June 23, 2017
Seattle Mariners — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Edwin Diaz was unavailable Thursday after pitching four straight days. With Nick Vincent also busy lately, the M’s turned to old friend Steve Cishek, who pitched a clean ninth for his first save. He may be a safe bet for late-inning appearances moving forward, whether fans like it or not.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Vincent | Cishek.
Houston Astros – Manager AJ Hinch was trying to give his primary relievers a day off Thursday with a big 12-3 lead, but his lesser relievers coughed up six runs back in the eighth inning to make things interesting. So, Hinch got Chris Devenski warming and closer Ken Giles stretching. With Devenski ready, Hinch opted to use him in the ninth, and he converted his third save. No, there’s no closer controversy.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Harris | Devenski.
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies used Pat Neshek, who has a nifty 15-inning scoreless streak, in the eighth inning Thursday to get out of a jam with a two-run lead. Luis Garcia was warming for the save opportunity, and when the ninth rolled around and the lead became four, Garcia still finished the game with a clean inning. As pointed out by yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Hector Neris had pitched in three of the previous four days and needed rest, but Garcia’s usage was enough for the monkey to recognize his growing role for manager Pete Mackanin.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Neshek | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles – Injured closer Zach Britton struck out two hitters in an inning of work Thursday night as he works his way back to the team. This comes after another scoreless inning earlier this week to begin his rehab assignment. A scout called Britton’s outing on Thursday “easy and effortless,” and that his velocity was in the low to mid-90s. Reports say Britton is targeting a July 5 return.
Hierarchy remains: Brach | Givens | Castro.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Bryan Shaw/Dan Otero — The Indians’ pen is tired, man. Andrew Miller has gone in two straight, throwing 51 pitches. For what it’s worth, Bryan Shaw has already pitched in three straight, but the workload has been much lighter (25 pitches). With Cody Allen presumably still on paternity leave and Miller likely tired, does Shaw get another go?
Saturday:
1. Nick Vincent — Even though Edwin Diaz was off Thursday, if he pitches on Friday that’ll be five appearances in six days for him.
2. Jacob Barnes — Corey Knebel has gone in two straight games and Friday would make three. The same actually holds true for Barnes, but you have to imagine one of them gets a breather on Friday, even if the game is tight in the late innings.
3. Arodys Vizcaino/Jose Ramirez — Jim Johnson (39 pitches) and Arodys Vizcaino (19 pitches) have each pitched in two straight. If both pitch Friday, the ball would likely go to Jose Ramirez in any Saturday save chance.
4. Andrew Miller — See above. If Shaw pitches Friday, that’s four straight appearances for him. Presuming Miller rests Friday, he should be available Saturday.
