August 8, 2020
Kansas City Royals — Trevor Rosenthal continued his career renaissance, picking up his second save in a two-strikeout ninth on Friday. Meanwhile, last year’s closer, Ian Kennedy, has given up at least one run in each of his last four appearances, and is quickly sliding down the bullpen depth chart (and trade value meter).
Updated hierarchy: *Rosenthal | Holland | Kennedy.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Rafael Montero, a former prospect who struggled through four injury-riddled years with the Mets, had a promising 2019 with the Rangers but started this season on the IL with elbow tendinitis. He made his season debut last night and earned a save in a tight, one-run game, striking out Mike Trout to end the proceedings. With Edinson Volquez’s recent struggles, we’ll move Montero to the top of the committee right away; Friday night was the first time in the last 11 games that the Rangers didn’t give up a run in relief.
Updated hierarchy: *Montero | Hernandez | Volquez.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals — If the Cardinals — who have played one-third as many games as the Indians, and whose weekend series against the Cubs was cancelled Friday afternoon — manage to get a save chance in the next 14 days, it will go to someone other than Ryan Helsley, who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Updated hierarchy: *Gallegos | Miller | Gant.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers — Joe Jimenez struck out the first two batters he faced with a three-run lead, but then let the next three score, blowing the save en route to an eventual 17-13 Tigers win. (One more for Pittsburgh, and it would have been 1948 all over again). Detroit’s bullpen isn’t quite so dominant anymore.
Hierarchy remains: Jimenez | Farmer | Soto.
Miami Marlins — With the Marlins resting Brandon Kintzler and Brad Boxberger, Nick Vincent got the last five outs on Friday night to earn his first save of the year.
Updated hierarchy: Kintzler | Boxberger | Vincent.
Tampa Bay Rays — Chaz Roe deserved a win and a save for his performance against the Yankees on Friday night, escaping a leadoff double to retire the side in the eighth, then coming out again for the ninth to protect a one-run lead. Oliver Drake hasn’t pitched since taking the loss on August 1, and his absence tonight illustrates that this is very much still a committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Drake | Anderson | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — Aaron Bummer has been regularly pitching in front of Evan Marshall, who picked up his third eighth-inning hold in eight days on Friday.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Marshall | Bummer.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jake Diekman — Both Liam Hendriks and Joakim Soria have pitched in three of four. Hendriks has also gone in five of seven.
2. Blake Taylor — Ryan Pressly may not pitch on a third straight day.
Sunday:
1. Matt Barnes/Heath Hembree — Both Barnes and Brandon Workman have gone in two of three.
