August 27, 2020
Detroit Tigers – Joe Jimenez’s woeful season continued last night, as he gave up a tying home run in the 6th inning. He did walk out with the win after the Tigers put up 5 in the bottom half, but after the game Manager Ron Gardenhire said that he will be using a committee going forward. Buck Farmer got the first crack at finishing a game (although it was a non-save situation), but had a rough outing, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits before snagging a line drive to end the game. Farmer had been one of the best arms out of the Detroit bullpen this year, and we think he probably still has the inside edge at the head of the committee, but Jose Ciserno and Gregory Soto will also be in the mix. Detroit is enjoying a solid run of play, so this is a committee to keep an eye on.
Updated hierarchy: *Farmer | Soto | Cisnero.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays made it official, placing Jalen Beeks on the 45 day IL, ending his season. Beeks had rounded into over the past couple weeks, helping keep the Tampa bullpen afloat amidst a terrible run of injuries. Ryan Sherriff was called up to replace Beeks on the roster and immediately pitched a clean 8th inning, and earned a win after the Rays took the lead in the bottom half. Diego Castillo, who we like to lead this committee, picked up his first save on the year, although the Tampa bullpen may be best left alone.
Hierarchy remains: *Castillo | Curtiss | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – The Rockies were cruising with a 5 run lead going into the 9th, but when Tyler Kinley allowed the first two batters to reach base, he was pulled for vulture save watch pick Jairo Diaz. Diaz got two quick outs (and let an inherited runner score) before the wheels really came off. A hit batsman and two singles left the tying run on third, and saw Diaz pulled for Jeff Hoffman. Hoffman walked the bases loaded, but got a strikeout to end the game and earn his first career save. Hoffman is not typically a late inning arm for the Rockies, and this was a game where a couple of their top arms were unavailable, so we don’t see Hoffman cracking the hierarchy anytime soon.
Hierarchy remains: *Bard | Estevez | Diaz.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Hector Neris – Brandon Workman threw 23 pitches securing the save last night, while Hector Neris will be rested going into today.
2. Jose Ciserno/Gregory Soto – Everyone relevant in Detroit has pitched back to back days, but Ciserno only threw 5 pitches yesterday and seems most likely to get any save chance today.
Tomorrow
1. David Phelps – If Josh Hader pitches, it will be 3 of 4 for him; the Brewers also have a doubleheader scheduled.
2. Joakim Soria/Jake Diekman – Today would be back to back for anybody in the Oakland hierarchy, so whoever is rested today would be in line for a save tomorrow.
3. Tanner Rainey/Will Harris – Today would be back to back for Daniel Hudson and Will Harris, and 3 in a row for Tanner Rainey. If any of them pitch again tonight they will certainly need a rest for Friday.
