Tampa Bay throws away a shot at history

September 26, 2020

Kansas City Royals — The first save opportunity in Greg Holland’s absence went to Jesse Hahn, who lowered his ERA to 0.55 in the process. With just two games left in the season, the order of this committee will matter a lot less this weekend than how tired each guy is. As you’ll see below, we like Josh Staumont if the Royals need a save on Saturday.

Hierarchy remains: *Barlow | Hahn | Staumont.

Tampa Bay Rays — John Curtiss struck out the bottom three members of the Phillies’ lineup to pick up his second save. Great for Curtiss, sure, but Kevin Cash wasted a golden opportunity to have the first team in MLB history where 13 different pitchers earned at least one save. Pete Fairbanks and Aaron Loup, we’re pulling for you.

Hierarchy remains: *Anderson | Castillo | Drake.
* = closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates — It was Chris Stratton who got the save chance Friday night with Richard Rodriguez resting, but Stratton couldn’t get through a second inning and coughed up the lead and the ballgame to Cleveland. 

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Turley | Stratton.

San Francisco Giants — Tony Watson picked up the save in the first game of Friday’s doubleheader, but Sam Coonrod couldn’t do the same in the nightcap, his fourth appearance in five games.

Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tyler Rogers — Tony Watson has pitched in three out of four, and Sam Coonrod four out of five. Rogers, who pitched in three straight before getting Friday off, might be the best rested of the three. Longer shots include Sam Selman (three straight but only 20 pitches) and Trevor Cahill (less fatigue but might serve as an opener).
2. Zack Britton — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight.
3. Blake Treinen/Pedro Baez — Kenley Jansen has appeared in two straight, and the Dodgers have nothing to play for.
4. Brad Boxberger — Boxberger is slightly better rested than Brandon Kintzler, who threw two innings on Thursday and pitched on Friday.
5. Josh Staumont — Scott Barlow has pitched three in a row and Jesse Hahn has gone in two straight.
6. Brett Martin — Rafael Montero has pitched in two straight (39 pitches) and Jonathan Hernandez threw 30 pitches on Friday.
7. Ty Buttrey — Mike Mayers has pitched in four of five.
8. Joakim Soria — Liam Hendriks has gone in two of three, and the A’s have a doubleheader Saturday.
9. Aaron Bummer — Alex Colome might not pitch again in the regular season.

Sunday:
1. Ryan Brasier — Brasier is more likely than Matt Barnes to get Saturday off, but neither will pitch in three straight.
2. Aaron Bummer — See above.
3. James Karinchak — An appearance by Brad Hand would be three of four.
4. Justin Wilson — Edwin Diaz has been used a lot and the Mets have a Saturday doubleheader.