April 18, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays — For the first time since 2019, the monkey has removed the asterisk for the Tampa Bay Rays. Diego Castillo struck out a pair in a 6-3 Rays victory yesterday to pick up his 4th save of the season. Castillo is the only Rays’ reliever to record a save so far this season and that is enough to remove the committee tag (which probably means the next 4 saves will go to some other random relievers we have never heard of).
Hierarchy remains: Castillo | Reed | Thompson.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the day off yesterday as the Vulture Save Watch predicted, but it was lefty Victor Gonzalez who ended up recording the last two outs of the game to pick up the save. However, let’s be clear, the save really should have gone to Mookie Betts for this ridiculous game-saving catch for the last out of the game. Gonzalez became the fourth Dodger to record a save so far this season, and manager Dave Roberts previously mentioned he felt comfortable using Knebel, Treinen, or Gonzalez when Jansen is rested. The Dodgers are going to win a lot of games this year and they will likely rest Jansen a lot throughout the season so there could be a decent number of save chances for the other guys in their bullpen as we have already seen so far this season.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.
Atlanta Braves — The Braves have placed Sean Newcomb on the injured list due to potential COVID exposure. Newcomb could be back soon if he passes protocols, but while he is out, Tyler Matzek should see more time in the later innings. In other non-bullpen-related Braves news, Sean Kazmar Jr. played in his first major league game since 2008.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Minter | Matzek.
Chicago Cubs – Brandon Workman has been activated from the COVID related IL, and should slide back into his spot behind closer Craig Kimbrel and set-up man Andrew Chafin.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Chafin | Workman.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Joe Smith (HOU) – Ryan Pressly has pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Richard Bleier/Anthony Bass (MIA) – Yimi Garcia has also pitched in two straight and three of four.
Monday
1. Adam Ottavino (BOS) – Matt Barnes threw 28 pitches yesterday so if he goes again today, he will likely get Monday off.
2. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Jake McGee threw 35 pitches in a blown save yesterday and will get Monday off if he pitches again today
3. Cody Reed (TB) – If Diego Castillo pitches today, it will be two straight and three of four.
