June 17, 2021
Detroit Tigers – With a three-run lead the Tigers used Jose Ciserno in the eighth inning and saved recently activated Michael Fulmer for the ninth inning. It wasn’t the smoothest save for Fulmer, as he gave up two runs off of three hits, but he closed the door for his fifth save of the year. Fulmer was the head of the committee before his IL stint and after last night’s save we’re bumping him back to that spot.
Updated hierarchy: *Fulmer | Cisnero | Soto.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers — Ian Kennedy was officially activated from the IL yesterday and immediately got the eighth inning. Granted, the Rangers were down by three and he gave up another run, but he is by far the best option the Rangers have out of the bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Sborz | Martin.
Boston Red Sox – Chalk one up for the Vulture Save Watch; Matt Barnes was unavailable to protect a three-run lead for Boston, so it fell to Adam Ottavino. He gave up a run, but locked down his fourth save of the year. Ottavino is one of the most reliable setup men in the game and has 13 holds to go with his four saves. Even though Matt Barnes has been a bit shaky in the last couple weeks, there is no reason to think Ottavino is taking his job.
Hierarchy remains: Barnes | Ottavino | Taylor.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Heath Hembree/Amir Garrett/Sean Doolittle (CIN) – Lucas Sims has pitched in two straight and three of four. Both Hembree and Garrett got last night off after three straight days of work, but they may also get today off.
2. Nick Wittrgren/Bryan Shaw (CLE) – This one requires a little explanation. Emmanuel Clase has pitched in three straight, but so has James Karinchak. Bryan Shaw has thrown in three of four, including 27 pitches last night. Wittgren hasn’t been great, but he is the best rested option for Cleveland.
3. Zack Britton (NYY) – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight.
Tomorrow
1. Pete Fairbanks/JP Feyereisen (TB) – Today would be back-to-back and three of four for any of the top arms in Tampa. The casino wheel is spinning…
