September 23, 2017
New York Mets – When AJ Ramos struggled with a 1 run lead, the Mets went to Josh Smoker for one out before summoning Jeurys Familia for his first save opportunity since coming off the DL. He struck out Victor Robles to lock up his first save since May 5th. After the game Terry Collins said it was “nice to see” Familia back in the 9th inning, but did not say that Familia was the closer going forward. Familia has 4 straight scoreless appearances while Ramos has struggled recently, but this was still a 1 out save. We will keep an eye on the next save opportunity for the Mets, but for now Ramos still seems to have the inside track for the end of the season. Familia does make for a good speculative add at this point, as he could easily assume the closer role for the last week of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Familia | Blevins.
Chicago White Sox – Al Alburquerque picked up his first hold for the White Sox since coming over from Kansas City. This is more due to lack of opportunities than it is to poor pitching, as he’s only given up 1 run in September. Alburquerque got the last out of the 8th inning before Juan Minaya picked up his 6th save on a classic 9-2-3-6 double play. Minaya has solidified himself as the best pitcher in the White Sox bullpen, but Alburquerque has pitched directly ahead of Minaya in his last two outings. That’s enough to bump Greg Infante off the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Minaya | Farquhar | Alburquerque.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Danny Farquhar – Juan Minaya has pitched in 3 straight games, and should get today as a rest.
2. Brandon Morrow – Kenley Jansen has pitched in back to back games, and with the Dodgers locking up a playoff spot (and holding a 6 game lead for best record in the NL) they may not run their closer out on 3 straight days.
3. Anthony Swarzak – Corey Knebel threw 34 pitches last night in taking the loss, and has pitched in 4 of the last 5 days. Swarzak has the same appearances but significantly fewer pitches.
Tomorrow
1. Archie Bradley – Fernando Rodney threw 24 pitches in locking up a save last night, so another long outing could mean he gets Sunday off.
2. Daniel Hudson – Pitching today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Felipe Rivero.
3. Nick Vincent – Same for Edwin Diaz.
