April 3, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays — These are the Rays we know and love! Pete Fairbanks got the high-leverage final out in the sixth; Chaz Roe collected a hold, but was instrumental in blowing the lead; and the save chance wound up with Diego Castillo, his second in as many days. While Tampa’s bullpen will continue to be unpredictable, they are a good source of holds if your league counts them, and Castillo could make a run as a more traditional closer while Nick Anderson is out.
Hierarchy remains: *Castillo | Fairbanks | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres — For the second day in a row, Mark Melancon got the save opportunity, with Emiliano Pagan in a setup role. Manager Jayce Tingler has said the Padres will use different combinations in the late innings, but he’s turned to Melancon for the first two save chances, and Melancon may be creating some separation from the other options. He could produce significant value for this very strong Padres team.
Hierarchy remains: *Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Yimi Garcia pitched a scoreless eighth with the Marlins up one to pick up his first hold of the season. Garcia also got the call in the eighth of a tie game on Opening Day, although that outing didn’t go as well as he took the loss after giving up a go-ahead homer. Based on this early usage, we will move Garcia to first in line behind closer Anthony Bass.
Updated hierarchy: Bass | Garcia | Curtiss.
Baltimore Orioles — John Means turned in a gem to open the season for the Orioles, and turned the ball over to Tanner Scott for a scoreless eighth, leaving the first save chance of the Baltimore committee to Cesar Valdez. Valdez was warming up in the seventh in case Means ran into trouble, but Brandon Hyde ultimately opted to save him for the ninth. Valdez was one of Baltimore’s best relievers in 2020, but the Orioles say they want to stretch him out as a starter. As long as he’s in the bullpen, he has a chance at saves, so we’ll add him to the committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Scott | Valdez | Armstrong.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Chad Green — Aroldis Chapman is still serving his suspension, so any save chance will likely go to Green.
2. Drew Pomeranz — Mark Melancon and Emiliano Pagan have both pitched in back-to-back games.
3. Pete Fairbanks — Diego Castillo has pitched back-to-back, while Fairbanks only threw seven pitches yesterday.
4. Aaron Bummer — Liam Hendriks threw 34 pitches in logging his first save yesterday.
Sunday:
1. Yimi Garcia — Anthony Bass threw 15 pitches in a blown save yesterday, so another outing today could earn him a rest on Sunday.
2. Joe Smith — Today would be two straight games for Ryan Pressly.
