August 8, 2017
Pittsburgh Pirates – Felipe Rivero got a day of rest on Monday after throwing 41 pitches Sunday, which allowed Juan Nicasio to pick up his second save of the year. The Vulture Save Watch: 60 percent of the time, it works every time.
Hierarchy remains: Rivero | Nicasio | Benoit.
San Diego Padres – Following an extended series of injuries, Carter Capps finally returned to the big leagues. Armed with the same somehow-legal delivery but significantly less velocity than before, Capps walked two hitters and gave up three earned runs, meaning his ERA starts out at 40.50. We’ll wait for him to get a few solid outings under his belt before we put him on the hierarchy, but if he can recapture his old form, watch out. Last time he was in the bigs — in 2015 — Capps struck out 58 hitters in 31 innings while posting a 1.16 ERA and 0.81 WHIP.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Yates | Maton.
Minnesota Twins – Matt Belisle got his second save in as many days, and now needs just 258 more to catch Joe Nathan for the all-time team record. Belisle maintains his spot at the top of the committee, but if the Twins take a lead to the ninth tonight, don’t expect to see the 37-year-old again, as the Twins don’t even like to use him for TWO straight if he has an extended outing.
Hierarchy remains: *Belisle | Rogers | Hildenberger.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Taylor Rogers/Trevor Hildenberger – As mentioned above, committee leader Matt Belisle should get a day off today.
Tomorrow
1. Brandon Kintzler – If Sean Doolittle goes today, it’ll be three straight.
