Josh Hader dominates in first career save, Middleton keeps racking up saves

April 15, 2018

Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader dominated the Mets on Saturday to pick up his first career save.  Hader pitched two perfect innings with five strikeouts in closing out the Brewers’ win.  Although Craig Counsell has said that he doesn’t want to make Hader the closer, it’s going to be hard for Counsell to not use Hader as much as possible in save chances with Knebel out.  Hader has a ridiculous 22 strikeouts in 9.2 innings so far this season.  We will move Hader to the top of the committee based on his save yesterday, but Matt Albers will likely still see his share of save chances in situations where Hader is needed before the ninth or is unavailable due to multiple-inning outings.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Albers | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels — Another Angels’ save opportunity, and another Keynan Middleton save.  Middleton is now 4 for 4 in save chances this year, and that’s enough for us to drop the committee asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: Middleton | Bedrosian | Parker.

Texas Rangers — Alex Claudio picked up his first save of the season on Saturday.  Claudio came on with two outs and two men on to face lefty Josh Reddick, and got him to ground out to end the game.  Keone Kela recorded the win by pitching a scoreless bottom of the ninth in a tie game.  Before the season, the Rangers said that Kevin Jepsen would likely close when Kela was unavailable.  However, Jepsen was not used at all on Saturday, and instead, it was Chris Martin who started the tenth in the save opportunity.  Martin has four holds on the season, including both eighth-inning holds ahead of Kela saves, and it looks like Martin has moved ahead of Jepsen.  Either way, saves could be few and far between for the Rangers, as their lead in the 10th inning on Saturday was the first time they held a lead in 54 innings.

Updated hierarchy: Kela | Martin | Claudio. 

Houston Astros — Manager AJ Hinch thinks Ken Giles will end up with the most saves at the end of the season, but he likes all his options to close games.  One of those options, Brad Peacock, gave up 3 runs in the eighth on Saturday to blow the Astros lead.  Giles pitched a scoreless ninth in a tie game.  At this point, it certainly looks like a committee in Houston, but Giles should still see the majority of save chances and has a chance to kick the committee if he can pitch like he did during the regular season last year.

Hierarchy remains: *Giles | Devenski | Peacock.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox — Marcus Walden recorded a three-inning save in the Red Sox 10-3 victory yesterday.  If you had Walden in your fantasy lineup, be the first person to send us a screenshot (and possibly an explanation why) and you will win free Closer Monkey Premium for a year.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Nick Vincent – Edwin Diaz and Juan Nicasio have both gone in two straight and Diaz has gone in four of the past five games.
2. Cam Bedrosian – Keynan Middleton has appeared in back-to-back games and three of four.
3. CJ Edwards – Brandon Morrow has pitched in two straight and the Cubs will likely be cautious with him early in the season.
4. Bud Norris – Greg Holland pitched yesterday and the Cardinals have said they don’t want to use him in back-to-back games yet.
5. Matt Albers – Josh Hader pitched two innings yesterday.
6. Craig Stammen – Brad Hand has pitched in two straight, including a 4 out save yesterday.

Monday
1. George Kontos – If Felipe Vazquez pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and three of four.
2. Chris Martin/Alex Claudio – If Keone Kela pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and the Rangers will probably not use Kela in three straight this early in the season given his history.

Uneasy times for owners of Greg Holland and Ken Giles

April 14, 2018

St. Louis Cardinals — In a clear save opportunity, the Cardinals opted to go with Bud Norris over $14 million man Greg Holland. Norris put the tying runs on base, but managed to escape unscathed. Even as Norris was struggling, Holland wasn’t warming up, although Mike Matheny likes whoever is closing to feel trusted, “like the king of the world,” so don’t read too much into that. After the game, Matheny said Holland would “get his opportunity, but we’ve got to get him feeling really good about his stuff before we do that.” We still think that Holland will close soon, but his leash may be shorter than usual with Norris pitching well.

Hierarchy remains: Holland | Norris | Hicks.

Houston Astros — In a one-run game with everyone available in the bullpen, it was Chris Devenski who got the call in the ninth, instead of Ken Giles. Devenski struck out the side around a single and a hit batsman to become the third Astro to earn a save this season. AJ Hinch has said previously that he won’t set full-time roles for the bullpen, and although he likes the flexibility of using Devenski and Peacock over multiple innings, we have to be honest and call this a committee. We still like Giles as the leader for saves, but the situation is more complicated than his owners would like.

Updated hierarchy: *Giles | Devenski | Peacock.

Los Angeles Angels — After a day of rest, Keynan Middleton was right back in the ninth inning, picking up his second straight save. Middleton definitely is the favorite in LA right now, but with Mike Scioscia pulling the strings, we are reluctant to kick this asterisk just yet.

