August 4, 2021
Boston Red Sox – We alerted you yesterday that Matt Barnes was on the COVID IL. Well, that stint may come to an end today after Barnes tested negative. We’ll alert you when Barnes is officially allowed to sit in the bullpen and watch the Sox inevitably lose again.
Updated hierarchy: Ottavino | Robles | Taylor.
Cincinnati Reds — Heath Hembree blew the save on Tuesday and has now allowed a run in each of his last four outings. Meanwhile, Mychal Givens has pitched the eighth inning in all four of his appearances since joining the Reds, earning three straight holds. Michael Lorenzen has been sharp this season and has also earned a hold in each of his last three appearances. We’ll shift the hierarchy to the way it went tonight, but with Hembree struggling, Givens and Lorenzen surging, and Lucas Sims due back soon, the closer’s role seems to be up for grabs. One pitcher who won’t be grabbing that role soon is Tejay Antone, however, as he isn’t expected back until the end of the month.
Updated hierarchy: *Hembree | Givens | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Dylan Floro earned his second straight save on Tuesday, though this time he wasn’t as effective, allowing one run on two hits. Anthony Bender got the final out of the sixth inning, though it was an important out as the go-ahead run was at the plate. One more Floro save may allow him to ditch the asterisk.
Hierarchy remaining: *Floro | Bender | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – After Minnesota scored three runs to take the lead in the top of the ninth, Alex Colome worked around a hit and a walk to secure the Twins’ first save since July 23. With Taylor Rogers’ season likely over, Colome has a chance to take over as the Twins’ closer and secure whatever save chances his team can muster over the final two months of a lost season.
Hierarchy remains: *Colome | Duffey | Thielbar.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Being a Nationals reliever is tough. Not only does your team stink, but if you struggle to succeed in high-leverage spots, you get sent to the minors. That’s exactly what happened to Wander Suero, as he joined teammate Tanner Rainey in Triple-A Rochester.
Updated hierarchy *Finnegan | Klobosits | Harper.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — Diego Castillo earned his first save since joining the Mariners, doing so in Tampa against his former team. Paul Sewald pitched the eighth while Casey Sadler earned his second straight seventh-inning hold. This is noteworthy, as Drew Steckenrider has pitched once (July 30) since earning a save on July 25.
Updated hierarchy: *Castillo | Sewald | Sadler.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks — Tyler Clippard notched his second straight save (and first since Joakim Soria was traded) on Tuesday night. Even more impressive was Tyler Gilbert, who made his MLB debut in the eighth inning after being called up earlier in the day. Gilbert struck out two Giants during a 1-2-3 inning. Given how thin the Arizona bullpen is, we’ll add Gilbert to the hierarchy as a reward. Hopefully his family is just as moved by this accomplishment as they were after his terrific debut.
Updated hierarchy: Clippard | de Geus | Gilbert.
Houston Astros – With Ryan Pressly wrapping up his time on the paternity list, the Astros turned to Kendall Graveman in the eighth to face the heart of the Dodgers’ order. Graveman overcame a single and a HBP to get out of the frame unscathed. Ryne Stanek then pitched a perfect ninth inning to collect his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Graveman | Stanek.
Philadelphia Phillies – As we hinted at in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, José Alvarado got the ninth inning for the Phillies on Tuesday and earned his fourth save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Alvarado | Neris.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Anthony Bender/Anthony Bass (MIA) – Dylan Floro has pitched three in a row. Bender has gone in two straight and three of four (but only threw four pitches last night). Bass got Tuesday off after his own stretch of three straight appearances.
2. Brett de Geus (ARI) – Tyler Clippard has pitched in two straight.
3. Michael Lorenzen (CIN) – Heath Hembree will certainly have the afternoon off after a 34-pitch blown save on Tuesday. Mychal Givens threw 23 pitches last night and has worked two of the last three while Lorenzen only threw 15 pitches on Tuesday. It’s the Reds, though, so be prepared for anybody to work the ninth.
4. Chris Stratton (PIT) – David Bednar threw 26 pitches to get the final six outs last night.
Tomorrow
1. Dealer’s Choice (DET) – If any member of the Tigers’ hierarchy pitches today, that will be two straight and three of four, so today’s usage will dictate Thursday’s availability.
