June 18, 2017
Washington Nationals – Enny Romero got the last five outs in yesterday’s Nationals’ win to record his second save of the season. Romero has not given up an earned run in June, and moves to the top of the committee on the virtue of actually converting a save chance.
Updated hierarchy: *Romero | Albers | Kelley.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Santiago Casilla got the day off and the A’s used Sean Doolittle for the save opportunity. Doolittle responded by striking out the side in a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his second save of the season. Although Casilla was unavailable yesterday just due to rest, he may be unavailable for a little while longer after getting hit with a foul ball in the dugout. The A’s say he’s OK, but we will have to wait for more information to see if he is going to miss any time.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Doolittle | Madson.
Tampa Bay Rays – Jumbo Diaz picked up the eighth inning hold ahead of closer Alex Colome yesterday. That was his second eighth inning hold since returning from the disabled list a week ago, and it appears the Rays trust him in the later innings again after his struggles in May.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Farquhar | Diaz.
San Diego Padres — Phil Maton came on to get the last two outs of the eleventh inning to secure his first career save. Brandon Maurer, who blew the save in the ninth, and Brad Hand both appeared earlier in the game. Maton is a young hard throwing righty who had great strikeout numbers in the minors, and could be a guy to keep your eye on later in the season.
Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jacob Barnes – Corey Knebel has pitched in two straight and four of the past five games.
2. Sean Doolittle/Ryan Madson – Santiago Casilla got hit with a foul ball yesterday
3. Juan Nicasio – Felipe Rivero has gone in two straight, including 1.2 innings yesterday.
Monday
1. David Phelps – A.J. Ramos threw 34 pitches on Saturday so if he pitches again on Sunday, he will likely get Monday off.
2. Danny Farquhar – Alex Colome pitched 1.2 innings yesterday and the Rays may rest him on Monday if he pitches again on Sunday.
