June 30, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — José Alvarado finally got a save in the post-Neris-but-still-sometimes-Neris era, though it certainly wasn’t pretty. He inherited two runners with two outs in the eighth and the Phillies ahead by four. After a walk and a wild pitch, Alvarado was able to escape with a three-run lead, but he then allowed a two-run homer in the ninth before hanging on for the 4-3 win. We’ll see which Phillies reliever will get the next save opportunity, but whoever it is will make sure it’s an adventure.
Hierarchy remains: *Alvarado | Bradley | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres — The Padres activated Drew Pomeranz on Tuesday and he earned a seventh-inning hold in his first appearance since May 9. The lefty was off to a good start before hitting the IL and should once again be a factor in the late innings for San Diego.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.
Washington Nationals — Tanner Rainey became the latest Nationals reliever to hit the IL on Tuesday thanks to a stress reaction to his right tibia. Austin Voth protected a two-run lead last night with a perfect eighth inning against Tampa’s 4-5-6 hitters and will join Wander Suero as the late-inning options that need to get the ball to an overworked Brad Hand. In other news, Daniel Hudson might throw a bullpen today, and boy do the Nationals need that to go well.
Updated hierarchy: Hand | Voth | Suero.
Chicago Cubs — Ryan Tepera landed on the IL on Tuesday with a left calf strain. Tepera, who had been sharp this season, has allowed seven earned runs in his last four appearances, including four during a rough outing on Monday in Milwaukee. Dan Winkler may get more high-leverage opportunities until Tepera returns.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Chafin | Winkler.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joe Kelly has transformed into Joseph Kelly of late, having allowed just one earned run in his last eight innings of work. That includes a perfect 1.1 IP on Tuesday night, when he got the Dodgers out of a jam in the seventh before throwing a 1-2-3 eighth inning.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.
Baltimore Orioles — Dillon Tate retired both batters he faced in the seventh inning to protect a one-run lead. The Orioles then scored five runs in their half of the eighth before tacking on four more in the ninth. Unlike last night, Brandon Hyde stayed away from his usual high-leverage options with a big lead and allowed Tate to finish the game and earn his first career save. If you had Adam Plutko in your lineup on Monday and then picked up Tate for Tuesday, send us a screenshot so we can see how good you are at Photoshop.
Hierarchy remains: *Fry | Sulser | Harvey.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Toronto traded for Adam Cimber on Tuesday and might join the team as early as Wednesday. Charlie Montoyo said that Cimber will get a chance to pitch in high-leverage spots. We’ll see what exactly that entails before adding Cimber to this hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Adam Ottavino (BOS) — Matt Barnes has pitched in two straight.
2. Emmanuel Clase (CLE) — Cleveland has a doubleheader…
3. Gregory Soto (DET) — …against Detroit.
4. Scott Barlow (KC) — Greg Holland threw 30 pitches last night over two innings of work.
5. Archie Bradley/Hector Neris (PHI) — José Alvarado threw 33 pitches last night.
6. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Alex Reyes needed 32 pitches to get a six-out save.
7. Joely Rodriguez (TEX) — Ian Kennedy has pitched in three of four and struggled a bit last night.
8. Wander Suero (WAS) — Brad Hand has gone in three straight while Austin Voth has pitched in three of four.
Thursday:
1. Adam Ottavino/Josh Taylor (BOS) — If Matt Barnes goes today that will be three in a row. If Ottavino pitches, that’s two straight for him.
2. Aaron Bummer (CHW) — A Wednesday appearance for Liam Hendriks would be two straight and three of four.
3. Emilio Pagan/Drew Pomeranz (SD) — The same is true of both Mark Melancon and Pagan.
4. Devin Williams (MIL) — If Josh Hader pitches tonight that will be two in a row.
5. Joely Rodriguez (TEX) — If Ian Kennedy does pitch today it will be two straight and four of five.
