September 16, 2016
New York Yankees – The “D” in the former “No Runs DMC” trio has had a rough couple of days, culminating in a disastrous outing Thursday that could cost the Yankees a chance at making the playoffs. Dellin Betances was not called upon to begin the ninth when the Yankees had a 5-2 lead over the Red Sox, as Joe Girardi was hoping to avoid using him. Instead of turning to Tyler Clippard as the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Girardi tried playing the matchups. He went to Tommy Layne to start the 9th. With one out, Girardi brought in Blake Parker, who hit Chris Young and was pulled. He then brought in Betances anyway, and things began to unravel. Betances walked Dustin Pedroia and got the second out when Young was thrown out at home. After allowing RBI singles to David Ortiz and Mookie Betts, he yielded a walk-off 3-run shot to Hanley Ramirez. Ugly. He’s certainly going to need some rest this weekend for you Tyler Clippard owners.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Clippard | Warren.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Patrick Corbin tossed the last three innings of Arizona’s 7-3 win over the Dodgers to earn a vulture save, his first of the season and second of his career. He probably won’t get another save chance the rest of the season, but with this sorry group of relievers, who really knows?
Hierarchy remains: *Hudson | Delgado | Barrett.
*closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals – Former closer Trevor Rosenthal was activated from the disabled list (inflammation in his throwing shoulder) Thursday. With the Cardinals in the playoff race, it’ll be interesting to see how Rosenthal factors in with just a couple of weeks left. Meanwhile, the team has been mute on the status of closer Seung Hwan Oh, who is battling a sore groin. Expect Kevin Siegrist to fill in if Oh needs more time.
Hierarchy remains: Oh | Siegrist | Bowman.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Clippard, New York Yankees – Dellin Betances has pitched in three straight, including taking losses Wednesday and Thursday.
2. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals – Seung Hwan Oh has been battling groin soreness and hasn’t pitched since last Friday. Siegrist gets the next save chance if Oh can’t go.
