June 4, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Jeanmar Gomez came in to clean up Hector Neris’ mess in the ninth inning yesterday and retired the only batter he faced for his second save of the season. Joaquin Benoit has been placed on the disabled list with a sore left knee. Pat Neshek struck out the side in the eighth inning on Saturday and should take over the set-up duties and could occasionally see save opportunities while Benoit is out.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Neshek | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – Carlos Torres was the only pitcher on the Vulture Save Watch for Saturday, and if you picked him up, you were probably pretty excited when the ninth inning started yesterday. Five runs later (four earned), you were probably cursing the monkey for ruining your ERA for the day. As we’ve said before, we can predict vulture saves, but we can’t convert them.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Barnes | Torres.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Arodys Vizcaino/Jose Ramirez – Jim Johnson has pitched in two straight, including a two inning appearance yesterday. Vizcaino and Ramirez have also both pitched in two straight, but they have both thrown less pitches than Johnson so one could be available if there is a save opportunity on Sunday.
2. Pedro Baez – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight, including a two inning outing on Friday where he threw 33 pitches.
3. C.J. Edwards – Wade Davis has gone in two straight and has only gone in three straight once this season so he could get the day off Sunday.
Monday
1. C.J. Edwards – If Wade Davis pitches today, he will certainly get Monday off.
2. Will Harris – Ken Giles has pitched in two straight so if he pitches Sunday, Harris would be used as the closer on Monday..
3. Michael Lorenzen – If Raisel Iglesias pitches on Sunday, that will be three in a row.
