves have 17 games in 17 days as a reason why Jansen got the extra rest, and also noted that he will be ready to go today.
Hierarchy Remains: Jansen | Smith | Minter.
Boston Red Sox – For the second straight game the Red Sox scored 3 in the bottom of the 8th to take away a save situation, but Boston may have found some help for the back end of their bullpen in John Schreiber. Schrieber’s near sidearm delivery has been baffling hitters all year. He pitched the 7th on Thursday and the 8th last night, and has yet to give up an earned run. Notably Matt Barnes did not make it into either game. While Boston is still searching for consistency in the late innings, Schreiber has worked his way into the hierarchy for now.
Updated hierarchy: *Robles | Diekman | Schreiber.
* = closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres — Taylor Rogers got a rest after throwing 33 pitches on Thursday, but Luis Garcia couldn’t hold onto a 2 run lead in the 9th. When the Padres took the lead back in the 10th it was Robert Suarez who was left to pick up his first save on the year. Suarez has been a solid reliever for the Padres, and has made some high leverage appearances, and with Steven Wilson getting optioned to AAA, he joins the hierarchy.
Updated Hierarchy: Rogers | Garcia | Suarez.
Detroit Tigers — The Tigers lost last night, but before the game they placed Will Vest on the 10-day IL due to COVID. Vest had been finding a groove, but will miss at least the next week, giving Andrew Chafin at some higher leverage work.
Updated Hierarchy: Soto | Fulmer | Chafin.
Vulture Save Watch:
- Ryan Helsley (STL) – Giovanny Gallegos has pitched in back to back and 3 of 4, although Thursday was a only a 2 pitch outing.
- Matt Bush (TEX) – Joe Barlow may not be ready to come back from the hot spot on his finger.
- Drew Smith (NYM) – The Mets were rained out last night, and play a double header today…
- Alex Colome (COL) – …against the Rockies.
For Sunday:
- Luis Garcia (SD) – Taylor Rogers had a high pitch outing Thursday, and another one could mean a rest Sunday as well.