July 20, 2021
Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles took a 5-run lead into the 7th inning and went to Cole Sulser, then Paul Fry, and then sent out 6’8″, 255-pound Tyler Wells for the 9th; Wells proceeded to strike out two hitters in a perfect inning. Obviously this wasn’t a save situation, but Wells also got the 9th when the Orioles were up four on Friday, and he’s got great strikeout numbers: 55 of them in 43.2 innings. Look for Wells, who was shaky to start the year but has posted a 0.63 WHIP across June and July, to continue contending for 9th inning chances here going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Wells | Scott | Fry.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets – The Mets eventually won the game in the 11th inning, but not after Edwin Diaz blew his third consecutive save by conceding a run in the 9th. Diaz’s main competition is Trevor May, who has posted 13 scoreless appearances in his last 14 outings, including the aforementioned 11th inning save last night. While the Mets certainly want to give Diaz every chance to serve as closer, we’ll keep an eye on this one to see if there’s any plans for a temporary change.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | May | Lugo.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Kyle Crick’s recent struggles prompted the Pirates to DFA him on Monday night, which was a bit of a surprise given the way he has dominated in brief stretches during his young career. David Bednar becomes the odds-on favorite for saves should Richard Rodriguez get traded before the deadline.
Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Bednar | Stratton.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Noe Ramirez – Joakim Soria has pitched in three straight.
Tomorrow
1. Brad Brach – If Heath Hembree goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Trevor May – If Edwin Diaz goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
