April 23, 2021
Arizona Diamondbacks — Stefan Crichton was hit by a comebacker during his appearance Thursday in a 14-11 win by the Diamondbacks. X-rays came back negative, so he can be considered day to day, for now. Before departing, he allowed two hits and three runs (two earned) while recording just one out. Kevin Ginkel could get the next shot for a save if Crichton is unable to pitch on Friday, but also keep an eye on J.B. Bukauskas, a top pitching prospect who recently made his major league debut and has yet to allow a hit.
Hierarchy remains: *Crichton | Ginkel | Clarke.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — On the other side of a wild game, Lucas Sims and Sean Doolittle did not have good showings. Doolitte was tagged for two runs on two hits and three walks, while Sims was hit with the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) on two hits and a walk. It should be noted that Sims preserved the tie game in the ninth inning and only allowed the extra innings runner to score on a single in the 10th. However, after Sims put a couple more runners on with a single and a walk, he departed with a 9-8 deficit in favor of Cionel Perez. Perez did not do Sims any favors as he let everyone in and then some after allowing a triple and home run. Amir Garrett did not pitch, but he hasn’t been so hot either this season (16.20 ERA, 3.20 WHIP). We think when he’s rested, Sims might get the next save chance, but after a 26-pitch outing Thursday, perhaps Garrett gets another crack on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: *Sims | Doolittle | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano could be activated from the injured list as soon as Saturday, according to general manager Ross Adkins. The news isn’t as good for Julian Merryweather, who has been shut down for “a couple of weeks.”
Hierarchy remains: *Dolis | Mayza | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates – Richard Rodriguez nailed down his third save Thursday with a clean ninth inning. He has all of the team’s saves this year and has yet to allow a run. Goodbye, asterisk!
Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | Crick | Stratton.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Kevin Ginkel (ARI) – Stefan Crichton was struck by a comebacker Thursday. X-rays were negative, but he should be considered day to day and could get a breather Friday.
2. Amir Garrett (CIN) – Roster him at your own risk. But Garrett might get a shot Friday if Lucas Sims can’t go after throwing 26 pitches Thursday, his second game in three days. Sean Doolittle has also pitched in two of three and tossed 30 pitches Thursday.
3. Kyle Crick (PIT) – Richard Rodriguez has pitched in two straight.
4. Taylor Rogers (MIN) – Alex Colome threw 49 pitches Wednesday and could need an additional day of rest.
5. Jake Diekman (OAK) — Lou Trivino has pitched in three of five, throwing 65 pitches.
Saturday:
1. Kyle Crick (PIT) – If he goes Friday, it would be three in a row for Richard Rodriguez.
2. Jake Diekman (OAK) – If he pitches Friday, that would be four of six for Lou Trivino.
3. Chad Green (NYY) – An outing Friday would be three of four for Aroldis Chapman.
4. Adam Ottavino (BOS) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Matt Barnes.
5. Andrew Chafin (CHC) – Same as the previous two for Craig Kimbrel.
6. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Same as the previous three for Jake McGee.
