August 25, 2019
Miami Marlins – The Marlins, who haven’t recorded a save since July 24th, could have a new closer in September. Their opening day starter Jose Urena will likely be used as closer when he returns from the IL. Urena throws hard and could do well in the closer’s role, but don’t expect many saves out of a team who hasn’t converted one in over a month.
Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Quijada | Stanek.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Derek Law picked up a five out save last night. Ken Giles is expected to rejoin the team on Sunday after the birth of his son but his time away has confirmed that Law is certainly the handcuff at this point.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Law | Shafer.
Houston Astros — Roberto Osuna got a much needed day off on Saturday after pitching in five of the previous six days and Will Harris converted the vulture save chance. Harris should continue to see save chances when Osuna is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Harris | Rondon.
Cleveland Indians – Brad Hand converted his second straight save chance yesterday with a scoreless ninth inning. Meanwhile in the minor leagues, perhaps the Indians’ closer of the future, James Karinchak, is striking out batters at a ridiculous rate. Fantasy owners will want to keep an eye on Karinchak in the future.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Wittgren | Goody.
Minnesota Twins — Taylor Rogers retired all five batters that he faced, including three strikeouts, to close out a Twins 8-5 victory yesterday. Rogers has now recorded the last two saves for the Twins after Sergio Romo got the prior two saves. This will likely continue as a committee through the rest of the season with Rogers getting a few more save chances that Romo.
Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Romo | Dyson.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Nick Wittgren – Brad Hand has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Matt Barnes – Brandon Workman has pitched in three of the past four, throwing a total of 61 pitches.
Monday
1. Shane Greene – If Mark Melancon pitches on Sunday, it will be his third appearance in four days.
