August 2, 2019
Minnesota Twins — Newly acquired Sam Dyson was immediately thrust into a save situation for the Twins and immediately disappointed, allowing four straight to reach base (walk, single, RBI double, walk). Taylor Rogers allowed a game-tying single to blow the save, but managed to strike out the side to send the game to extra innings. The usage pushes Dyson into the save conversation, but the performance doesn’t inspire much confidence. Perhaps he was tired — from helping the grounds crew in his final act for the Giants, or from the flight he took not long before Thursday’s first pitch. Either way, we’ll see how he’s used next time out.
Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Dyson | Romo.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates – The suspensions for the ugly Pirates/Reds brawl were issued, and Keone Kela is out 10 games for his role in instigating it. Kyle Crick, meanwhile, received a three-game ban for “inappropriate actions.” Both players are appealing. Consider Richard Rodriguez and Francisco Liriano good vulture save candidates if Felipe Vazquez needs rest.
Hierarchy remains: Vazquez | Crick | Kela.
Cincinnati Reds — The Pittsburgh/Cincy brawl was largely instigated by relief pitchers, including Amir Garrett, suspended eight games for charging at the Pirates dugout and throwing a haymaker. Jared Hughes picked up a three-game ban for throwing at Starling Marte. Both players appealed their suspensions. When Garrett goes out, you could consider David Hernandez in holds leagues, but we recommend steering clear (12 holds, 6.86 ERA).
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Lorenzen | Garrett.
Toronto Blue Jays — If things go right for Ken Giles (elbow), he could be back for the Jays on Sunday or Monday. Expect Justin Shafer and Tim Mayza to fill in for Giles in the meantime.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Shafer | Mayza.
Philadelphia Phillies — Blake Parker was deployed for the first time by manager Gabe Kapler, throwing a scoreless inning in a 10-2 win for the Phillies. Parker, in his first major league action since July 23, allowed two hits and struck out two. He could factor into the late innings for Philly’s beleaguered bullpen. Stay tuned. In other Phillies news, David Robertson is out for the season, and his career might also be in jeopardy.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Morgan | Alvarez.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Sergio Romo — Sam Dyson might get a breather after Thursday’s dud, though he is otherwise rested. Taylor Rogers definitely won’t pitch Friday — he has gone in three straight.
2. Jeremy Jeffress — Josh Hader has pitched in three straight.
3. Adam Morgan — Hector Neris is in the midst of serving his three-game suspension.
4. Justin Shafer — Ken Giles is still out.
Saturday:
1. Aaron Bummer — A Friday appearance would be three of four for Alex Colome.
2. Blake Treinen — The A’s are off Friday, but Liam Hendriks has been busy lately (three of five, four of seven entering Saturday).
3. Seth Lugo — A Friday outing would be four of six for Edwin Diaz.
4. Adam Morgan — See above.
5. Justin Shafer — See above.
