July 13, 2022
Atlanta Braves — Kenley Jansen is expected to be activated today and should immediately return to the closer’s role. AJ Minter has collected the Braves’ last three saves, including one last night, and we’ll reward him with a few more hours at the top of this hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Minter | Smith | Matzek.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – After Cincinnati scored four runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead against the Yankees, Alexis Diaz came on in the bottom half of the frame to close out the contest for his third save of the season. After the game, manager David Bell said that they planned for Diaz to be their guy if the game was tied but that they didn’t want to get two guys up, which meant Diaz got the save opportunity instead of Hunter Strickland. Bell did have high praise for Diaz’s performance on Tuesday, and while the Reds’ manager plans to continue using Strickland in save situations for now, Diaz certainly showed that he has what it takes to be his team’s closer.
Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Diaz | Hoffman.
St. Louis Cardinals — Ryan Helsley was tasked with facing the 9-1-2 hitters in the eighth inning of a 7-5 game, which left the ninth to Giovanny Gallegos. After allowing a leadoff homer, Gallegos recovered to earn his 10th save of the season. We also have to give a tip of the cap to Packy Naughton, who entered the seventh inning of a one-run game and pulled off a Houdini.
Hierarchy remains: *Helsley | Gallegos | Cabrera.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – With the Rays leading Boston, 3-2, Tampa’s bullpen wheel landed on Brooks Raley for the ninth inning and he struck out two en route to earning his fifth save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Poche | Adam | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — After a rare poor outing by Clay Holmes in last night’s ninth inning, the Yankees turned to Wandy Peralta to try and complete a Houdini and preserve a 3-2 win. Peralta came within a strike of doing so, but he gave up a two-run single that put the Reds ahead, 4-3. It is clear, however, that Peralta is ahead of Aroldis Chapman right now in this hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Peralta.
Boston Red Sox – Matt Strahm suffered a left wrist contusion during this embarrassing display of defense. He got an X-ray after the game and we’ll let you know if he ends up on the IL.
Hierarchy remains: Houck | Schreiber | Strahm.
Colorado Rockies – Alex Colome left last night’s game in the middle of the eighth inning with a hamstring cramp. The Rockies will know more today on the severity of Colome’s injury.
Hierarchy remains: Bard | Colome | Estevez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Ryan Tepera (LAA) – Raisel Iglesias threw 25 pitches last night.
2. Adam Ottavino (NYM) – Edwin Diaz may get a second straight night off following three straight days of work.
3. Brock Burke (TEX) – Brett Martin and Dennis Santana have both pitched in two straight and four of five.
4. Diego Castillo/Kyle Finnegan (SEA/WAS) – The Mariners and National play a doubleheader today.
Tomorrow
1. Adam Cimber (TOR) – If Jordan Romano pitches today that will be two in a row.
2. Devin Williams/Brad Boxberger (MIL) – The same is true of Josh Hader and the entire Brewers hierarchy…
3. Michael King/Wandy Peralta (NYY) – …as well as Clay Holmes and the entire Yankees hierarchy.
4. Giovanny Gallegos/Genesis Cabrera (STL) – Ryan Helsley has pitched in three of four while Gallegos threw 23 pitches last night. Cabrera was off last night.
5. Wil Crowe/Yerry de los Santos (PIT) – David Bednar and Crowe have both pitched in three of four entering Wednesday.
6. Alex Colome/Carlos Estevez (COL) – If Daniel Bard pitches today that will be two straight and three of four.
7. Michael Fulmer/Andrew Chafin (DET) – The same is true of both Gregory Soto and Fulmer.