Gregory Soto records a save and moves to the head of the Tigers’ committee

July 18, 2021

Detroit Tigers — The Vulture Save Watch predicted that Gregory Soto could get a save yesterday because of the Tigers’ doubleheader and sure enough, Soto picked up his eighth save of the season with a scoreless inning in a 1-0 win. However, it doesn’t look like Soto got the save because there was a doubleheader yesterday as he was used to close out game one.  Meanwhile, Jose Cisnero came on in the fifth inning of game two trying to protect a one-run lead but allowed an inherited runner to score to tie the game.  Soto now has the last two saves for the Tigers and given the usage and results from yesterday’s doubleheader, we will move Soto to the head of this committee.  

Updated hierarchy: *Soto | Cisnero | Funkhouser.
* = closer-by-committee

Baltimore Orioles — Paul Fry picked up the win yesterday, but it was because he came on in the fifth inning.  Fry hasn’t gotten a save since June 4th and his ERA has jumped two runs in that time.  Cole Sulser recorded the Orioles’ most recent save but has struggled since, giving up at least one run in his last three appearances.  Tanner Scott struck out a pair in a scoreless inning yesterday and has the lowest ERA in the Orioles’ bullpen so we will move him to the top of the committee, but we wouldn’t recommend rushing out and picking up any Orioles’ reliever.

Updated hierarchy: *Scott | Sulser | Fry.
* = closer-by-committee

Cleveland Indians – A day after James Karinchak threw a scoreless eighth inning and Emmanuel Clase blew the save in the ninth, Cleveland swapped their two late-inning relievers.  Clase threw a perfect eighth inning with a pair of strikeouts, while Karinchak struggled a little bit, allowing a run on two hits and a walk, but was able to lock down his tenth save of the season.  Cleveland will likely continue to give both Clase and Karinchak save chances.

Hierarchy remains: *Karinchak | Clase | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – Devin Williams was placed on the IL with right elbow discomfort.  Jake Cousins got the seventh inning in Williams’ absence and struck out a pair in a scoreless inning.  Brad Boxberger took the eighth inning with Williams out, but could not get the job done.  Cousins and Boxberber should continue to see time setting up Josh Hader while Williams is out.

Updated hierarchy: Hader | Boxberger | Cousins

San Diego Padres — The Padres activated Drew Pomeranz from the IL.  He should immediately jump back into his spot on the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Pagan | Pomeranz.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Andrew Chafin (CHC) – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in two straight and the Cubs will likely be careful with their prized trade deadline target
2. Nick Wittgren (CLE) – James Karinchak, Emmanuel Clase, and Bryan Shaw have all pitched in two straight.
3. Jose Alvarado (PHI) – Ranger Suarez has gone in two straight, throwing a total of 43 pitches

Monday
1. Hansel Robles/Alex Colome (MIN) – Taylor Rogers threw 21 pitches yesterday so if he pitches again today, he will likely get Monday off. Hansel Robles pitched two innings yesterday so he would also likely get Monday off if he pitches today.