Hierarchy remains: *Middleton | Bedrosian | Parker.
* = closer-by-committee

New York Yankees — It’s time to talk about how bad Dellin Betances has been this year. Three homers allowed in six appearances; a WHIP higher than his ERA in 2014 or 2015; and, last night, an inability to get through the eighth with a five-run lead. Betances was hit so hard that he told reporters it wouldn’t have helped if he had thrown the rosin bag. There’s no hierarchy change following, though, because Aaron Boone continues to trust the big righthander: “He’s very close to where we need to him to be and we’ll continue to put him out there.” Chad Green would be likeliest to benefit if Betances continues to struggle.

Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.

Colorado Rockies — Adam Ottavino has been on fire to start the season, racking up 18 strikeouts in his 8.2 innings, and he picked up his third hold of the season by closing out the eighth Friday night. Bryan Shaw has been good, pitching a clean seventh inning ahead of Ottavino, but Ottavino’s recent usage suggests he’s ahead of Shaw at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Davis | McGee | Ottavino.

Tampa Bay Rays — Alex Colome’s seat is getting hotter and hotter. Although manager Kevin Cash called last night’s outing — where Colome struck out the side, but also allowed two hits and the go-ahead run — a “step in the right direction,” Colome’s 2018 has been marked by hard contact and earned runs. Sergio Romo and Jose Alvarado are lurking.

Hierarchy remains: Colome | Romo | Alvarado.

Kansas City Royals — The Royals sent Brandon Maurer down to Omaha after a disappointing start to his season. Manager Ned Yost said Maurer needed to get his confidence back, and that he had been “pressing” too much since spring training. Kevin McCarthy was called up to take his place, and pitched a scoreless inning last night after Justin Grimm was charged with a blown save. McCarthy, who closed for a few years in the minors, may find his way to the later innings eventually, but for now we expect lefty Tim Hill and 22-year-old Brad Keller to take on bigger roles.

Updated hierarchy: Herrera | Grimm | Hill.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Juan Nicasio/Nick Vincent — Edwin Diaz has pitched in three of four, including 21 pitches last night. Juan Nicasio has gone in two of three, so Vincent might get the chance.

Sunday:
1. Archie Bradley/Yoshihisa Hirano — If Brad Boxberger and/or Bradley pitch Saturday, it will be three of four.
2. AJ Minter/Jose Ramirez — Same for Arodys Vizcaino and/or Minter (four of five)
3. Jake McGee — Same situation for Wade Davis . . .
4. David Robertson — . . . Aroldis Chapman . . .
5. Luis Garcia/Adam Morgan — . . . and Hector Neris.

Sheriff Joe Kelly suspended six games for role in brawl

April 13, 2018

Boston Red Sox — Reliever Joe Kelly received a six-game suspension for his role in Wednesday night’s brawl against the Yankees. Kelly, who drilled Tyler Austin before encouraging him to charge the mound, is appealing the ruling.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.

St. Louis Cardinals – After entering the game with an eight-run lead, Mike Mayers pitched the final three innings to earn his first career save. Mayers does not factor into the Cardinals’ late-inning plans. Per usual, the first person who can prove they earned a save from Mayers for their fantasy team will win free Closer Monkey Premium. Pics or it didn’t happen!

Hierarchy remains: Holland | Norris | Hicks.

San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon has received a stem cell injection in his injured right pronator, but his next rehab step is not known. The Giants are hopeful he can begin a throwing program in two weeks, but there isn’t much optimism for that. Dr. James Andrews took a look at Melancon and determined his ligament is fine, so there’s that. In the meantime, Hunter Strickland will continue to get looks in the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. A Cardinals Long Reliever — The Reds are not very good, so there’s a chance for another three-inning save today if you’re looking to gamble!

Saturday:
1. George Kontos — Felipe Vazquez has pitched in two of three. A taxing appearance Friday will likely mean he needs a rest on Saturday.

Keynan Middleton grabs his second save for the Angels

April 12, 2018

Los Angeles Angels — Another save for Keynan Middleton, this one of the five-out variety. Middleton entered up four and got two more runs in the top of the ninth, but still managed to make things exciting with a walk, two singles, and a hit batsman. After 37 pitches, we don’t expect him to get a save chance tomorrow, but he’s consolidating his position at the top of the Angels committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Middleton | Bedrosian | Parker.
* = closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers — After Dan Jennings retired five batters to get the Brewers into the seventh, Craig Counsell called on Josh Hader to pitch a clean eighth, then start the ninth. Hader gave up a leadoff home run and collected his third strikeout before getting pulled in favor of Matt Albers. Albers didn’t make things easy, giving up two straight singles, but a pop-up and a strikeout followed to earn him his first save of the season. Right now, this looks like a legitimate committee; we wouldn’t bet on anyone in particular winning the job outright. Especially Kato Kaelin’s nemesis, J.J. Hoover, who was designated for assignment Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Barnes | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox — Nate Jones grabbed a save Wednesday, confirming our suspicions that this situation is still fluid. Jones had a great spring, but his truly impressive injury history — which includes Tommy John surgery, an outpatient operation on his back, and surgery to reposition the nerves in his throwing elbow — makes him a risky bet.

