September 29, 2019
Chicago Cubs — Brandon Kintzler picked up his first save of the season and wagged his finger at the Cardinals after getting the final out. The Cubs have shut Craig Kimbrel down for the season. If you are desperate for a save on the last day of the season you could take a chance on Rowan Wick.
Updated hierarchy: Wick | Kintzler | Strop.
New York Mets — Manager Mickey Callaway said that he wanted to get another save situation for Edwin Diaz before the end of the season and last night provided him with that opportunity. Diaz responded with a perfect ninth inning for his first save in over a month.
Hierarchy remains: *Diaz | Familia | Avilan.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, Archie Bradley got the night off and Kevin Ginkel got the call in the ninth inning. Ginkel pitched a scoreless inning for his second save. He was excellent in September, giving up only one earned run, and should be a candidate for the back end of the Diamondbacks bullpen heading into next season.
Hierarchy remains: Bradley | Ginkel | Lopez.
Oakland A’s – Jesus Luzardo nailed down his second save of the season yesterday, striking out three over two scoreless innings to finish off a 1-0 victory for the A’s. Luzardo has been fantastic out of the bullpen in September but will likely move to the starting rotation next season.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Soria | Petit.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Carlos Estevez – Jairo Diaz has pitched it two straight, including 1.2 innings on Friday
2. Joe Kelly – Kelly has missed time recently but is expected to pitch on Sunday and it could be in a save situation.
3. Fernando Rodney – The Nationals clinched the first wild card spot yesterday and may choose to rest their entire hierarchy on Sunday.
4. Luke Jackson – With the Braves locked into a playoff spot, they could choose to rest Mark Melancon and Shane Greene
Monday
1. Andrew Miller/Giovanny Gallegos – Check your league to see if game 163 counts. If it does and the Cardinals and Brewers are tied after today you could take a long shot on one of these Cardinals’ relievers.
2. Junior Guerra/Drew Pomeranz – or one of these Brewers’ relievers.
