September 24, 2020
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels went back to Mike Mayers for the third game in a row and he pitched a scoreless 8th inning. Mayers came back out for the 9th as the Angels were looking for him to get more than 3 outs for the 8th straight appearance, but after he gave up a leadoff single, they brought in Felix Pena to finish the game. He gave up a single of his own but escaped without giving up a run for his second save of the year. Mayers still seems to be the top option for saves going into the final weekend, but as the vulture save watch will note, he is in need of a rest.
Updated hierarchy: *Mayers | Pena | Buttrey.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — While Alex Colome is still dealing with back spasms, he was available last night if needed. The White Sox have already clinched a playoff berth, but last night’s loss took them out of first place in the AL Central. With the playoffs looming we don’t expect Alex Colome to get more than one appearance this weekend, giving the rest of the hierarchy a chance to vulture a save down the stretch.
Hierarchy remains: Colome | Heuer | Cordero.
Toronto Blue Jays — When Toronto blew the game open in the 6th inning, they left Ross Stripling in to finish the game. Stripling was excellent over 4 innings, only surrendering one hit and striking out 4. Stripling isn’t likely to impact the bullpen the rest of the way.
Hierarchy remains: Bass | Dolis | Cole.
Vulture Save Watch:
Today
1. Nik Turley – Richard Rodriguez has pitched in back to back and 4 of the last 5, while Chris Stratton has also gone in back to back, leaving Nik Turley the best-rested option in this bullpen.
2. Sam Coonrod– The other pieces of this committee, Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers have both pitched in back to back games, giving Sam Coonrod a chance to pick up a save today.
3. Jimmy Cordero – Alex Colome may get any save chance, but if this is a 3 run game, expect Jimmy Cordero to get a look, as he is the best rested in the Chicago bullpen.
Friday:
1. Felix Pena – Mike Mayers may get a couple of days off after his recent workload. He has pitched in three straight, and four of five, throwing a total of 6.2 innings and 95 pitches.
2. Codi Heuer – With Alex Colome still dealing with Back Spasms, Codi Heuer could see any save chance this weekend.
3. James Karinchak – Brad Hand has pitched in 3 of 4 already, but with a division game today, we expect he’ll be available. Karinchak is still a good bet to get a save chance this weekend, as the Indians play the lowly pirates to close the regular season.
4. Joakim Soria / Jake Diekman – Today would be back to back for Liam Hendricks, as well as Soria and Diekman, so expect anyone who pitches today to get tomorrow off.
