August 6, 2022
Baltimore Orioles – The first post-Jorge Lopez save chance went to Felix Bautista, as we anticipated following the trade. Bautista converted, and could kick this asterisk quickly if he gets the next chance or two.
Hierarchy remains: *Bautista | Tate | Perez.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Colin Poche picked up his 7th save of the season with a clean 9th inning. Poche remains the favorite for a Tampa save on any given night, though this likely just means he collects a plurality of them down the stretch.
Hierarchy remains: *Poche | Adam | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – With 3-4-5 due up in the 8th inning, the Yankees went to Clay Holmes to protect a one-run lead against the Cardinals, but the righty gave up an infield hit and then a walk before Paul DeJong laced a 2-out, 2-run double which ultimately was the difference in the game. Holmes has been a revelation this season, but he’s now given up 9 ERs (as well as 8 BBs and 3 HBPs) in his past 7.1 innings. He was a little unlucky last night, but we’ll keep an eye on this to see if he’s able to shake this recent stretch of wildness.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Peralta | Effross.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Arizona seemed reluctant to remove Mark Melancon from the closer role before the deadline — likely in an effort to build his value for a potential trade — but with that now in the past, they’re moving to a committee approach which will see Melancon share opportunities with Ian Kennedy and Joe Mantiply, depending on matchups. We’re shuffling Kennedy to the top for now because he’s been the better arm lately, though Melancon is still probably worth hanging on to in deeper leagues.
Updated hierarchy: *Kennedy | Mantiply | Melancon.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Angels – Recently-acquired Jesse Chavez was thrown straight into a save chance for the struggling Angels, but unfortunately, the veteran righty surrendered three runs in the bottom of the 9th and the game went to extras. The Angels ultimately went on to win after Jimmy Herget pitched a scoreless inning for his second save. We don’t have a good grasp of what’s going on here, but Phil Nevin said that last night’s usage was matchup based and that Chavez will “have his chances again.” We’ll put him on the hierarchy for now.
Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Quijada | Chavez.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Brad Boxberger – Devin Williams has gone three straight.
2. Giovanny Gallegos – Ryan Helsley has gone two straight.
3. Dillon Tate – Felix Bautista has gone three of four including a 25-pitch outing last night.
4. Pete Fairbanks – Colin Poche has gone back to back and Jason Adam has gone three of four.
5. Raisel Iglesias – The Braves have a doubleheader…
6. Adam Ottavino – …with the Mets.
7. Jose Quijada – The Angels have a doubleheader…
8. Andres Munoz – …against the Mariners.
Tomorrow
1. Brandon Hughes – If Rowan Wick goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Jhoan Duran – If Jorge Lopez goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
3. Kendall Graveman – If Liam Hendriks goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
4. Wandy Peralta – If Clay Holmes goes today, it’s back to back.