June 22, 2018
Los Angeles Angels — Here’s another update on one of the most volatile bullpens in baseball. Justin Anderson, not Blake Parker, picked up the save Thursday night. One Angels beat writer found Anderson’s save “noteworthy,” but no one else elaborated any further. We think it’s noteworthy, too, especially since Parker was off the previous day and had allowed five runs in his three previous appearances. Grab Anderson as a handcuff if he’s still available.
Updated hierarchy: *Parker | Anderson | Alvarez.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants — With anointed closer Sam Dyson likely unavailable after pitching in three straight, and Tony Watson having gone in three of four, the Giants finally turned (as we predicted) to Mark Melancon, who nailed down his first save since June 20 . . . 2017! Melancon allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a clean inning of work. The job may be his before Hunter Strickland gets back. Strickland, meanwhile, apologized publicly on Thursday, saying punching a door and breaking his pitching hand is “100 percent on him.”
Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Watson | Melancon.
Colorado Rockies — The Rockies bullpen has been taxed lately, so (as predicted) manager Bud Black took his chances with an overworked Jake McGee with a lead in the ninth. McGee allowed a run but delivered his first save of the season. He has now pitched in four of five. Adam Ottavino and Wade Davis (who each previously pitched in three out of four) were held out. Score a second partial win for the Vulture Save Watch!
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Ottavino | McGee.
Cincinnati Reds — Jared Hughes entered Thursday’s game in a save situation — there were two men on and the tying run was in the on-deck circle. He picked up a strikeout to end the inning, and with the Reds still holding a four-run lead, he stayed on for the ninth, retiring the side in order for his fifth save. Had Raisel Iglesias entered in the ninth, it would not have been a save situation, so Reds manager Jim Riggleman opted to rest his closer.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Hughes | Garrett.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Dellin Betances — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight, three of four and four of six.
Saturday:
1. Adam Ottavino — As you know, the Rockies bullpen has been busy. If Davis pitches Friday, that’ll be three out of four (and four of six).
2. Kelvin Herrera — Entering Friday, Sean Doolittle has pitched in two of three. So has Herrera, but Herrera had a great deal of rest (7 days) in between being traded from the Royals to the Nationals.
3. Addison Reed/Trevor Hildenberger — If he goes on Friday, it’ll be three of four for Fernando Rodney.
