April 17, 2018
Atlanta Braves – Arodys Vizcaino finally tallied his first save of the season Monday night, closing out a 2-1 victory. As expected, pitching ahead of him was AJ Minter, who despite a brief bout of control issues to start the season has opened up with 8.1 scoreless innings. Also picking up a hold was 26-year-old Shane Carle, who got the final two outs of the 7th inning. Carle (11.1 IP, 1.59 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 9 K, 2 BB) has been steady and reliable for the Braves thus far, and we think they’ll continue to look to him to protect leads going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Minter | Carle.
St. Louis Cardinals – The Cardinals activated Luke Gregerson before yesterday’s (postponed) game. It’s quite possible that he enters the mix for saves until Greg Holland is ready for the full time gig, but we’ll see how he is used before we mess with the hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: *Holland | Norris | Hicks.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – Ryan Madson picked up the save last night, as Sean Doolittle got a rest after pitching in two straight. Score another one for the Vulture Save Watch.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Madson | Kintzler.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Juan Nicasio – Edwin Diaz has pitched in three of four and five of seven.
2. Robert Gsellman – Jeurys Familia and AJ Ramos have gone back to back and three of four.
Tomorrow
1. Jared Hughes – If Raisel Iglesias goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
