May 4, 2021
San Diego Padres – Drew Pomeranz continued his strong season with a clean, 2-strikeout 8th inning ahead of Mark Melancon. Emilio Pagan has been perfectly decent — and the placement of these two might be trivial if the Padres decide on a committee approach should Melancon miss time — but for now, we’re moving Pomeranz (1.54 ERA, 20 Ks in 11.2 IP) ahead in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pomeranz | Pagan.
Oakland A’s – The A’s had talked about mixing and matching in the 9th, but until last night, Lou Trivino had gotten virtually all of the save chances, with Jake Diekman only spelling him when Trivino needed a night off. But last night, with both of them available, Trivino got the 8th while Diekman got the 9th. This was a matchup play, but it still bears watching, as it could throw this bullpen back into a committee. We will monitor.
Hierarchy remains: Trivino | Diekman | Petit.
Los Angeles Angels – Tony Watson was placed on the IL over the weekend; look for Aaron Slegers to benefit from a few additional hold opportunities in his absence. Also, Mike Mayers figures to be out for a few days after being placed on the non-designation IL (most likely suggesting COVID precautions).
Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Mayers | Slegers.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Sam Coonrod – Hector Neris threw 40 pitches yesterday and Jose Alvarado is suspended.
2. Giovanny Gallegos – Alex Reyes has gone back to back.
3. Yusmeiro Petit – Lou Trivino and Jake Diekman have both gone back to back.
4. Nick Wittgren – Emmanuel Clase, James Karinchak, and Bryan Shaw have gone back to back and three of four, and all of them could be down today.
5. Andrew Kittredge – Diego Castillo, Jeffrey Springs, and Ryan Thompson have gone back to back and all of them could be down today.
Tomorrow
1. Tanner Scott – If Cesar Valdez goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Aaron Slegers – Same for Raisel Iglesias.
