May 28, 2018
Pittsburgh Pirates – Sometimes, forearm discomfort is no big deal. But often, it’s a precursor to Tommy John surgery. Felipe Vazquez, who left the game early complaining of forearm discomfort in his final two pitches, will get evaluated today, and the Pirates may need a new closer for the foreseeable future. Up until recently, this looked to be Michael Feliz, but he’s been knocked around over his last few outings. More consistent lately has been 7th inning man Edgar Santana, who may jump Feliz and get first crack at saves. And then there’s Richard Rodriguez and Kyle Crick, who are both sporting sub-2 ERAs, but haven’t generally been trusted with leads late in games. We will monitor Vazquez’s injury — and any subsequent team announcements about the role — closely today.
Hierarchy remains: Vazquez | Feliz | Santana.
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera got his second save in three days on Sunday and remains atop this committee. Seung-Hwan Oh was going to be the guy who got the opportunity on Saturday, though, if his teammates hadn’t relinquished the lead, so we can’t declare Tepera the full-time guy just yet.
Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – Brad Keller is getting the start on Wednesday, so we’ll remove him from the hierarchy until he returns to the bullpen. Rookie Jason Adam, who has struck out 12 hitters in 8.2 innings and got his first hold yesterday, moves into the late-inning crew. Adam may be worth watching as the trade market heats up for Kelvin Herrera.
Updated hierarchy: Herrera | McCarthy | Adam.
Tampa Bay Rays – Austin Pruitt picked up a 5.2 inning save yesterday. It’s not the longest save in history — Joaquin Benoit got a 7-inning save in 2002, and it’s hardly the most memorable 5+ inning save in recent years. But it’s still pretty impressive. Keep up the weirdness, Tampa!
Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Romo | Roe.
Washington Nationals – Brandon Kintzler picked up his second save of the season, as Sean Doolittle was given the day off. The Vulture Save Watch may have failed to predict Pruitt’s save, but it got this one right.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Kintzler | Kelley.
Seattle Mariners – The Vulture Save Watch got this one, too, as Alex Colome pitched the 9th inning while Edwin Diaz got the day off. Dilly dilly.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Colome | Nicasio.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Michael Feliz/Edgar Santana – Even if Felipe Vazquez’s injury isn’t serious, it’s unlikely he’ll be available today.
2. Tyler Olson – Cody Allen has pitched in three straight, and this whole bullpen is gassed after their 14-inning game yesterday.
3. Seth Lugo – The Mets and Braves have a doubleheader today.
4. AJ Minter – The Mets and Braves have a doubleheader today.
Tomorrow
1. Jordan Hicks/Sam Tuivailala – If Bud Norris and Jordan Hicks go today, it’ll be three straight.
2. David Robertson – If Aroldis Chapman goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
3. Josh Hader – If Corey Knebel goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
