May 6, 2018
St. Louis Cardinals — Bud Norris left yesterday’s game with tricep tightness. Norris thinks he will avoid the disabled list. We expect Norris to miss at least a couple days, and if it turns out to be more serious, we will let you know as soon as possible. At least one beat writer thinks Greg Holland is still not ready and it could be Jordan Hicks to close while Norris is out. We know it won’t be Dominic Leone since he is likely going to be put on the DL. Hicks has been pitching well and is probably the best guy to own while Norris is out. However, Holland and even Luke Gregerson and lefty Tyler Lyons could be involved as well.
Hierarchy remains: *Norris | Holland | Hicks.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, David Robertson got the call with Aroldis Chapman resting on Saturday. Robertson struck out a pair in a scoreless inning for his first save of the season. He should continue to be used as the backup closer when Chapman is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Robertson | Betances.
Boston Red Sox — Craig Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts yesterday for his 300th career save. Kimbrel became the fastest pitcher to reach 300 saves. I guess he is pretty good.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.
Los Angeles Angels — Saturday night didn’t do much to help clear up the Angels’ bullpen plans with closer Keynan Middleton on the DL. Cam Bedrosian, who got the first save chance after Middleton’s injury, came on in the sixth inning. It was a pretty big spot with the tying runs on second and third and one out, and Bedrosian did get the job done by stranding both runners. However, it was still a little early to bring a guy in if he is your closer. Justin Anderson had the worst outing of the relievers on the hierarchy, as he gave up a walk and two hits, including the go-ahead homer, while recording zero outs. Blake Parker relieved Anderson in the eighth and immediately gave up a double, followed by a wild pitch to allow another run to score. Parker ended up going 1.2 innings and was not charged with any runs (the run that scored on a wild pitch was Anderson’ responsibility), so it was relatively encouraging for him. And if things weren’t already crazy enough, the Angels took the lead in the top of the 10th and veteran Jim Johnson came on for the save in the bottom of the 10th. He promptly blew it. Maybe it’s best to just avoid the Angels’ bullpen until Middleton comes back.
Hierarchy remains: *Bedrosian | Anderson | Parker.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Adam Ottavino – Wade Davis has pitched in back-to-back games, including a long 29 pitch outing on Friday
2. Jordan Hicks/Greg Holland – Bud Norris will miss at least a couple games.
3. Jose Alvarado/Chaz Roe – Alex Colome has gone in two straight, including 1.2 innings yesterday. Sergio Romo has also gone in two straight, and three of four.
Monday
1. CJ Edwards – If Brandon Morrow pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and Morrow hasn’t pitched in three in a row yet this season
2. Jordan Hicks/Greg Holland – Bud Norris likely won’t be back for Monday’s game
