August 5, 2021
Chicago Cubs — 24-year-old rookie Manuel Rodriguez overcame the walk-off homer he gave up in his last appearance to convert his first career save in a 3-2 win on Wednesday. That’s the sort of thing that will get a guy into the hierarchy right away, and we’ll keep monitoring this situation to see if Codi Heuer — who has been excellent since crossing town at the trade deadline — is really the best bet for saves or simply the Cubs’ relief ace.
Updated hierarchy: *Heuer | Ryan | Rodriguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen’s struggles may not be behind him — he gave up a two-run homer last night before striking out the side — but his fantasy owners might just want to keep an eye on who’s catching when they set their lineups. With Austin Barnes behind the plate, Jansen has been nearly perfect; when Will Smith catches him, it’s the wild, wild west.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.
Tampa Bay Rays — Throw Ryan Sherriff into the mix for Rays saves. On Wednesday, he became the eighth Ray to earn one this season, placing the team within striking distance of last year’s record 12. Nick Anderson should be back soon; JT Chargois, Louis Head, and Drew Rasmussen haven’t gotten theirs yet this year; and there’s always room for a long reliever to go three innings with a big lead. If we can’t rely on one guy — note that Matt Wisler pitched the seventh and eighth — we might as well spread the wealth!
Updated hierarchy: *Wisler | Kittredge | Sherriff.
*= closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — Matt Barnes does not have COVID-19 and was reinstated from the injured list in time to earn a save in Wednesday’s game.
Updated hierarchy: Barnes | Ottavino | Robles.
Toronto Blue Jays — Newly arrived Joakim Soria is headed to the injured list with inflammation in a finger. Rafael Dolis, recovered from his own June bout with a finger strain, returns to the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Hand | Dolis.
*=closer-by-committee
New York Mets — With Edwin Diaz away from the team for the birth of his child, Trevor May picked up his fourth save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | May | Lugo.
Cincinnati Reds — As foretold by the Vulture Save Watch, it was Michael Lorenzen who earned the five-out save with Heath Hembree and Mychal Givens resting.
Hierarchy remains: *Hembree | Givens | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Trevor May (NYM) — Edwin Diaz might miss another game on Thursday.
2. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Ian Kennedy has pitched in three of four.
3. Brad Hand (TOR) — Jordan Romano had a rough outing on Wednesday (27 pitches, 2 HRs allowed), and might get Thursday off.
4. Anthony Bender (MIA) — Might be another day off for Dylan Floro.
Friday:
1. Brad Hand (TOR) — If Romano does pitch on Thursday, he’ll certainly get Friday off.
2. Brett de Geus (ARI) — Tyler Clippard will have gone in three of four if he pitches today.
