June 10, 2022
Miami Marlins – The Marlins haven’t had anyone claim the top spot in their bullpen for a while, but Tanner Scott has been making a good case lately. He’d had the bullpen’s most recent save, and had also appeared in spots in a couple of tie games when teams would normally use their closer. Then, on Thursday, he picked up another save, following 1.1 scoreless set-up innings by Anthony Bass. We’ll shuffle him to the top of this hierarchy and see if he sticks.
Updated hierarchy: *Scott | Bass | Floro.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Mark Melancon’s recent struggles have prompted some fans to call for a closer change in Arizona, but it didn’t materialize last night, even though Melancon got the 8th and Ian Kennedy got the 9th (and the save). It turns out that Melancon, who hadn’t pitched in four days, asked to get into the game at some point, so when the DBacks were faced with a two-run deficit in the bottom of the 8th, Lovullo sent out his closer, knowing that they might not need another arm if they didn’t close the gap. But the offense then went on to rally for four runs in the top of the 9th, prompting the need for a reliever in the bottom half. Melancon remains the closer for now.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Kennedy | Mantiply.
Tampa Bay Rays – Jason Adam picked up the save after 8 stellar innings from starter Shane McClanahan. Adam, who now has a 0.72 ERA on the year, last earned a save on May 13, so we won’t bump Colin Poche (3 saves since May 25) off the top spot yet, but Adam has had an admirable season to this point.
Updated hierarchy: *Poche | Adam | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – With Daniel Bard, Alex Colome, and Tyler Kinley all having pitched in two straight games, it wasn’t clear who the Rockies would go with if they had a lead in the 9th, but it turns out that of the group, Colome was apparently the most ready for a third straight day. The veteran’s durability meant he was able to pick up his third save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Bard | Colome | Kinley.
Kansas City Royals – Arodys Vizcaino, who last appeared in the majors in 2019, joined the Royals at the end of May after posting a 1.76 ERA across 15.1 innings in AAA. He made his fifth major league appearance for Kansas City on Thursday and picked up an 8th inning hold. Welcome back to a Closer Monkey hierarchy, Arodys!
Updated hierarchy: *Barlow | Staumont | Vizcaino.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Anthony Bass – Tanner Scott has gone back to back.
2. Arodys Vizcaino – Scott Barlow and Josh Staumont have both gone back to back.
3. Art Warren – Tony Santillan might get today off after an ugly blown save yesterday.
Tomorrow
1. Ryan Tepera/Aaron Loup – If Raisel Iglesias or Ryan Tepera goes tonight, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Will Smith – Same for Kenley Jansen.