Category: Philadelphia Phillies

  • Jose Leclerc looks like Texas’s playoff closer

    September 28, 2023 Texas Rangers — Aroldis Chapman pitched the eighth with a two-run lead, facing the 8-9-1 hitters in the Angel lineup. Though the Rangers scored three more in the ninth, eliminating the save chance, it was Jose Leclerc who came out for the final inning. We’re going to move Jose to the top…

  • Rangers look to an old friend for 9th inning help

    September 25, 2023 Cincinnati Reds – Coming off two rough outings on Wednesday and Saturday, the Reds opted to pitch Alexis Diaz in the 8th inning with a 1-run lead. Diaz did his job, leaving the 9th for Ian Gibaut, who converted for the save. Diaz had been so good all season long — save…

  • Two hits for the vulture save watch and updates from playoff contenders

    September 24, 2023Pittsburgh Pirates — As the Vulture Save Watch noted, David Bednar needed a rest last night, so the 9th inning duties fell to Carmen Mlodzinski. Mlodzinski allowed a run and let the tying run reach 3rd base before an 11 pitch strikeout and a flyout stranded the runner for the first save of…

  • Jose Alvarado has more September saves than Craig Kimbrel

    September 22, 2023 Philadelphia Phillies — On Thursday, Jose Alvarado notched his third save in September — in all of the saves, Craig Kimbrel served as his setup man, so this situation definitely has entered committee status. Kimbrel himself has just two saves in September. Updated hierarchy: *Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.* = closer-by-committee Los…

  • Garrett Crochet and Jason Adam return

    September 21, 2023 Chicago White Sox – Aaron Bummer and Bryan Shaw are in line for saves now that Gregory Santos is out for the year, but they’ll be joined in the bullpen by old friend Garrett Crochet. Although Crochet might be a starter next season, he’s likely to stay in relief for the next…