August 20, 2020
New York Mets – The Mets have opted to move Seth Lugo into the rotation indefinitely, and they will likely use a committee to replace him. Edwin Diaz, who walked in an inherited runner last night before picking up the win, should head the committee but expect Dellin Betances and Jeurys Familia to also be in the mix.
Updated hierarchy: *Diaz | Betances | Familia.
* = closer-by-committee
Buffalo Blue Jays – As predicted in the vulture save watch, Rafael Dolis got the call to close out a 3 run game. He struck out the side (to go along with a walk and a bunt single) to earn his first save of the year. Dolis has been solid in his recent outings, but we think that Anthony Bass is still the top choice in this committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Romano.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — In the second game of a doubleheader, the Cubs asked Jeremy Jeffress to hold a 1 run lead in the 6th inning while facing the heart of the Cardinals lineup. He struggled with his command, walking two and giving up a run, but would go on to earn the win after the Cubs scored 2 in the top of the 7th. The Cubs then gave the ball to Craig Kimbrel, who struck out all 3 batters he faced to pick up his first save of the year. After an awful start to his season, Kimbrel has quietly put together 3 excellent outings: giving up only 1 walk, while recording 7 strikeouts over 3 innings. We think Rowan Wick, who was resting after pitching back to back games, is still the head of this committee. However, the Cubs would love to get Craig Kimbrel, who they signed for $43 million to be their closer, back on track.
Updated hierarchy: *Wick | Kimbrel | Jeffress.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays found themselves up 2 against the Yankees in the 9th, but after Chaz Roe pitched himself into a jam, they turned to Jalen Beeks to get the last two outs of the game. He struck out both batters he faced to earn his first save of the year. Beeks is normally more of a long reliever for the Rays, but with Nick Anderson pitching earlier in the game, Diego Castillo resting after a 21 pitch outing on Tuesday, Beeks got the call. While this was an impressive performance in a tough situation, Beeks doesn’t normally factor into the late innings.
Hierarchy remains: *Anderson | Castillo | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Zack Britton had a rough night, committing a costly error while giving up a pair of runs to take the loss. To make matters worse, he is being evaluated for a hamstring injury. The Yankees have said they expect a diagnosis today, so this would shake up the Yankee hierarchy if Britton misses any time. With Aroldis Chapman having a shaky start to his season on Monday, the Yankees bullpen is worth watching closely for the next few days.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Britton | Ottavino.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Diego Castillo – Nick Anderson and Chaz Roe have both pitched back to back days, so Castillo is most likely to pick up a save for Tampa today.
2. Joely Rodriguez – Rafael Montero threw 42 pitches last night, and Jonathan Hernandez has thrown back to back days, giving Rodriguez a good chance at any save opportunity for the Rangers today.
3. Jeurys Familia – The whole (revised) Mets hierarchy pitched last night, but only Jeurys Familia hasn’t gone back to back. Look for him to get any save chance today.
4. Matt MaGill – Taylor Williams threw 27 pitches in earning the save yesterday, while MaGill is well-rested.
Friday
1. Evan Marshall/Jimmy Cordero – Today would be back to back for Alex Colome and Evan Marshall.
2. David Phelps – Today would be 2 of 3 for Josh Hader, and he had a 23 pitch outing on Monday.
3. Matt Barnes/Heath Hembree – Today would be back to back for Brandon Workman and Matt Barnes
4. Joakim Soria/Jake Diekman – Same for Liam Hendriks and Joakim Soria.