Hierarchy remains: *Soria | Jones | Farquhar.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox — Yodeling aficionado turned cold-blooded enforcer Joe Kelly seems likely to face a suspension. Kelly drilled Tyler Austin in the ribs last night in retaliation for a questionable slide, sparking a benches-clearing scuffle that ended with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton guiding Kelly to the Red Sox dugout like Secret Service agents.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.

San Francisco Giants — Bruce Bochy seems to still trust Sam Dyson, bringing him in for a tight spot in a tied game in the sixth. He gave up a go-ahead double, then came back out for the seventh and got tagged for two more, winding up with three earned runs. Cory Gearrin is pitching better than Dyson right now, but we can’t move Dyson out of the hierarchy until Bochy shows he’s noticed.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Bud Norris — The Cards may not wish to use Greg Holland back-to-back yet.

Friday:
1. Ryan Madson — If Sean Doolittle pitches on Thursday, he’ll have gone in four of five.
2. Addison Reed — Fernando Rodney has gone in two straight.
3. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias pitched two innings on Wednesday. Hughes has gone in three straight and most everyone else in the bullpen pitched on Wednesday too, so Iglesias might go again on Thursday — but if he does, he’d get Friday off.

Alex Colome’s shaky stretch continues

April 11, 2018

Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome hasn’t quite been the same closer that recorded 47 saves a year ago. On Tuesday, he allowed a pair of inherited runners to score courtesy of a three-run homer before walking the potential tying run. Colome got out of the jam to earn his second straight shaky save, but there is cause for concern, especially when he is just a few days removed from his second blown save of the season. Colome doesn’t seem too worried about it, while manager Kevin Cash doesn’t think it’s a mechanical thing. Sergio Romo will likely get Wednesday’s save chance, as Colome has pitched each of the last three days, and Romo may be worth a stash in case Colome can’t snap out of his funk.

Hierarchy remains: Colome | Romo | Alvarado.

Milwaukee Brewers – Both Matt Albers and Josh Hader had thrown 30 pitches on Monday, making them unavailable for what turned out to be a disastrous night for the Milwaukee bullpen. Jacob Barnes got another ninth-inning save chance, but two wild pitches tied the game. After the Brewers regained the lead, it was JJ Hoover’s turn to blow a save in the 10th and then give up a walk-off homer in the 11th, much to the dismay of fans and houseguests everywhere. The Brewers bullpen continues to be a mess since Corey Knebel hit the DL, but with Albers and Hader likely available again on Wednesday, perhaps that duo can right the ship.

Hierarchy remains: *Albers | Barnes | Hader.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals – When Sammy Solis got into trouble protecting a 4-0 lead in the ninth inning, Dave Martinez called on Ryan Madson to close the game. Madson did allow an inherited runner to score thanks to a double, but struck out the other two batters he faced to pick up his first save of the year. Sean Doolittle is still the closer, but it’s clear than Madson is the handcuff in Washington.

Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Madson | Kintzler.

Minnesota Twins — Zach Duke pitched the eighth inning of the Twins’ 4-1 win on Tuesday, as Addison Reed was under the weather. Duke pitched well against the Astros’ best hitters, and the lefty’s usage on Tuesday suggests he’s third in line for saves in Minnesota. Don’t sleep on Ryan Pressly either, as he pitched the seventh on Tuesday and has six strikeouts in 5.1 scoreless innings this season.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Reed | Duke.

Miami Marlins – Kyle Barraclough allowed his first two earned runs of the season on Tuesday as the Mets rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning. Brad Ziegler and his 7.94 ERA wasn’t much better on Tuesday, as he gave up two more runs in the ninth. The arm to keep an eye on in Miami is Drew Steckenrider, who owns a 0.00 ERA and has struck out seven against just one walk in 5.2 IP. Hard to ignore his strong start, especially given Ziegler’s struggles.

Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Barraclough | Steckenrider.

San Francisco Giants – Bad news for Mark Melancon owners, as he hasn’t even started throwing yet. Hunter Strickland gave up his first earned run of the season last night and has otherwise been solid as the team’s closer.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

Pittsburgh Pirates – There’s a new name in the Pirates’ late-inning mix, as Felipe Rivero changed his name to Felipe Vazquez. The name change has not affected his pitching, as Vazquez earned his fourth save of the season on Tuesday.

Hierarchy remains: Vazquez | Kontos | Feliz. 

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Sergio Romo – Alex Colome has gone in three straight games.
2. AJ Ramos – Jeurys Familia has pitched in back-to-back games and three of four.

Tomorrow
1. George Kontos – Felipe Vazquez threw 24 pitches on Tuesday. He may get Thursday off if he has a busy Wednesday.
2. Craig Stammen – If Brad Hand goes tonight, that will be three straight.
3. Tony Watson – If Hunter Strickland pitches tonight, that will be two straight and four of the last five.