September 1, 2018
New York Yankees – David Robertson picked up another save last night, and went through August without giving up an earned run in 11 appearances. As the Vulture Save Watch noted, Dellin Betances threw 31 pitches in taking the loss on Thursday, so he was likely unavailable. Zach Britton was used in the 7th and 8th of a tie game, giving up a run, and he was in line for the loss until the Yankees’ bats came alive in the bottom of the 8th. While Betances and Britton have both been solid in Aroldis Chapman’s absence, Robertson has been better, which prompts us to move him to the top of the committee while Chapman is out.
Updated hierarchy: *Robertson | Betances | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers acquired Ryan Madson yesterday to bolster their bullpen going into the playoffs. Madson didn’t have a great year with the Nationals, and his recent results have not been good, but it wouldn’t be the first time a change in scenery prompted a bump in performance. The Dodgers plan to use him in the late innings, and Kenley Jansen’s recent struggles (seven runs allowed in the last five games) may have prompted the trade, although Jansen did pick up a clean save last night. Madson will probably have to prove he has turned a corner before he consistently cracks the late innings, but if he can get anywhere close to his 2017 form, he is the best set-up option the Dodgers would have.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.
Washington Nationals – The Nats traded Ryan Madson to the Dodgers yesterday. Madson never really found his footing with the Nationals and will look to right the ship on the West Coast. Meanwhile, the biggest bust signing of the offseason, Greg Holland, has been really good since being picked up by Washington, only giving up one run in 12 appearances. Holland even snagged a save in his last outing, and he’ll likely replace Madson and look to finish out a forgettable year on a high note.
Updated hierarchy: *Miller | Holland | Glover.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Angels – Ty Buttrey pitched the 9th inning ahead of Blake Parker last night to pick up his third hold of the season. The rookie has been solid since his call-up, and last night he worked out of a self-imposed jam by striking out Jose Altuve and getting Carlos Correa to pop up. Buttrey posted excellent numbers at AAA this season (2.20 ERA, 74 Ks in 49 innings) and looks ready to be a key piece of the big-league bullpen. Meanwhile, Cam Bedrosian has not pitched with a lead since August 14th.
Updated hierarchy: Parker | Anderson | Buttrey.
San Diego Padres — Kirby Yates was placed on bereavement leave and will miss the next few days. Phil Maton and Matt Strahm both picked up holds last night before the Padres scored five runs and took away the save situation. We expect Craig Stammen to get a majority of the save chances while Yates is out.
Hierarchy remains: Yates | Stammen | Strahm.
Chicago White Sox – The White Sox traded Xavier Cedeno to the Brewers on Friday. This bullpen will continue to be volatile, but Juan Minaya picked up a hold yesterday and may get some more opportunities in September.
Updated hierarchy: *Fry | Gomez | Minaya.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — Brad Hand got the save again last night with a perfect 9th inning. Cody Allen had a strong outing as well, pitching a perfect 8th with two strikeouts. This is the second straight scoreless appearance for Allen, which is following a stretch that saw him give up six runs in five games. Cleveland is trying to get Allen ready for the playoffs, but Hand has been its stopper for the past two weeks. We are keeping the “committee” tag on as long as Terry Francona insists it exists, but Hand has been Cleveland’s first choice recently.
Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Allen | Cimber.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – The Marlins’ bullpen has been in shambles recently. Last night they blew a four-run lead in the 9th, with Drew Steckenrider taking the loss after Kyle Barraclough loaded the bases with only one out. Miami’s best option isn’t clear right now, but with a month to go in the season, if anybody can string together a few good appearances, they may hold onto the job for the rest of the way. Keep an eye out for any good performances from Adam Conley, Steckenrider or Barraclough, as they could be a cheap addition that snags some vital saves in the fantasy playoffs.
Hierarchy remains: *Steckenrider | Conley | Barraclough.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Craig Stammen — As we noted, Kirby Yates is on the bereavement list at least for this weekend’s series.
2. Blake Parker — Blake Parker has pitched in back-to-back games and three of the last four.
3. Josh Hader/Joakim Soria — Jeremy Jeffress has thrown 62 pitches over the last three days, so somebody else will likely get the save chance today in this committee.
Sunday:
1. Keone Kela — Today would be back-to-back and three of four for Felipe Vazquez
2. Ryan Tepera — Same for Ken Giles.
