July 10, 2022
Texas Rangers — Dennis Santana got the call in the 8th inning with the Rangers up one but he couldn’t hold the lead as he allowed the tying run to score. After the Rangers scored two runs to take the lead again, Brett Martin pitched a scoreless 9th inning and recorded his second straight save. We definitely aren’t ready to remove the asterisk after just two games but it’s a great start for Martin and any fantasy owners who have taken a chance on him.
Hierarchy remains: *Martin | Santana | Burke.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand both got Saturday off after pitching in two straight games and the Phillies turned to their old closer Corey Knebel for the save chance in the 9th. Knebel allowed a lead-off walk and then an error put runners on first and third with nobody out but Knebel was able to work out of it and pick up the save. Knebel now has eight straight scoreless appearances and has only given up one hit in those eight appearances. That’s enough to get him back on the hierarchy and we will see if he can keep it up.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s – Lou Trivino pitched a scoreless 9th inning for his seventh save of the season. Trivino has five saves since Dany Jimenez went on the IL and has only given up one run during that time, but his WHIP is still above 2.00 for the season. Jimenez is close to returning, but he will need to complete a rehab assignment first.
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Jackson | Puk.
Atlanta Braves — Will Smith struck out a pair in a scoreless 8th inning and AJ Minter pitched a perfect 9th for his third save of the season. Both Smith and Minter have recorded three saves since Kenley Jansen went on the IL and it looks like they will continue to share save chances for the red hot Braves.
Hierarchy remains: *Smith | Minter | Matzek.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — Paul Sewald got the day off after throwing 30 pitches on Friday night, but the Mariners sent Diego Castillo to the mound for the third straight day. Castillo loaded the bases with two outs but was able to preserve the Mariners win and earn his fifth save of the season. Paul Sewald had recorded the Mariners last three saves and is very close to kicking the asterisk even after Castillo’s save yesterday.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Castillo | Muñoz.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Alexis Diaz was activated from the IL prior to Friday night’s game and immediately jumped back into a high leverage situation. Diaz struck out the side in a scoreless 8th inning of a tie game, and he should continue to see time in the later innings ahead of Hunter Strickland.
Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Diaz | Hoffman.
St. Louis Cardinals — Genesis Cabrera was activated from the IL and came on in the 7th inning of a tight game yesterday. He should step right back into his late inning role alongside Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos.
Updated hierarchy: *Helsley | Gallegos | Cabrera.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Felix Bautista (BAL) – Jorge Lopez has pitched in three of four.
2. John Schreiber (BOS) – Tanner Houck threw 32 pitches yesterday.
3. Brooks Raley (TB) – Colin Poche and Jason Adam have both pitched in two straight.
4. Brock Burke (TEX) – Brett Martin and Dennis Santana have both pitched in two straight.
5. Alexis Diaz (CIN) – Hunter Strickland has pitched in two straight and four of five.
6. Brusdar Graterol (LAD) – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in three of four.
Monday
1. Anthony Bass/Dylan Floro (MIA) – If Tanner Scott pitches on Sunday it will be three straight. Same for Anthony Bass.
2. Wil Crowe/Chris Stratton (PIT) – If David Bednar pitches on Sunday it will be two straight and three of four. Same for Wil Crowe.
3. Giovanny Gallegos/Genesis Cabrera (STL) – If Ryan Helsley pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and three of four. Same for Giovanny Gallegos.