August 17, 2022
New York Yankees – The Yankees lost last night, but the real news was that Clay Holmes is dealing with a back injury and may need an IL stint. While the move isn’t official yet, everyone from Aaron Boone to Clay Holmes himself seem to treat it as inevitable. We will alert if the Yankees make a move, but it may be time to grab Aroldis Chapman, who has continued to look like his old self in recent weeks.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Chapman | Effross.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox – With a 2 run lead going into the 9th the Red Sox turned to Matt Barnes, who closed the door on the Pirates for his 3rd save of the year and first since May. The Red Sox were trying to rest their high leverage arms, but were forced to use John Schreiber in the 8th after Austin Davis pitched himself into a jam. Before the game manager Dave Bush said that Garrett Whitlock is still dealing with a hip injury and they wanted to rest him if possible. With the save last night Barnes rejoins the hierarchy, but the Red Sox would certainly prefer to use Whitlock if he is available.
Updated hierarchy: *Whitlock | Schreiber | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Tanner Scott needed a night off after back to back outings, and it was Dylan Floro who got the call in the 9th inning of a 1 run game (after the first baserunner reached off of Richard Bleier). Floro gave up a single, but struck out the other 3 hitters he faced for his 3rd save of the year. Scott should be ready to go today.
Hierarchy remains: Scott | Floro | Okert.
Chicago Cubs – Rowan Wick got called to put out a fire in the 7th inning, and while he successfully did that, he went on to gave up 2 solo homers in the 8th and left with the game tied. The game went to extras and after Brandon Hughes couldn’t keep the ghost runner from scoring in the 10th, the Cubs turned to Mark Leiter Jr. for the next try in the 11th. He struck out 2 on the way to his first career save. The son of former major leaguer Mark Leiter and the nephew of Al Leiter, Mark Leiter Jr. has caught on with the Cubs in a long relief role this year, but usually doesn’t factor into the late innings.
Hierarchy remains: Wick | Hughes | Uelmen
Tampa Bay Rays – Jason Adam got the last out of 8th and stuck around for the 9th to earn his 7th save on the year. He did so without giving up any baserunners, and so he holds onto the coveted WHIP lead amongst qualifying pitchers for the moment. This also is the second Rays save in a row for Adam and he has 3 of the last 4, which is enough to move him to the top of the Rays hierarchy. No one should be happier than WHIP king challenger Jacob deGrom, as an ascent to the top of the Rays Closer Monkey hierarchy has historically led to a swift collapse. Perhaps Adam is the exception.
Updated hierarchy: *Adam | Poche | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
Vulture Save Watch:
- Kendall Graveman (CHW) — Liam Hendriks has pitched in back to back and 4 of the last 5.
- Mark Melancon (ARI) — Ian Kennedy has pitched in 3 of 4, including a blown save last night.
- Chris Martin (LAD) — The entire Dodgers hierarchy has seen a lot of work the last 3 days, opening the door for an off-hierarchy save chance.
- Hunter Harvey (WAS) — Both Kyle Finnegan and Carl Edwards have pitched in back to back and 3 of 4.
- Cionel Perez (BAL) — Felix Bautista and Dillon Tate have also pitched back to back.
- Colin Poche (TB) — Although Jason Adam just moved to the top of the hierarchy, he has now pitched in 3 straight.
For Thursday:
- Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Ryan Helsley.
- Brandon Hughes (CHC) — Today would be back to back for Rowan Wick.