May 22, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The committee in Toronto continues to be murky, with Jordan Romano pitching the seventh inning of a tie game last night and Tyler Chatwood taking the ninth at home, where typically you would see a closer. Rafael Dolis was held out of the game after his long outing on Thursday. It’s safe to say that the closer spot is wide open for the Blue Jays, and whoever converts the next save might just run away with the job. We will be monitoring the situation closely, and Dolis being rested will likely give him an inside track if a save chance comes today.
Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — With the Nationals holding a four-run lead in the ninth inning they turned the ball over to Brad Hand in a non-save situation. He gave up two runs but managed to finish the game. Hand has struggled recently, giving up runs in five of his last six appearances. Daniel Hudson, who pitched a clean eighth ahead of him yesterday, has yet to give up a run in May. Because it wasn’t a save situation and because Hand did finish the game, we aren’t ready to remove him from the closer spot just yet, but Hudson makes for a good speculative add in case Hand’s struggles continue.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Hudson | Harris.
Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers traded JP Feyereisen and Drew Rasmussen to the Tampa Bay Rays for Trevor Richards and shortstop Willy Adames. Feyereisen had been pitching well for Milwaukee until giving up 6 runs over his last two outings, and his place in the hierarchy will be filled by Brad Boxberger.
Updated hierarchy: Hader | Williams | Boxberger.
Tampa Bay Rays — The other side of the trade sees the Rays bolstering their bullpen with JP Feyereisen and Drew Rasmussen. The Rays say they plan for Feyereisen to be a late-inning reliever for them, but that description could apply to any reliever on the team. Feyereisen did start the year with 17 scoreless appearances before struggling a bit recently, so he has the talent to get high leverage spots in Tampa. We will wait to see how they use him before making a hierarchy move.
Hierarchy remains: *Castillo | Fairbanks | Thompson.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chalk another one up for the vulture save watch. Kenley Jansen got the night off so it was Blake Treinen who got the save opportunity in a 1 run game. He converted for his second save of the year. The recently acquired Nate Jones got his first appearance for the Dodgers and threw 5 outs to nab a hold. Jones has closing experience and could make an impact in LA at some point, but he won’t crack the hierarchy just yet.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.
New York Mets – After the Mets ran through their entire hierarchy earlier in the game the 12th inning save was left to Aaron Loup protecting a 3 run lead. He gave up a pair of singles to give 2 of them back before getting a crucial double play and getting pulled for Jacob Barnes. Barnes got the last out to snag his first save of the year. The Mets had an off day on Thursday so last night’s heavy usage probably won’t affect their plans for today.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | May | Familia.
Seattle Mariners — The Mariners made a flurry of moves after a report of a positive COVID test among their relievers, sending Anthony Misiewicz, Drew Steckenrider, Robert Duggar, and Will Vest to the IL. They brought up a few arms to fill the holes, but most notably activated Keynan Middleton from the IL after a 3-week absence with a bicep injury. Middleton got some work in immediately, pitching a clean 4th inning, and should return to the later innings soon.
Updated hierarchy: *Graveman | Montero | Middleton.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY) – Aroldis Chapman has pitched back to back and 3 of 4.
2. Gregory Soto (DET) – Michael Fulmer converted the save chance last night, but has now pitched in 2 of 3 and 3 of 5
3. Ryan Stanek (HOU) – Ryan Pressly has pitched in back-to-back games, but has only thrown 15 pitches. Even so, Stanek is well-rested and could snag a chance today.
4. Joely Rodriguez (TEX) – Ian Kennedy threw 31 pitches yesterday and could get a rest today.
Sunday:
1. Mike Mayers/Tony Watson(LAA) – Raisel Iglesias had a 20 pitch outing last night, while Mayers threw 31, so if either go today they will definitely get Sunday off.
2. Dylan Floro/Anthony Bass(MIA) – Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Yimi Garcia.
3. Pete Fairbanks/Ryan Thompson(TB) – the same is true for Diego Castillo and Pete Fairbanks, so whoever gets rest today will likely get the call on Sunday.
