August 26, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen blew the save yesterday by allowing a solo home run to Austin Hedges. Jansen has made three appearances since returning from the DL and allowed at least one home run in each. It’s the first time in his career that he has allowed a home run in three straight appearances. Jansen will get Sunday off, but will still be the closer the next time the Dodgers play on Tuesday. Kenta Maeda might get the ninth today with Jansen unavailable so we will move him to first in line.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez started the 8th inning with the Phillies up 1, and it did not go well for the young right-hander. Dominguez only recorded one out and loaded the bases before getting pulled for Victor Arano. Arano came on and allowed all three inherited runners to score. Including yesterday’s outing, Dominguez has now given up runs in half of his eight appearances in the month of August. He has also been charged with three blown saves, and that doesn’t even include yesterday since Arano got credited with that blown save. Pat Neshek might be a better source of saves moving forward and watch out for our old friend Hector Neris, who has struck out 12 of the 20 batters he has faced since getting called back up.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Neshek | Arano.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – Will Smith got the call for the third day in a row on Saturday, but he could not finish the game off. Smith struck out a pair of batters but also loaded the bases on a hit and two walks. Mark Melancon replaced Smith and retired the only batter he faced for his second save of the season. Smith blew a save on Friday, but he has been stellar all season and a couple hiccups shouldn’t affect his role as closer. Melancon got the 8th inning hold on Friday, and we will slide him into the hierarchy in place of Tony Watson, who hasn’t pitched since August 21 when he gave up 4 runs.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Strickland | Melancon.
Miami Marlins – The Marlins called on Drew Steckenrider to protect a three-run lead in the ninth, and although he gave up a homer, he was able to record his second save of the season. Kyle Barraclough got the eighth inning hold ahead of Steckenrider with a scoreless inning. Steckenrider, Conley and now Barraclough are probably all in the mix for saves and we will see if any one of them can run away with the job.
Updated hierarchy: *Steckenrider | Conley | Barraclough.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — In game 2 of the doubleheader yesterday, Dellin Betances came on after Tommy Kahnle ran into trouble in the 9th and struck out the only batter he faced to pick up his first save of the season. Betances has struck out at least one batter in 33 straight relief appearances. In game 1 of the doubleheader, Luis Cessa recorded a three-inning save.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Britton | Robertson.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Kenta Maeda – Kenley Jansen is getting Sunday off.
2. Hunter Strickland – Will Smith has pitched in three straight.
Monday
1. Zach Britton – If Dellin Betances pitches on Sunday, it will be three in a row.
2. Jeurys Familia – If Blake Treinen goes on Sunday, that will be two in a row and three of four.
3. Ryan Tepera – Ken Giles has pitched in two straight.
