Category: Pittsburgh Pirates

  • Kelvin Herrera pulled with forearm tightness; Brandon Maurer could close

    August 23, 2017 Kansas City Royals — Kelvin Herrera got two quick outs with a one-run lead in the ninth but, after a bloop triple, he walked the bases loaded, then left with an injury on a 2-0 count. Lefty Scott Alexander got the unenviable task of converting the super-high-leverage save, and he rose to the…

  • Yes, Bud Norris is still the Angels’ closer

    August 9, 2017 Los Angeles Angels — Keynan Middleton overcame a solo home run to pick up his first career save. Bud Norris hadn’t pitched since Sunday, but after Tuesday’s win Mike Scioscia said that he wanted to give Norris and Blake Parker a night off because they’ve pitched so much. Norris has struggled lately,…

  • Matt Belisle, proven closer

    August 8, 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates – Felipe Rivero got a day of rest on Monday after throwing 41 pitches Sunday, which allowed Juan Nicasio to pick up his second save of the year. The Vulture Save Watch: 60 percent of the time, it works every time. Hierarchy remains: Rivero | Nicasio | Benoit. San Diego…

  • Amidst trade deadline chaos, Blake Treinen quietly taking over in Oakland

    August 1, 2017 [EDITOR’S NOTE: We’re running our Donation Drive this week. As always, we are extremely grateful for your support!] Oakland A’s – Blake Treinen picked up his first Oakland save last night, putting him firmly at the front of the team’s closer-by-committee. He’s allowed only one earned run and seven total baserunners (4…

  • The Nationals are ever more desperate for a closer

    July 15, 2017 Washington Nationals — When Matt Albers loaded the bases in the ninth inning with a five-run lead, it gave Matt Grace a chance to earn his first career save. Albers’s struggles highlight Washington’s continuing weakness in the bullpen, which we expect to be addressed through trade in the next two weeks. K-Rod,…