May 19, 2016
Texas Rangers – After an outing that saw his ERA climb to over 9.00, Shawn Tolleson will get some time off from closing. Sam Dyson is the best bet for saves going forward, and Jake Diekman could see chances if the matchups are right. Another player to keep an eye on is Matt Bush, who has been electric since being called up from the minors.
Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Diekman | Bush.
Cincinnati Reds – The fire continues to burn in the Cincinnati bullpen. This time it was Tony Cingrani giving up a two-run homer to blow the save in the bottom of the 9th. The Reds’ bullpen is historically bad, and after heavy use in the first three games of this series, could use an easy day. Cingrani has seen the bulk of the save opportunities, but he is the only left-hander in the Reds bullpen, and this is still a committee. Ross Ohlendorf is the best right-handed option, but until somebody starts to run away with this job, you can expect us to continue to keep a close eye on this bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: *Cingrani | Ohlendorf | Wood.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – The Indians benefitted from more failures in the Cincinnati bullpen on Wednesday, but it took 12 innings for them to lock up the win. Dan Otero picked up his first save of the year after the regulars for the Tribe had already pitched, but he doesn’t normally feature in the back end of Cleveland’s bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Shaw | McAllister.
Chicago Cubs – When the Cubs took the lead in the top of the 13th, Joe Maddon decided to play matchups to protect a one-run lead. This allowed lefty Clayton Richard to get the last out of the game and pick up the first save of his career. Richard played quarterback at Michigan before switching to baseball and has filled a LOOGY role for the Cubs this year, but he does not normally see many save or hold opportunities.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Strop | Grimm.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Blake Wood/Ross Ohlendorf, Cincinnati Reds – Tony Cingrani has thrown 59 pitches over the past two days, while Ross Ohlendorf has also appeared in back-to-back games, throwing 25 pitches.
2. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton threw 28 pitches in a five-out save yesterday and may get the afternoon off.
3. Justin Grimm, Chicago Cubs – Both Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop threw 30 pitches yesterday.
4. Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen has thrown 45 pitches over the past two days.
