September 19, 2018
New York Yankees – Zach Britton picked up his sixth save of the season on Tuesday night after David Robertson pitched the eighth inning. The biggest bullpen news out of the Bronx came before the game, however, as Aaron Boone said that Aroldis Chapman will be activated either today or Thursday. The Yankees are likely to be careful with Chapman prior to the postseason, so Britton, Robertson and Dellin Betances may still see save chances depending on Chapman’s usage.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Robertson | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – Andrew Miller recorded three strikeouts as part of a four-out ninth inning to pick up his second save of the season. Terry Francona thought Miller had his best stuff on Tuesday, which is encouraging news for a team planning for October. With Cleveland having already clinched the AL Central, Francona can rest both Brad Hand and Cody Allen whenever he pleases. Francona can also give Miller the necessary work he needs to get ready for the playoffs, which means Miller may vulture a couple more saves over the final dozen games.
Hierarchy remains: *Hand | Allen | Miller.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies — On this episode of “It’s Always a Committee in Philadelphia,” four different relievers kept the Mets scoreless over the final 3.1 innings, with Hector Neris ultimately recording his 11th save of the season. Pat Neshek recorded the final out of the sixth inning to keep the Phillies trailing by just two. After the Phillies took the lead in the bottom half of the frame, Seranthony Dominguez and Tommy Hunter pitched the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. Neshek has been the best of the bunch lately, as he hasn’t allowed an earned run over his last seven appearances, but the next save chance could go to any of the aforementioned arms.
Hierarchy remains: *Hunter | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Brandon Morrow will miss the rest of the season because of a nagging bone bruise. With Pedro Strop still nursing a strained hamstring, the Cubs will continue to rely on a committee to help clinch another division title.
Hierarchy remains: *Cishek | Wilson | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Jake Diekman has allowed three earned runs in each of his last two outings. Given his recent struggles (and the fact he pitched the fourth and innings with his team trailing by four), It’s unlikely that he’ll see a save chance unless there’s a matchup Torey Lovullo really likes. Archie Bradley hasn’t been exceptional over his last three outings, but all three were scoreless, so we’ll move him into the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Hirano | Ziegler | Bradley.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Blake Parker – Ty Buttrey has pitched in three of four, including a five-out save last night.
2. Pat Neshek – The other three guys in Philadelphia’s bullpen have all pitched two straight days, with Tommy Hunter and Hector Neris having gone in three of four.
3. Hunter Strickland – Will Smith and Mark Melancon have both pitched two straight and three of four.
4. Ryan Tepera – Ken Giles has pitched in three of four, though he only threw nine pitches yesterday.
Tomorrow
1. Jared Hughes – If Raisel Iglesias goes tonight, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
2. Ryan Tepera – A Ken Giles appearance tonight will be his fourth in five days.
