August 30, 2021
St. Louis Cardinals – It’s been a rough month for Alex Reyes, and after Sunday’s blown save — which included a Dan McLaughlin sad trombone that rivaled some of Hawk Harrelson’s walkoff laments — Mike Shildt acknowledged that the Cardinals are evaluating how they should handle the 9th inning going forward. Giovanny Gallegos and Genesis Cabrera are among the options that will likely be considered should they move away from Reyes.
Updated hierarchy: *Reyes | Gallegos | Cabrera.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza picked up his first career save on Sunday, recording four outs in Toronto’s one-run victory; Jordan Romano pitched 2 innings Saturday and was given the day off. Mayza is on quite a run, having allowed just 5 earned runs in his last 31 appearances.
Updated hierarchy: Romano | Cimber | Mayza.
Miami Marlins – Anthony Bender pitched a hitless 7th and 8th innings on Sunday, leaving the 9th to Dylan Floro, who converted for his 7th save of the year. This remains a committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Bender | Floro | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – Similarly, in Seattle, the Mariners went with Paul Sewald in the 8th and Drew Steckenrider in the 9th. They, too, continue to share save chances.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Steckenrider | Sadler.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s – Oakland continued to give Lou Trivino a break from high-leverage duties, entrusting the 9th on Sunday to Andrew Chafin, who converted. Chafin’s ERA is now 1.80 on the year, and he might be the preferred lefty option over Jake Diekman here.
Updated hierarchy: *Romo | Chafin | Diekman.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Blake Treinen – Kenley Jansen has gone back to back.
Tomorrow
1. Jose Alvarado – If Ian Kennedy goes tonight, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Daniel Bard – Same for Carlos Estevez.
