June 19, 2017
Cleveland Indians – After Andrew Miller got the save in yesterday afternoon’s 5-2 victory, Terry Francona said that Allen and Miller would be temporarily trading roles. Apparently, this was Allen’s idea, and Francona was on board because, as the league’s thought leader in progressive bullpen usage, he’s fully aware that Miller usually enters in a higher stress spot than Allen, even though the latter is the one racking up the saves. Since this move appears temporary, we’ll keep Allen in the closer role for now with the understanding that he might not reclaim his job for a while.
Updated hierarchy: *Allen | Miller | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – Hector Neris blew another save yesterday, leading to an eventual Phillies loss, and now has just three saves in the past 46 games, and might not get the next save chance. But given recent usage, and the notion that Pat Neshek actually prefers a set-up role, suggested here, it might be Joaquin Benoit that gets the next opportunity. If you’re the type of person who values a save chance every two weeks, then this is a situation to watch closely.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Benoit.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s – A day after being hit with a foul ball, Santiago Casilla got the afternoon off, and Sean Doolittle picked up his third save of the season. Score one for the Vulture Save Watch, and know that all signs still point to Casilla being fine going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Doolittle | Madson.
Washington Nationals – The Nationals beleaguered bullpen took another hit on Sunday, with Shawn Kelley going on the DL. Then again, with Kelley and several other Washington relievers performing below replacement level, maybe this won’t actually hurt them very much.
Updated hierarchy: *Romero | Albers | Turner.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Aroldis Chapman returned from the DL on Sunday and pitched a scoreless inning. Despite Dellin Betances’s dominance, the Yankees bullpen suddenly really needed him back, as it’ll allow Joe Girardi to move the big righty back to the 8th, and revert to using Tyler Clippard and Chasen Shreve in earlier spots.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Arodys Vizcaino – Jim Johnson has gone back to back games, and has yet to pitch in three straight this year.
Tomorrow
1. Jerry Blevins – If Addison Reed goes today, it’ll be three straight.
2. Mychal Givens – If Brad Brach goes today, it’ll be three straight.
3. Pedro Baez – If Kenley Jansen goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
4. Andrew Miller/Bryan Shaw – If Cody Allen or Andrew Miller go today, it’ll be three straight; monitor usage tonight to see who’s available tomorrow.
5. Arodys Vizcaino – See above. If Johnson DOES pitch tonight, he’ll definitely be off tomorrow.
