August 6, 2021
Cincinnati Reds — Reds gonna Rays. Say what? Mychal Givens on Thursday became the 10th Reds pitcher to record a save this year, just two shy of the record set in last year’s shortened season by Tampa Bay. The Rays have only had eight such relievers with a save in 2021. Saves leader Heath Hembree (eight) has struggled as of late, so we’ll keep a close eye on the situation to see if Givens seizes the role. Meanwhile, Tejay Antone is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the next day or two.
Hierarchy remains: *Hembree | Givens | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – The Vulture Save Watch correctly called for some rest for Ian Kennedy, but it was Archie Bradley who took advantage of the opportunity on Thursday to nail down his second save of the year. José Alvarado pitched earlier in the game and Hector Neris did not appear. Let’s speculatively slide Bradley (2.81 ERA) into the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Alvarado | Bradley.
Miami Marlins – The Vulture Save Watch nailed this one. Anthony Bender picked up the save after he allowed an unearned run in the ninth while Dylan Floro had the night off.
Hierarchy remains: *Floro | Bender | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano did get Thursday off, as called by the Vulture Save Watch, but the save opportunity did not go to Brad Hand (he was also off). It instead was given to Adam Cimber, who converted for his first Blue Jays save. Rafael Dolis has pitched better as of late after a rough stretch, but Cimber’s save shows he might have some staying power in this hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Hand | Cimber.
*=closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — Jake Brentz earned his first career save, locking down the ninth on Thursday for the Royals. KC had already used Josh Staumont (sixth), Greg Holland (seventh) and Scott Barlow (eighth) in the game. Brentz has been solid this year (3.21 ERA, 54 Ks in 47.2 IP), but he’ll likely be behind this group in the saves pecking order moving forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Barlow | Holland | Staumont.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Trevor May (NYM) — Edwin Diaz just welcomed his child and could need Friday off.
2. Mike Mayers (LAA) — Raisel Iglesias and Steve Cishek have gone in two straight, though Iglesias did only throw four pitches on Thursday.
3. Brett de Geus (ARI) — Tyler Clippard has pitched in three of four. De Geus has been just as busy, but he only threw three pitches Thursday.
4. Chris Martin (ATL) — Will Smith and Richard Rodriguez have each gone in two straight.
Saturday:
1. Carlos Estevez (COL) – The entire Rockies hierarchy has pitched in two straight. Daniel Bard has thrown the fewest pitches (23), so we suspect he’s available Friday while Estevez (25 pitches over the last two) and Jhoulys Chacin (44 pitches over the last two) would possibly be unavailable. If Bard goes Friday, that would be three straight for him.
2. Tyler Duffey (MIN) – An outing Friday would be three of four for Alex Colome.
3. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) – Alex Reyes couldn’t find the strike zone on Thursday (0 IP, 3 ER, 4 BB) and threw 21 pitches. If he goes Friday, he’ll need some rest Saturday.
