September 8, 2023
Cleveland Guardians – Emmanuel Clase had a rough outing Thursday, suffering his eighth loss and tenth blown save by allowing two runs on a double, three singles and an intentional walk. It’s been a bit of an up-and down year for Clase. Before Thursday, he was last scored upon Aug. 29 and Aug. 12, mixing in nine outings without an earned run over that time frame, so he has been impressive as of late. He also leads the league with 38 saves, but he has a 3.06 ERA, which is well above his career mark of 1.91. Elsewhere in Cleveland’s bullpen, Matt Moore allowed a run on two hits and a walk in the seventh inning and has mostly pitched in the middle innings since being acquired by Cleveland. We have a hunch Reynaldo Lopez, also recently plucked off waivers, should instead be second in line behind Trevor Stephan and Clase, so we’ll make that swap.
Updated hierarchy: Clase | Stephan | Lopez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Justin Topa (SEA) – Andres Munoz and Matt Brash have each pitched in three straight.
2. Trevor Stephan (CLE) – Emmanuel Clase had a rough outing Thursday and has gone in two straight.
3. A.J. Minter (ATL) – Raisel Iglesias threw 30 pitches and allowed two runs in a non-save situation Thursday. He was well-rested before the game, but he might get a day off Friday.
Saturday:
1. Tommy Kahnle (NYY) – If he goes Friday, it would be three of four and five of seven for Clay Holmes.
2. Colin Poche (TB) – Same as above for Pete Fairbanks.