June 9, 2022
Seattle Mariners — The Mariners have to be thrilled to see Diego Castillo returning to top form after a few brutal outings in early May. Castillo has put up 14 strikeouts and only two baserunners over his last six appearances. Tuesday’s outing saw his second straight save, and we think he’s achieved co-closer status with Paul Sewald at this point.
Updated hierarchy: *Sewald | Castillo | Muñoz.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — Aroldis Chapman is nearing a return from tendinitis — expected to throw off a mound this Saturday — but Aaron Boone refused to commit to his immediate return to the ninth, noting only that Chapman will be a “big-time back-end reliever.” It looks like Holmes, who is still working on a 26-inning scoreless streak, will keep his job at least as long as he remains perfect.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Castro.
Boston Red Sox — Two games, two straight saves for Matt Strahm. We don’t know what’s going on here really — Strahm and Jake Diekman have strikeout stuff, John Schreiber has been very effective, and Tanner Houck looked like he might get a shot at the job, but is valuable in a multi-inning role as well. This hierarchy is likely to keep shifting and it’s best to get your save needs met elsewhere.
Updated hierarchy: *Strahm | Schreiber | Houck.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — As expected, Daniel Hudson picked up the save with Craig Kimbrel welcoming a child. Kimbrel will be out through Saturday.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.
St. Louis Cardinals — Future Hall of Fame catcher Yadier Molina earned his first career strikeout in a blowout loss, setting up Isaac Paredes with the high-40s curveball before blowing him away with the 76 mph heater.
Hierarchy remains: *Helsley | Gallegos | Cabrera.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Daniel Hudson (LAD) — Craig Kimbrel is out through the weekend.
2. Tanner Houck (BOS) — The best-rested option in the Red Sox committee.
Friday:
1. Josh Staumont (KC) — Scott Barlow threw 27 pitches on Tuesday.
2. Alex Colome (COL) — Daniel Bard (and Colome, and Tyler Kinley) have gone in two straight.