August 21, 2023
Seattle Mariners – The Mariners were forced to go to their bullpen early, and with only Andres Munoz and Gabriel Speier left as high leverage arms they gave Munoz the 8th inning. This left the 9th for Speier, who converted for his first career save. This was almost certainly a matchup based decision, with Munoz facing 3 righties, and with the rest of the hierarchy having worked to bridge the gap earlier in the game, we aren’t reshuffling the hierarchy just yet.
Hierarchy remains: Munoz | Brash | Topa.
Detroit Tigers – Jason Foley needed a night off, and it was Alex Lange who got the call in the 9th inning. Lange had been struggling with his command all month, but didn’t walk a single batter and closed the game out for his 18th save on the year. If this had been closer its possible we would’ve seen a different arm coming out for Detroit, but with a clean save here we will slot Lange back into the hierarchy for now.
Updated hierarchy: *Foley | Brieske | Lange.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – With a 7 run lead the Blue Jays gave the ball to Bowen Francis in the 7th inning. He stuck around for 8 and 9 as well to earn his first career save. Francis has put together a solid season for Toronto, but has mostly been used in long relief.
Hierarchy remains: Romano | Hicks | Swanson.
Vulture Save Watch:
- Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC) — Adbert Alzolay has pitched back to back, throwing 40 pitches.
For Tuesday:
- Matt Brash (SEA) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Andres Munoz.
- Tyler Rogers (SF) — Camilo Doval threw 29 pitches last night, so any appearance tonight could earn him a day off.