September 22, 2017
Kansas City Royals — Mike Minor picked up his second save of the season in a tight 1-0 win Thursday. Minor also had the Royals’ previous save in their now-historic win over the Indians last week. Given the usage, we’ll slide him ahead of Scott Alexander, who last had a save on Sept. 12, pitching in three losses since.
Updated hierarchy: *Minor | Alexander | Maurer.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – On a night when Cole Hamels tossed the first eight innings, Keone Kela got the call in the ninth inning Thursday and converted his second save of the season (he did allow a solo HR). Alex Claudio was unavailable, as forecast by the Vulture Save Watch. Matt Bush had gone in three of the previous four. Tony Barnette, meanwhile, was well-rested but nowhere to be seen. We’ll slide Kela into the mix of a messy situation.
Updated hierarchy: *Claudio | Bush | Kela.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — When you’re 27-1 over your last 28 games (a streak matched only by the 1884 Providence Grays), you’re going to use your best relievers a lot. As a result, Terry Francona elected to rest closer Cody Allen for a second straight day Thursday after he went in four of the previous six games. This decision came after starter Danny Salazar only lasted 2.2 innings, forcing Francona to mow through five bullpen arms (including Andrew Miller) before handing the ball in the ninth inning to Tyler Olson, who picked up his first career save. Olson hasn’t allowed a run yet this season. Impressive, but he probably won’t tally another save before the end of the season. Allen, meanwhile, will be available on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Shaw | Miller.
Milwaukee Brewers — Up 3-2 in the ninth inning, the Brewers opted to go with former closer Jeremy Jeffress, who gave up a run to blow the save. As we predicted, Corey Knebel and Anthony Swarzak needed rest, but Milwaukee elected to go with Jeffress instead of Josh Hader, who had gone in two of the previous three and also needed rest, according to manager Craig Counsell. For now, consider Jeffress third in line to the throne.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Swarzak | Hader.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Darren O’Day — Brad Brach, who nailed down the save Thursday after Zach Britton was shut down for the rest of the season, has gone in four of the last five (82 pitches).
Saturday:
1. Jose Ramirez –If Arodys Vizcaino goes Friday, that’ll be three straight games for him.
2. CJ Edwards/Pedro Strop –Wade Davis threw 29 pitches Thursday. Heading into Friday, he has gone in two of three and five of the last seven. Edwards, too, has had the same string of appearances, but he has thrown fewer pitches. Strop has been busy, too, but less busy than the other two.
3. Danny Farquhar — Juan Minaya has pitched in two straight. Friday would make three in a row.
