July 30, 2019
Miami Marlins – A Monday with zero saves recorded across all of MLB gives us a chance to dive a little deeper into the Marlins recent bullpen usage. Don Mattingly said over the weekend that Nick Anderson had the “most dominant stuff” in the bullpen and that he would likely be used against the heart of the lineup regardless of what inning it is; Mattingly proceeded to use Anderson in the 8th inning of a four-run game on Sunday, and then summoned him for the last out of the game last night, in a game the Marlins were leading by five, but where the Diamondbacks had two runners on base. (Anderson got out of the jam, leading to this epic tweet from the Marlins.) Jarlin Garcia, meanwhile, got the 9th inning on Sunday and was held out of yesterday’s game and is working on a run of 18 straight scoreless innings (14 Ks vs 2 BBs in that span). We’ll continue to watch this one closely, as Mattingly is no stranger to the “relief ace who isn’t the closer” role, having used Kyle Barraclough in that position for the better part of 2016 and 2017. A darkhorse is converted starter Trevor Richards, who was just moved to the bullpen last week.
Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Anderson | Quijada.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Tomorrow
1. Fernando Rodney – Sean Doolittle threw 22 pitches (23 if this counts) last night; an extended outing tonight might mean he’s off tomorrow.
Jarlin Garcia, Diego Castillo worth watching going forward
July 29, 2019
Tampa Bay Rays – Diego Castillo picked up his first save in six weeks on Sunday, striking out both hitters he faced to preserve a one-run victory. Castillo had a bumpy June, but has been much better this month, and will likely get a few more save opportunities going forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Pagan | Castillo | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – The Marlins were leading by four heading into the top of the 8th, whereupon Nick Anderson was tasked with facing a pinch hitter, followed by the top of the Arizona lineup. Anderson had a shaky start to his outing, allowing three of the first four hitters to reach base, but he managed to wiggle out of it, passing the ball to Jarlin Garcia for the 9th. Even though it wasn’t a save chance, based on this usage we have to think Anderson and Garcia are the favorites for saves going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Anderson | Quijada.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – On Friday, Chris Martin converted the first Rangers save since Shawn Kelley’s injury, but the big righty was unavailable with back stiffness on Sunday, so Jose Leclerc got the chance to protect a 1-run lead. But Leclerc allowed two hits and three walks — including a Shrimp Alert to end the game. If Martin is healthy, look for him to get the next chance.
Hierarchy remains: *C.Martin | Leclerc | B.Martin.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – Hunter Strickland was activated from the IL on Sunday, ending his four-month absence with a scoreless 7th inning. The Mariners were down two runs at the time, so it wasn’t the highest leverage of spots, but they may move quickly to give Strickland some late-game hold or save chances. If and when that happens, we’ll adjust our hierarchy accordingly.
Hierarchy remains: *Elias | Bass | Gearrin.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Shawn Armstrong – Mychal Givens has gone back to back and three of four.
Tomorrow
1. Michael Lorenzen – If Raisel Iglesias goes today, it’ll be three straight.
Greg Holland out as closer in Arizona
July 28, 2019
Arizona Diamondbacks – Torey Lovullo said this morning that Greg Holland would no longer handle the 9th inning for the DBacks. He didn’t name a replacement, saying things will be matchup-based at the outset, but consider it likely that Yoshihisa Hirano and Yoan Lopez will be prominently involved. Also keep an eye on Archie Bradley, who is working on a run of 11 straight scoreless innings.
Updated hierarchy: *Hirano | Lopez | Bradley.
* = closer-by-committee
Sergio Romo dealt as trade deadline nears
July 28, 2019
Miami Marlins — As we mentioned yesterday, Sergio Romo has been traded to the Twins, and Nick Anderson is expected to close. There is a chance that Anderson gets traded as well, and it’s less clear who is behind him. One option is Jose Quijada, as he picked up a save earlier this season. Another sleeper is Jarlin Garcia, who has not allowed an earned run in his last sixteen appearances. We will slot these two lefties behind Anderson for now. Tayron Guerrero is a hard-throwing righty who profiles more like a traditional closer, but he has struggled since returning from the IL (4 ER in 4 IP) and his high walk rate (28 BBs in 35 IP) might prevent him from being used in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: Anderson | Quijada| Garcia.
Minnesota Twins — The Twins bolstered their bullpen yesterday by acquiring Marlins’ closer, Sergio Romo. Taylor Rogers has been fantastic this year and should continue to see the most save opps. However, Sergio Romo is a veteran closer and the Twins have not been shy about using Taylor Rogers earlier in games or for multiple innings, which should leave save chances for Sergio Romo as well. We will put this in a committee for now and see how things play out.
Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Romo | May.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias struck out a pair in a perfect ninth inning yesterday for his 18th save of the season. The Reds are willing to listen to offers for Iglesias so he will be a name to watch as the trade deadline approaches this week.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Garrett.
Houston Astros — All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly is battling soreness in his right knee and the Astros are considering placing him on the IL. Roberto Osuna has been a little shaky recently, giving up an earned run in his last three appearances, and five of his last seven. If Pressly misses time, the Astros may be more aggressive in acquiring bullpen help at the deadline.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Pressly | Harris.
Kansas City Royals — Jake Diekman has been traded to the A’s. Fellow lefty Tim Hill should take Diekman’s place in the later innings for the Royals.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Barlow | Hill.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Shawn Armstrong – Mychal Givens has pitched in two of three, throwing a total of 51 pitches.
Sergio Romo traded to Minnesota; Nick Anderson should close for Miami
July 27, 2019
Minnesota Twins — Sergio Romo has been traded to Minnesota and could compete for saves, but we think Taylor Rogers — eight years younger and with better numbers — will keep the ninth inning. We’ll throw the committee asterisk on for now as a hedge.
Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Romo | May.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — With Sergio Romo’s departure for Minnesota, Nick Anderson should get the first chance to close ahead of Tayron Guerrero and Adam Conley. Watch for Drew Steckenrider’s return in the next few weeks as well.
Updated hierarchy: Anderson | Guerrero | Conley.
