May 3, 2021
New York Mets – Edwin Diaz gave up the game-tying home run, and then didn’t, but had to come out of the game before throwing another pitch due to a sore back. He’s being reevaluated today, and if he needs to miss any time, Trevor May is the likely candidate for saves, though Jeurys Familia (who got the 1-out save after Diaz came out) has also been excellent so far this season. If Diaz needs to miss time, we’ll follow up with an alert.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | May | Familia.
St. Louis Cardinals – Though Jordan Hicks received treatment for the dreaded “forearm tightness” diagnosis, the Cardinals are not overly concerned with his status, and he might be fine after a short IL trip. We’ll monitor this situation.
Hierarchy remains: Reyes | Gallegos | Hicks.
Toronto Blue Jays – Rafael Dolis got the final out of a 5-run game, but since the bases were loaded when he entered, that was good enough for his third save of the season. This continues to look like a committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – Bryan Shaw finished the 6th and pitched the 7th for the Indians on Sunday, bridging the gap to set-up man James Karinchak, who continued his dominant season (11.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 25 Ks) by striking out the side. Emmanuel Clase finished things in the 9th. Expect to see more of this trio, in this order, going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Clase | Karinchak | Shaw.
Colorado Rockies – Having been used sparingly in recent weeks, the Rockies went to closer Daniel Bard in a tie game in the 8th inning on Sunday. Bard seemed to have good stuff, hitting 99 on the gun, but the result was a disastrous outing that ballooned his ERA to 9.00. After the game, Bard said he had to look at sequencing and/or whether he’s tipping pitches, but we have to think that he’s on shaky ground right now. Mychal Givens is the likely handcuff.
Hierarchy remains: Bard | Givens | Stephenson.
Seattle Mariners – Facing the Angels’ 3-4-5 hitters, the Mariners turned to Kendall Graveman in the 8th, then handed the 9th back to Rafael Montero, who locked down the save. Given the lineup implications, we’re going to leave Graveman and his 0.00 ERA at the top of this committee for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Graveman | Montero | Middleton.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jeurys Familia – Even if Edwin Diaz’s back is fine, he’ll certainly be down today after pitching back to back over the weekend. Trevor May did the same, so maybe we’ll see Familia in the 9th again tonight.
2. Joely Rodriguez – Ian Kennedy has gone back to back and three of four.
3. Rex Brothers – Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Chafin, and Dan Winkler are all gassed, so it’s last man standing for the Cubs tonight, with Brothers likely the best option.
Tomorrow
1. James Karinchak – If Emmanuel Clase goes tonight, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Giovanny Gallegos – If Alex Reyes goes tonight, it’s back to back.
3. Jake Diekman – Same for Lou Trivino.
