May 26, 2021
Baltimore Orioles – Cesar Valdez got roughed up on Monday, giving up three runs to blow the save. Valdez’s ERA has grown from 1.23 to 3.93 over his last five outings. Brandon Hyde said on Tuesday that his closer choice will be a “mixed bag,” but it sounds like Paul Fry will get some more opportunities to close games. We’ll move Fry to the top of what is now a committee based on Hyde’s comments and Valdez’s struggles.
Updated hierarchy: *Fry | Valdez | Scott.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – Perhaps being cautious with Keynan Middleton after his IL stint, the Mariners went to the roller coaster ride that is Rafael Montero for the ninth inning on Tuesday after Middleton’s successful save on Monday. Montero retired the first two hitters he faced before allowing a pair of singles. He got out of the jam however, inducing a ground out to himself to close out a one-run victory. Montero’s shaky reign atop the committee continues, for now, but don’t be surprised if Middleton gets the next save chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Montero | Middleton | Misiewicz.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – Protecting a three-run lead in the seventh, the Twins went to Hansel Robles to retire the 2-3-4 hitters in the Baltimore lineup, which he did in order. That led to Alex Colomé getting the eighth, but he gave up a leadoff homer and only got two outs before Taylor Rogers finished off the frame. Rogers returned for the ninth to pick up the save. With all three hierarchy members having pitched a lot lately, it made sense for at least one of them to be held back for a potential save chance on Wednesday, and that guy appears to be Tyler Duffey. Colomé had worked his way back into the high-leverage conversation with a strong May, but he’s now allowed an earned run in two of his last three appearances.
Hierarchy remains: *Robles | Rogers | Duffey.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – It was Kyle Zimmer, not Josh Staumont, who closed out Tuesday’s victory over the Rays, with Zimmer recording the final two outs of the ninth inning to earn his second save of the season. In fact, none of the Royals’ hierarchy members pitched on Tuesday, as lefty Jake Brentz threw a scoreless inning and a third ahead of Zimmer. Mike Matheny did say that some guys weren’t available, but it’s a little concerning that Staumont hasn’t pitched since Saturday and Greg Holland hasn’t pitched since Friday, even with the Royals in the middle of a three-game win streak. Matheny, who has a specific approach to how he navigates the late innings, clearly trusts Zimmer in important moments, and Zimmer is someone to stash in case he becomes a bigger factor in high-leverage spots.
Hierarchy remains: *Staumont | Holland | Barlow.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — Tejay Antone entered the sixth inning to face the Nationals’ No. 3 hitter with a runner on first. Antone induced an inning-ending double play and then stayed on to pitch the seventh and eighth, striking out three in the process. With two lefties and a switch hitter due up in the ninth, Amir Garrett, looking for his first save since April 9, came on to face the 2-3-4 hitters with a 2-0 lead and allowed a solo homer between a pair of outs. Lucas Sims then got the call for the final out of the contest and he delivered to earn his second save of the season. Tuesday made it clear that while Antone is the team’s best reliever, David Bell will often use him early in games over multiple innings just to get to the ninth, where he’ll then play matchups.
Hierarchy remains: *Antone | Sims | Hembree.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — After Emmanuel Clase closed out Monday’s win, James Karinchak collected the save on Tuesday. With Terry Francona having to manage the heavy workloads both Clase and Karinchak have experienced lately, it’s no surprise we’re seeing both relievers gets save chances. With Karinchak having pitched in three of four, Clase is probably the favorite for the ninth inning on Wednesday if Cleveland is winning.
Hierarchy remains: *Clase | Karinchak | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Rex Brothers hasn’t pitched since May 19 and doesn’t have a hold since May 17. Ryan Tepera, meanwhile, has posted an impressive 0.73 ERA in May over 12.1 IP. That includes a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday’s victory.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Chafin | Tepera.
Washington Nationals — With Will Harris on the IL, Wander Suero has seen more high-leverage work, picking up a pair of holds this past weekend.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Hudson | Suero.
Atlanta Braves — If you’re wondering why Chris Martin didn’t pitch last night in the Braves’ 3-1 win in Boston, it’s because he was unavailable, though the good news is that he is apparently healthy.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Martin | Minter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Lucas Sims (CIN) – Tejay Antone threw 33 pitches last night. If a bunch of lefties are due up in the ninth, then don’t be surprised to see Amir Garrett get a chance.
2. Tyler Duffey (MIN) – Hansel Robles and Taylor Rogers have both pitched in three of four.
3. Keynan Middleton (SEA) – Rafael Montero has pitched in two straight.
Tomorrow
1. Andrew Chafin (CHC) – If Craig Kimbrel goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Aaron Bummer (CHW) – Same for Liam Hendriks.
