September 26, 2018
Atlanta Braves – Prior to Tuesday’s game, Brian Snitker said that Arodys Vizcaino would pitch the ninth if the Braves had a lead. Sure enough, Vizcaino closed out a 7-3 win over the Mets with an efficient eight-pitch ninth inning. Meanwhile, AJ Minter is trying to work through some mechanical flaws prior to the postseason. We think Vizcaino is the best bet for saves over the final week, but Snitker also said that he doesn’t want to push Vizcaino too hard, so we’ll leave it as a committee for the rest of the year. Snitker also said after Tuesday’s win that Chad Sobotka, who struck out two in a four-out eighth inning, will get more high-leverage looks.
Updated hierarchy: *Vizcaino | Sobotka | Minter.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – Trevor Hildenberger’s rough September continued on Tuesday when he gave up three hits and four earned runs in the eighth inning en route to a blown save. Manager Paul Molitor said he’s going to try different guys in different roles this week, which explains Hildenberger’s turn in the eighth inning. Given Hildenberger’s struggles and Molitor’s plan to use a committee, expect either Taylor Rogers or Trevor May to get the next save chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Hildenberger | Rogers | May.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Angels – Blake Parker completed Tuesday’s eighth inning, but it was Hansel Robles, not Ty Buttrey, who earned last night’s save. Buttrey, who was coming off a second straight blown save on Monday, was reportedly unavailable after working two of the previous three days. We’ll keep an eye on how Mike Scioscia handles his bullpen over the final five days of the season.
Updated hierarchy: *Buttrey | Parker | Robles.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — Jace Fry will start Wednesday’s game, which means Nate Jones may vulture a save if the opportunity arises. The White Sox are off on Thursday, so Fry should be available out of the bullpen for the team’s next game even if he pitches two innings tonight.
Hierarchy remains: *Fry | Jones | Minaya.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Yoshihisa Hirano threw 27 pitches yesterday and Brad Ziegler had already worked, so the Diamondbacks called upon old friend Brad Boxberger to try and close out a 3-2 win. The Dodgers took advantage of their sudden good fortune and tied the game thanks to a single, a stolen base, a throwing error and a double. Boxberger did earn the win after a walk-off home run in the bottom half of the ninth, so he’s got that going for him. Which is nice.
Hierarchy remains: *Hirano | Ziegler | Bradley.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jeurys Familia – Blake Treinen has pitched in two straight and four of five. Familia was held out last night.
2. Nate Jones – As we mentioned above, Jace Fry is starting today.
3. Hector Rondon – Roberto Osuna has pitched in two straight and three of four, though last night’s outing consisted of just six pitches.
4. Steven Wright – The Red Sox have a doubleheader today and it’s highly unlikely Craig Kimbrel pitches in both games.
5. Seth Lugo/Anthony Swarzak – Robert Gsellman had a rough seventh inning last night, throwing 24 pitches.
Tomorrow
1. Kevin McCarthy – An appearance today would be two straight and three of four for Wily Peralta.
