August 10, 2016
Miami Marlins – A.J. Ramos was placed on the disabled list Tuesday, and later that night Fernando Rodney picked up the save. One name to keep an eye on is Brian Ellington, who picked up his first hold of the season and lowered his ERA to 0.61. He may see more high-leverage chances with Ramos on the DL.
Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Barraclough | Dunn.
Colorado Rockies — As we had been predicting for a while, Walt Weiss decided to go back to Adam Ottavino “for the most part” in the closer’s role. Carlos Estevez will slip back to at least fourth-chair, behind Ottavino, Boone Logan, and Jake McGee.
Updated hierarchy: Ottavino | Logan | McGee.
Los Angeles Angels – Cam Bedrosian was placed on the disabled list Tuesday with middle finger tendinitis. With Joe Smith shipped off to the Cubs and Huston Street still hurting, we think Fernando Salas is the best bet for saves for the time being. JC Ramirez could also factor in to the mix, though a 5-1 loss on Tuesday night did little to clarify who may pitch where.
Updated hierarchy: *Salas | Ramirez | Guerra.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – Don’t say we didn’t warn you. With a runner on second and Cleveland holding on to a 2-0 lead, Andrew Miller was summoned in the seventh inning. He got out of the jam, and despite allowing a leadoff home run in the eighth, he retired the next hitter before Cody Allen picked up the save in the ninth. It’s become quite clear that Terry Francona and his staff are not afraid to use Miller in unconventional spots if deemed necessary to win.
Hierarchy remains: *Miller | Allen | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias earned his first career save on Tuesday night, just as the Vulture Save Watch predicted. It probably won’t be his last this season, as not only does Iglesias want the job, but manager Bryan Price seemed comfortable with the idea of Iglesias closing more games. The job is still Tony Cingrani’s for now, but his seat is getting warmer.
Hierarchy remains: Cingrani | Iglesias | Lorenzen.
Atlanta Braves — The Vulture Save Watch completed a 2-for-3 night Tuesday when Jim Johnson got a night off, which paved the way for Mauricio Cabrera to collect his third save of the season. Ian Krol was sharp in the eighth inning, retiring both batters he faced. In other news, Shae Simmons was activated off the DL and placed on the Triple-A roster.
Hierarchy remains: Johnson | Cabrera | Krol.
Boston Red Sox – Craig Kimbrel retired two of the first three batters he faced in the ninth, but four walks and one run allowed led John Farrell to pull him in favor of Matt Barnes, who struck out Mark Teixeira to record his first career save. Kimbrel did get a hold for his troubles, though he has just one save in three appearances since returning from the DL and claims his sore knee is not affecting his performance.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Ziegler | Tazawa.
Detroit Tigers — Shane Greene hasn’t pitched since Saturday thanks to a posterior oblique injury. The Tigers have been trying to get through it without sending Greene to the DL. If Greene does miss an extended period of time, Alex Wilson may get more high-leverage looks. He has thrown 14 straight scoreless innings, including last night when he inherited a bases-loaded, no-out jam and retired all three hitters he faced to keep the Tigers in front.
Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | J.Wilson | Greene.
Chicago White Sox – After a David Robertson blown save, Lieutenant Dan Jennings recorded the final out of the 10th inning to pick up his first career save. And hopefully some ice cream.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Jones | Albers.
Tampa Bay Rays — Erasmo Ramirez collected his first career save by pitching the final three innings in a 9-2 victory. While he’s appeared in our hierarchy in the past, he won’t factor in the Rays’ late-inning plans unless Brad Boxberger gets hurt again.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Cedeno | Boxberger.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kyle Barraclough, Miami Marlins – Fernando Rodney has pitched in three straight and four of the last five games.
2. Brad Ziegler, Boston Red Sox – Craig Kimbrel struggled through a 37-pitch outing on Tuesday.
