April 21, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris recorded the last five outs yesterday for his third save of the season. Neris struck out two and did not allow a base runner. That is now nine straight scoreless appearances for Neris. In other Phillies’ bullpen news, Victor Arano was placed on the IL and we expect Pat Neshek to fill his role in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Dominguez | Neshek
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – With the Twins up two in the first game of the doubleheader yesterday, Taylor Rogers came on for the eighth inning. He allowed a run but was able to strand runners on second and third to preserve the lead. Rogers then came back out for the ninth inning and struck out a pair in a perfect inning to pick up his second save of the season. Blake Parker was battling illness, which could explain why Rogers got the two-inning save. We expect Blake Parker to see the most save chances, but Rogers and Hildenberger have recorded the last two saves so this looks like it is still very much a committee for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Parker | Rogers | Hildenberger.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — Anthony Swarzak returned to the ninth inning yesterday, and despite this great reaction to allowing a homer to Albert Pujols, he was able to hang on for his third save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Swarzak | Elias | Sadzeck.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Taylor Clarke picked up a save in his major league debut yesterday by pitching the final three innings in a Diamondbacks’ six-run victory. Clarke also made history, by becoming the first player ever to record a save and get a hit in his major league debut.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Bradley | Hirano.
Cleveland Indians – Nick Wittgren pitched a scoreless eighth inning ahead of Brad Hand in game one of the doubleheader yesterday. Meanwhile, in game two of the doubleheader, Adam Cimber could not protect a four-run lead in the ninth inning and took the loss. At this point, Nick Wittgren is pitching as well as any other reliever in the Tribe’s bullpen and should continue to see time in the eighth inning.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Wittgren | Cimber.
Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes was used in the eighth inning yesterday and that left Ryan Brasier for the ninth inning again. Brasier converted the save chance and now has five saves in the Red Sox eight wins so far this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Brasier | Barnes | Workman.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jared Hughes – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in three straight.
2. Matt Barnes/Brandon Workman – Ryan Brasier has pitched in two straight and three of four. Barnes has also pitched in two straight.
3. Seranthony Dominguez – Hector Neris has pitched in two straight, including 1.2 innings yesterday.
4. Roenis Elias – Anthony Swarzak has pitched in three of the past four games.
Monday
1. Ty Buttrey – If Cody Allen pitches today, it will be three of the past four.
