August 6, 2017
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Our Donation Drive ends today. Thank you very much for your support!]
Texas Rangers – There did not end up being a save opportunity for the Rangers last night because Cole Hamels pitched a completed game. However, if Hamels had run into any trouble in the ninth inning, it was Alex Claudio who was warming up to come in for the save. Claudio and Jose Leclerc both appear to be good options to close, but we will swap them again based on Claudio’s save on Thursday and his warming up last night.
Updated hierarchy: *Claudio | Leclerc | Kela.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, Corey Knebel got the night off, and Anthony Swarzak got the save opportunity. Swarzak pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his first save for the Brewers, and he should continue to see any save chances when Knebel is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Swarzak | Barnes.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Tony Watson recorded up his second consecutive eighth inning hold since being acquired by the Dodgers. The Dodgers have a strong bullpen and could use a number of different guys in the later innings, but it looks like Watson has quickly ascended to the set-up role.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Watson | Baez.
San Diego Padres — Brad Hand pitched a perfect ninth inning for his eighth save of the season. We will kick the committee asterisk, and Hand should continue to excel in any save chances that the Padres get for him.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Maton.
Boston Red Sox – Joe Kelly has been activated from the disabled list and will jump back into his late inning role.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Reed | Kelly.
San Francisco Giants — The Giants said good-bye to long time reliever George Kontos, as he was claimed off waivers by the Pirates. Cory Gearrin will jump into the hierarchy to replace Kontos, but that could be short lived since Mark Melancon is close to returning.
Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Strickland | Gearrin.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jim Johnson – Arodys Vizcaino has pitched in two straight, and three of the past four.
2. Koji Uehara – Wade Davis has pitched in two of three, throwing a total of 60 pitches. Justin Wilson has pitched in three of four, throwing a total of 68 pitches.
Monday
1. Hunter Strickland/Cory Gearrin – If Sam Dyson pitches on Sunday, that will be three in a row. If Strickland gets Sunday off, he would likely get the save on Monday, but if he pitches again, that will also be three in a row and Cory Gearrin could get the call.
